What i got when i started was a BOSS blues driver.. it worked well for me

I'm using the pod less and less. Going back to Boss pedals and a miced up small amp for gigs. The pod always seems to need adjustment. I hate the sound that happens when the signal is too hot. Micing an amp is just easier and more natural. I have the amp behind me as a backline amp.

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James Burton Upgrade Telecaster
Hot Rodded Am Fat Strat Texas Special (now featuring Kinman Traditional II pickups)
Fender Blues Jr.
SWR California Blonde
Pedals Pedals Pedals

I agree with going back to Boss pedals. I had a Boss ME-50 effect processor but found it lacking. I went back to Boss and other analog pedals along with TS-9/808 and a couple Big Muffs . I have rediscovered a new found appreciation for analog effects. Can't beat them IMHO!! That's if you need effects at all,but that's another discussion.

I bought a Boss GT-3 multi-effects when those things were relatively new on the block; to see if it was going to be the way forward for me.

It wasn't and I've never felt the need to upgrade, but I still use it for practice. Very good through headphones and OK through a practice amp.

A fun type of tool for Gilmourish excursions in particular. You can set up all the different sounds that he might use through a number such as Crazy Diamond, assign them to the patches within a single bank and then just step on the next one as the song progresses.

Word of caution: these kind of units always seem to have the sounds way over cooked on the factory pre-sets. To appeal to inexperienced ears, I guess. Turn everything down effects-wise would be a good suggestion...

Cheers - C

I have to agree with this. they do need a lot of tweaking, and since some of the knobs have more than one function, it can be a pain. but at $150 compared to the boss at $199 its got a good many effects plus an expression pedal that will keep a beginner busy for many hours.

I also agree that the Marshall regenerator is an amazing deal for the price. Is it the most spectacular pedal ever? NO! but its great for $45 and has plenty of features for a beginner.

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

It's still better for a beginner to learn technique than twiddling dials for hours.
You should learn to be the master of your craft and use effects as tools not crutches. Develop a style then you'll know what effects you want. Signal processors pretty much suck. I would use separate pedals anyway. Just a thought. You do what you want. There is nothing more annoying than a noob with a bunch of effects.

Half of me heartily agrees with all those saying "learn to play before looking to effects. Don't use them as a crutch."

But the other half is thinking: that's like being told you've got to learn Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and a bunch of other dull stuff before you're allowed to have a go at Hendrix. How many beginners have given up in the face of that sort of tutoring?

If somebody took up the guitar cos they want to sound like Dave Gilmour perhaps they just need to go mad with delay, overdrive and such for a while and get it out their system.

I've a sneaking idea most of us start with too much effects and distortion and then learn to cut down on 'em, rather than the other way around. Just a fact of life, guitarwise. Let's not step too hard on this guy's enthusiasm...

Cheers - C

I agree Ceri. When I first started I HAD to have every new effect and what ever else came out. Over the years of using all of this stuff it becomes overwhelming and you learn to twiddle it down to a few basic things. To tell you the truth ,I'm not sure that this is the best way to learn. The only thing you can spend a lot of money learning this lesson. Just stop and think about this. Watch Eric Clapton play(getting tons of different tones)and you don't see him with a huge pedal board in front of him and him constantly running over to push buttons with his feet. He's a learned man! Sometime less is more! Now I'll shut up and wait for flames!!

I think that all you realy need is a nice tube amps that sounds good cranked, but sometimes a little delay,wah or chorus is fun to play with but it's not necesary....

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It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

For first effects i really think you cant go wrong with zoom. infact i'm quite a big zoom fan since the old 9030's of 92. Dont cost much, are easy to use and their durable. Whilst i agree their not the best sounding multifx they are a good steppingstone into that world. I still use the pitch shift on my 707. Its ok if you dont labour the processor by adding any other effects.

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No no and no

Ibanez Tube Screamer Ts9 is my propose!

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Blues Ya?

As still a beginner myself, I also espouse the keep it simple philosphy. But a couple of pedals for fun are a good idea.
I have a distortion and an overdrive pedal, and they keep me busy.

Look into the ModTone line, very nice pedals at a very reasonable price point.

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Ignorance IS bliss - and I am the happiest person here!

Well said! I'm of the school of thought that, whatever it takes to keep the guitar learners interest on playing is a good thing. This would apply to effects as well.

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"I started out with nothing, and still have most of it"

Right on! After all, the whole point of rock and roll is breaking the rules and NOT listening to sensible advice...!

- C

ROCK ON!!!! Keep on rockin in the free world!