I am getting to the point that I am contemplating either buying a dedicated/complete foot pedal system or just gathering individual ones to use together. As I’ve said before, I do not have an amp as of yet. I think that either plugging into my desktop to help me start in my development of a rough sound is a start in the right direction.
First there is a product that I am currently looking into buying. This company creates complete foot pedal systems called Line 6. This product came to my attention through a recording studio that I worked with for quite a while. They introduced me to the Line 6 Floor POD. It’s a great system when all you have to do is to go into a studio and just plug in through the main board or a snake cable. The type of sounds this produces is just mind boggling, but it’s impractical to use when playing live.
A close second is the Tonelab LE. I had the honor of playing with a Brantford musician Craig Peeler, at a birthday party in Paris, Ontario one night, and he was using this system. It looks both simple to use, but it has this hidden complexity that I will need while attempting to find THAT sound I am looking for. Both the LINE 6 and this one allows you to adjust the sound in them and then program them into the pre-set buttons for fast recall when using the system live or just practicing.
There are also endless products of single pedals that are designed specifically for one sound. The vintage Morley Power Wah/Fuzz/Volume pedal or any BOSS pedals and a wide range distortion pedal would be a good start.
I have ALWAYS been a firm believer that when you buy anything, you should get a product that is dedicated for one thing and one thing only! No bells and whistles please. This would be a slow and painful experience for me right now. It is the right way to go, but if CounterPoint comes to the conclusion that I am indeed worthy of playing with them, then I have to get my act in gear Chop, Chop!
So for all yo musicians out there, which way should I go!
Sing_cerly
Clearly confused in Canada!
The Morley Wah/Fuzz/Volume is a good pedal if you have an amplifier or suitable amp modelling. The distortion is somewhat weak and the wah is nothing compared to a good old Dunlop crybaby, but the fact that you can control the amount of wah is pretty handy. I used this pedal for a few years in combination with a guitar amp and outboard distortion box.
The allure of fx racks and multi-fx units is that you are getting so many ranges of sound possibilities in one box for one price. The downfall is that they tend to ‘mask’ your guitar’s tone and can clash with certain guitar amps (especially if the fx unit has amp modelling). They can also have noise problems and can be tricky to operate in a live application. Though they are often preffered for recording.
And about the line 6 units – I read an article a few years ago where Weezer was talking about how many sound tech’s ask them to use their pods on stage and set up the guitar amps simply as props.. Just some food for thought.
Hey Guitar Today, I LOVE the way you can use the Morley’s phsyical dept/control of the volume.
I like the distance that it has on pedal. When I phase into a note from full resistance to opening it right up, I have better control with it. I’ve tried the crybaby a couple of times, but it is limited in control, if you know what I mean?
I have not noticed, yet, the noise problems that you are referring to. I have a limited budget, so I think that the Line 6 is the way to go for now. Check out this link to see what I am looking at, ok? Get back to me for your input because it sounds like you’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt as well! Thanx man!
http://line6.com/podx3live/index.html
Hey Chris
I couldn’t find a price but it looks like a good unit. The only thing I would warn you about with a multi fx unit is that certain effects are grouped under one switch i.e. – phaser, flanger, chorus are modular effects and only one can be used at a time.
You can have a lot of fun with them, but sooner or later you’ll probably outgrow it.
Otherwise, I have to tell you, nobody could talk me out of my first multi-fx unit either. If you’re still shopping you should check out some Digitech units as well they may be a bit cheaper and offer the same functions.
Best of luck.
Ryan,
Thanx for all your input on this post Ryan! It will honestly help me in my final decision on either to pick one up or not.
The link to Craig Peeler is a guy who has brought to my attention a pedal that he just picked up. It is the POD X3 Live, http://line6.com/podx3live/ .
Have you read about this pedal?
the POD X3 Live is all I need. I love it. You can plug it straight into the board and it sounds awesome. Or use the usb to plug it into your computer and it sounds awesome. Or plug it into an amp and it sounds awesome. I just think it’s awesome. haha
So it’s safe to assume that you give it a good two thumbs up there nicholi?
My good on-line friend and fellow Brantford-ite Craig Peeler, can’t say enough about this product. I asked him how the echo/delay effects were and he said awesome!
Have you had problems with this section of the pedal? If so, can you reply back on this post for myself and the rest of the readers to view?
Keep on Jammin’ nicholi
I’ve used Line 6 for years! Started with a Flextone II and floorboard, then moved onto POD XT Live which was superb. I skipped the X3 Live as it came out right after I got my XT (I was a bit gutted to be honest).
Now I’m waiting for the deliver of my new POD HD300!
It looks amazing 🙂
To be honest, I’ve been very happy with an all-in-one system for years, especially these days as they can be run straight into your FX Loop.
If you’re not after amp simulation try the M9 or M13, very very cool.
Good to know about your take on the last sentence of your comment Dave. I can’t see why guitarist wouldn’t want the amp option but hey, whatever floats your boat.
I never even thought about looking at the M9 or M13, thanx Dave for that one!
Keep on Jammin’