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Eqd Speaker Cranker clone
Monte Allums TR-2 Plus mod kit
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/60602/
R.
Eqd Speaker Cranker clone
Monte Allums TR-2 Plus mod kit
Trading feedback: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/60602/
The reason I use it and constantly recommend it is not just because of the simplicity and ability to change pedal types just by turning a knob, it's because I very carefully A/B'd it with my analogue pedalboard - and the ME-50 sounded just as good, or even better... including for the overdrives. (The only two that didn't were the octaver and analogue delay, and that's because the analogue pedals actually sounded *worse*, but in an interesting way.) The main other difference was the the ME-50 is less noisy, even with the noise suppressor turned off.
The 'Natural Overdrive' model is literally the best-sounding low-to-medium-gain overdrive I've ever heard from a solid-state device, comparable to and nearly indistinguishable from my Mesa V-Twin.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that because it's a digital multi-FX it can't possibly sound as good as individual analogue pedals - it does, if you keep an open mind and use your ears.
For what it's worth, I did try an ME-70 and didn't think it sounded quite as good, but if you want amp modelling or a footswitchable compressor then it might be worth looking at. I haven't tried the ME-80.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
In my bass playing days I did some stuff with a guy who used Boss GT something. He was the only guy I thought sounded good with a multi. I asked him why. He explained that he had set up some basic sounds, clean, dirt echo and used the switching system and a volume pedal to control them.
It's why I used pedals. Whats the point in having a million sounds and only use five?
The initial question was versatile pedals. Actually I don't think you want versatile you want functional. Mick Here got it right. Whats the least you can get away with.
FInally some ramblings on thought processes and what you need. OK so lets say that you are going to play 'Paint it Black' in a set. I doubt anybody will bother to learn how to play a sitar. However the band adds 'Living on the Ceiling' 'Ever so Lonely' and that Tom Petty one with a Coral guitar in it. At least point you can get a cheap guitar or fit a sitar bridge or an EH pedal.
Or not.
Most covers band I have seen don't use Rickenbackers. But if the set had Beatles, Jam, Tom Petty and Rem I would take mine. In fact the last rehearsal I went to I took my Ric 360 just to be perverse and it sounded fine and not a jangly 60s track to be heard.
I agree with @monquixote on keeping it simple with a digital setup. I'd stick to one preset and treat it like a normal rig, just with the added bonus of snapshots or stomp assigns for different sounds/FX combinations.
I have a very nice pedal board, which does lots of things, but what I’m trying to do is pair it down / create a smaller board that does the bare minimum for what I need.
The great thing about it for gigging is that not only can use it to select patches or use in stompbox mode, but it has real knobs and dials that are brilliant for tweaking or adding/ changing an amp, cab, or fx model on the fly. A key advantage over even the latest Boss ME80, is that it has patch naming. When you are on stage, the last thing you have time to do is remember numbers, and even then how many can you remember? A clear LCD window let's you immediately see your patches.
The TLSE also has 2 expression pedals...one can be used for volume, that can be set for pre or post gain, leaving the other to use as a true expression pedal. But it also has A/B settings in every patch whereby A and B can change amp, cab, and amp settings in the same patch. So if you want to go from a clean Fender Blackface 2x12 to a JCM800 through a 4x12 in the same song using one patch, you can.
The only problem is it's as big and heavy overall as a Helix floor. But it has MIDI too if you need it, really good simple edit software ( brilliant for creating and moving patches for set lists). I've gigged with it for years, I've tried loads of MFX, but nothing else was as easy to use ( Pod Go is the first MFX at a sensible price that has good floor control and I think should be OK on stage). There is a smaller and lighter TLLE that I also have, which replaced the TLSE and is 24bit. However, you only have the one expression pedal, no A/B switching, and you have to go into a menu to change cab models, rather than turn a dial.
But if you want something built like a tank with a heavy duty PSU with no wall wart, that sounds great and is really simple to use on stage, you could do a heck of a lot worse than pick up a used TLSE or TLLE. Perfect for covers and functions...and covers is what I use it for. No option paralysis, you get just 16 amp models and set number of fx, no complex menus, no worry about using up DSP etc.
http://www.voxshowroom.com/us/misc/tonelab_se.html
http://www.voxshowroom.com/us/misc/tonelab_le.html
I also have a simple 'straight' pedal board to use with an amp if I only need some basic effects. It's a Boss BCB 60 which holds 6 pedals. It's just nice to have some choice and backups.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
the most versatile amp I’ve used is the Triamp MKII but it’s a beast and likes to be loud. Not much that can’t be done with that and a Klone for drive.
modulation, you’re better off getting a really good multi-fx modulation pedal. I’ve been using the H9 but had great success with the Mobius. Im currently really interested in the GFI Synesthesia.
Delay/reverb. Can’t go wrong with the Source Audio Collider which sounds great. I used an H9 until recently.
pitch - chose your weapon of choice. I’ve used the H9 previously but the Whammy DT does all the lifting for me now.
It totally depends what you’re trying to achieve as nothing will get 100% of the tones you may want although much will get close enough.
To finish off the set up, I use a Keeley Compressor, a TC Flashback Delay, but a dual delay like the Providence Chrono would be good so you can select between 2 different delays, plus it has a tap function. Then, I use the Zoom MS-70 CDR for all my effects and that also serves as my tuner (I actually have 2 of them). This whole set up covers a lot of ground and I used to do functions with it and also more rock-based gigs
One thing I will add is that more recently, I acquired a Wampler Mini Plexi and that one little fella covers all my overdrive needs. If I chose to put just one OD on my board, this would be it. It's versatile and usable throughout its gain range from clipped clean, Stones, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, AC/DC to bigger rock sounds, for both rhythm and lead and the visible, top-mounted dip switches also add to the versatility and completely change or augment the tones.
For me, this is the most amp-like pedal I've ever owned and I don't just mean for M-I-A-B needs, which it does very well. It also reacts very well to guitar volume changes.
When I compared it to other well-known pedals I had, I could really hear how thin they sound and I'd give one a whirl. In fact, it's made me think about putting together a board of mini pedals.
For ease, many use the Line 6 HX Effects unit to cover most things, including routing and then add a couple of favourite pedals
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Playing in a covers band recreating hit songs for the pleasure of the audience?
"That guitar tone doesn't quite have the sponginess and presence of the original recording" said no audience member ever - especially after a couple of drinks.
Any half-decent MFX that you have spent the time learning to use will be fine. Any small pedalboard with some basic "real" pedals will be fine.
Spend your time learning to play your parts properly, not faffing with your sounds. The audience might not notice you didn't quite get the overdrive sound correct, because they'll be busy enjoying themselves. They will notice you back off in volume when you get to the bit you're not totally sure about, so unconsciously play more quietly - exactly at the point where you're supposed to shine.
DAMHIK, IJK OK?
My own feeling is that digital overdrives don't sound quite right to me as the player, but no-one in an audience has ever noticed or cared once that sound is in the band mix - including guitarists whose opinions I've valued.
If you're playing for them and not yourself, just take the path of least resistance. If you're not playing for them, why are you up there?
I'm in the camp that says "dump the real pedals and use an MFX", though, so I can't suggest any real pedals for you. That's what I did (HX FX using 4CM into amp) and it's working for me.