First some background - for years I've used a POD HD500x as my all-in-one box. Then I did a few gigs where there weren't any monitors and I realised I needed to be able to hear myself and got myself a Real Amp, and for a while have been using the POD via four cable method for all my effects.
However, now I've gotten used to the sound of a Real Amp, the POD's sounds are starting to wear on me and don't always behave the way I want, the interface is fiddly, and I'm also conscious that I am barely scratching the surface of what the unit's capable of, and I don't care much for that functionality anyway. As such, more and more I've been thinking it's time to switch to some basic pedals for better sound and ease of adjusting.
Then finally, last week I saw the PSA on here regarding the TC Spark being reduced and I took the plunge, and I'm now on the slippery slope to wanting to assemble a simple board.
I know very little about pedals other than the odd YouTube video and forum topic, so I could do with some advice/guidance on building a board on a budget. I'll list what I'm considering and what I'm not sure of and if the knowledgeable people here could chip in that would be much appreciated!
The twist is that I'm looking pretty much entirely used and reluctant to spend more than £50 a pedal, though obviously it may be worth it to stretch in places. I'm also not planning on actually buying the majority of this stuff until well after Christmas, but the idea is burning in my brain and I'd like to know what to keep an eye out for in case any deals present themselves before then.
Tuner: I'm pretty set on a Boss TU-3. They're reasonably priced, have a reputation for quality and I think it's wise to have a buffered pedal at the start of the chain? That said, the Polytune does look appealing and the mini version saves space.
Overdrive: I love Tube Screamers, so I'm pretty set on a Tube Screamer mini. Saves space, sounds basically as good as the full size as far as I can tell on YouTube. I've seen mention of the Joyo Vintage Overdrive but I'm wary of what the quality would be like.
Reverb: For the price I'm probably best with the TC Hall of Fame Mini, as it can get good sounds via Toneprint and it's small. That said, I do like the idea of being able to tweak and play without having to get a computer involved, so I think I ought to keep an eye out for either the full size HoF2, or the Digitech Polara also looks really appealing. Probably not under £50 but might be worth stretching. I don't use reverb a whole lot - I tend to have one setting for drive and a lusher one for cleans.
Delay: As above, thinking TC Flashback mini for price and size reasons, but also keeping an eye out for the full size or an MXR Carbon Copy popping up cheap. I only really use delay for clean sections or during solos for a lift.
Power: No idea! All I know is I'd quite like to have something I can mount under whatever board I get (probably Harley Benton) and that has isolated output for the above pedals, plus the Spark and my wah.
Patch cables: Again no idea - I'm on a budget and I'm conscious this is where hidden costs lie because they're easily forgotten, but at the same time I've seen plenty of warning about cheaping out.
So, sorry for the wall of text - if people could chime in with their thoughts on the pedals I'm considering and point out anything I'm missing, that would be great! Thanks
Comments
I have picked up most of mine second hand which helps keep costs down, plus I've not got any really expensive ones anyway. Currently have Donner DT-1 Tuner which seems fine, Tone City Sweet Cream and JOYO Ultimate Drive for overdrive effects, Tone City Tape Machine for Delay and a TC Ditto looper.
The tuner seems fine and does it's job, the looper is basic but all that I need for messing about on, the JOYO I really like now I'm starting to figure out how to use it. The two Tone City pedals seem ok if not totally earth shattering. I'm sure my inability to dial all this stuff in is part of the problem!
Re cables I have bought one really good quality cable and the difference is instantly noticeable compared to the fender custom shop cable I was using before.
-edit: there's a used one on Amazon warehouse, with their current 20% off comes to £61!
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/43745/the-definitive-fx-effects-pedals-reference-list/p1
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
There is no modulation on your list - no love for chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, rotary and whatever I’ve forgotten? Some good budget options out there.
The joy/ frustration in all this is that you don’t have to do it all at once.
I liked it in a band context because it would almost disappear but you could hear it on a featured guitar part.
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_iso_2_pro.htm