Guitar Effects pedals, what's your choice?
 

Okay dudes I've never been much for using electric guitar effects pedals.
But I'm getting back into playing my electrics and I'd bought a Boss SD-1.
And though I like what it does, when I have it hooked up it colors my clean
tone (pass through).

So what do you guys recommend that doesn't color your sound when the
units are not engaged? I don't want to spend crazy money so take that into
account.

Your help is appreciated.

I have also used the DD5, DD3, and DD6 (digital delay pedals) in the past. I prefer the 1st two. I've also owned, and use the CH-1 (the blue chorus pedal).

Boss pedals are easy to modify, and because they're relatively cheap, you can probably do it yourself. Or, you can have someone else do it for you if you like the Boss tones.

http://www.analogman.com/

These guys seem to have a good handle on modding Boss pedals.

I use a Boss compressor, a Boss SD-1 overdrive, a Boss flanger(I could really dump this, because it get used, maybe 30 seconds a night), and an Arion analog delay. I have a bunch of other pedals lying around(two Tube Screamers, Boss EQ, Boss chorus, two Boss tremolos, and a bunch of other stuff).
Not trying to sell anybody anything, but I play with another guitar player, who makes boutique pedals, that are known for not coloring your sound, especially when "off"(true bypass). Lemme find his website.....
http://stigtronics.com/

I think he has a Boss SD-1 overdrive, and a Boss delay.

He does. I even took a pic of his pedal setup when I saw them in Jacksonville in '04. he uses the Boss SD-1 and the Boss DD-5.

Don't really use pedals anymore, but I've kind of been olgling over them in mail order catalogues & such recently.

Ones that have piqued my interest lately:

Boss RE-20 Space Echo (the digital version of the old tape cartridge Roland Space Echo)...both Welch & Buckingham used to use the Roland Space Echo on stage back in '74-'76.

DigiTech's Eric Clapton pedal...don't know how practical it would be once you played the 7 songs each preset is programmed to replicate.

Visual Sound ROUTE 66 pedal (2 fx...compressor & overdrive... in one pedal)...shaped like home plate!

Always liked the sound of a good ol' UniVibe, too...get that Hendrix/Trower swirly sound.

I use three: a Janglebox, an Ibanez TS-9DX (gives a few boost stages), and an old Stereo Memory Man. My amp is an old Fender Super Reverb that I had "blackfaced" a few years back. I find this little set-up is all I really need.

My biggest issue with pedals is that I tend to accidentally kick out the chords when I'm playing live.

Thanks for all the input guys. I wish it were easier to test the pedals at home
with my guitars and amps. I guess that's the only way to know for sure what's
best. I'm sure Guitar Center and Musician's Friend have 30 day return policies,
but it's a hassle to take or mail the items back.

Back in the early 80's a friend of mine gave me his "fuzz" box. It was pretty cool
at the time. Everytime I hear Lindsey talk about the fuzz it makes me think of that
old box. Unfortunately I sold it with my old Epiphone Genesis back in the '80's. I
have regretted selling that guitar ever since.

If you go through life as a guitarist without having regrets about letting a piece of equipment slip away, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!

You're probably right about that. I've been checking Ebay for a long time now
for an old Genesis like the one I had. Wine red with creme colored binding. But
the ones I see usually are in horrible shape and priced way too high. There are
a few on Ebay right now. One in particular has been on there many times. What
in the world happened to the fretboard, I can't imagine. $400 bucks for a piece
of junk......no thanks.

I'm liking my Boss ME-25. It rocks.

And you people should be proud of me.
I had a Gibson 335 (my next dream guitar)
in my hands at the guitar store...and walked
away without it. Shew!

Added a Big Muff Pi to the arsenal.
No jokes please. That baby rocks!!!