Effects 101

My new multi-effect pedal!
Posted by Hello

I finally decided to bite the effects bullet. I had been researching effects pedals, and I think I mentioned earlier that I felt that there was a heavy try before you buy effect happening there. I don't know the difference between a phase and a flange, so how do I a) know what I want my guitar to sound like? b) which effects make those sounds, and c) which effects pedals ($60 - $150 each) are the right investment for me to grow into?

Yet another Showcase music guy hooked me up, spent about half an hour telling me what I suspected was true (I don't know what I want, so better to get a cheap multi-effect pedal and figure out what stuff is and how I like it before dropping coin on really good pedals).

I am finding over and over again that even though it is sometimes difficult to expose yourself for a complete clueless newbie, in the right place talking to the right person it can get your questions answered, teach you something, and generally improve your situation.

The pedal I ended up with is a Digitech RP80 (I payed $80 at Showcase, it is $79 + shipping at Musiciansfriend.com). I has all sorts of effects, Amp/cabinet modeling, a tuner, a drum machine, 2 footswitches, and a foot pedal for controlling volume or effects.

I played with it last night for an hour or so and it was fun. I have yet to do anything but play with the presets (40 from the factory and 40 user programable) which are cool if not a little intense.

I plan to summarize me experience at a later date.