Effects Pedal Order For Harmonica

All the info in the video is subjective and can vary on a case to case basis. Certain amps will not need or like certain pedal like compression for example is usually not necessary on a small amplifier. ANY order that works for you is great. The above video and Robert Keely's guidelines (below) are simply suggestions by both Keely and myself as general "rules of thumb' to be broken and experimented with by you for your tone and music! Listed below is Robert Keely's article and below that is my own actual CURRENT order of effects by type and brand and name....Have fun and do YOUR thing!
ORDER OF EFFECTS: (By Robert Keely)
"Which Chain Of Effect Pedals Makes Life Easy?
- Wah - Which,
- Compressor - Chain,
- Overdrive - Of,
- EQ - Effect,
- Pitch - Pedals,
- Modulation - Make,
- Level - Life,
- Echo - Easy.
- I like to see wah pedals and sometimes even phasers as the first effect after
the guitar. We'll call these Wah effects (yes even the phaser). Wah pedals boost
a frequency you sweep to with your foot and phasers cut or notch a frequency
that is swept to electronically. Distortion pedals make interesting response
changes to the boost or cut from these sweep pedals.
- Compressors typically go next although I like them after distortion pedals in
many cases if the compressor is clean and transparent enough. Compression
after distortion has two effects that I really like. First, the noise floor is lower
because the noise from a compressor isn't being amplified and distorted by the
overdrive pedal. Second, there appears to be more sustain. There is one draw
back that some people notice and that is a darker, warmer tone. Some folks
might prefer a more conventional, brighter tone.
- Next comes Overdrive or distortion.
- Equalizer pedals can go next. They are commonly used for a boost pedal if they
can be turned on and off, or used to shape the tone of the distortion pedal.
- Pitch changing pedals, Vibrato for example; go next for the simple reason
that many distortion pedals can't handle the many pitches at one time. Try
strumming a complex chord with your distortion pedal on, say a C7#9#11.
- Modulation effects such as chorus and flanging go next.
- Level pedals that control the volume go next in many cases. This would include
tremolo, volume pedals (great at this point in the effects chain because it cuts
all the hiss going to your amp), noise gates and limiters. Since compression is a
limiter in many cases and this is why it works post-distortion by the way.
- Echo effects go last. These include delay and reverb.
- A sample effects board might contain these effects: Guitar - Wah, Compressor,
Overdrive, EQ, Vibrato, Chorus, Tremolo, Volume Pedal, and Delay- Amp.
Note - these “rules” are meant to be broken. Use what sounds best in YOUR rig."
- Robert Keely
My PERSONAL CURRENT ORDER:
Microphone (Jason Ricci Signature Mic by The Lone Wolf Blues Company)
1. Wireless (Samson)
2.) Lone Wolf "Harp Shield" (Anti Feed Back)
3.) Lone Wolf "Clean Cat (Clean Boost)
4.) Lone Wolf "Harp Break" (Overdrive/Pre-amp/Distortion)
5.) Lone Wolf "Flat Cat" (Compressor)
6.) Maxon AF-9 (Auto Wah/Envelope Filter)
7.) Electro Harmonix "Pitch Fork" (Octave etc)
8.) Lone Wolf "Harp Chorus" (Chorus)
9.) MXR "Carbon Copy" (Delay)
10. TC Electronics "Flash Back" (Delay)
11.) Lone Wolf "Harp Reverb" (reverb)
12. ) BBE "Sonic Maximizer" (cool)
into: AMP
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Thank you!!!
Jason Ricci

[@czarcastic1458]

Little Walter didn't need any stupid pedals.

[@jasonricci]

Little Walter didn't need stupid KZbin either....Whatcha doing here?

[@czarcastic1458]

@@jasonricci Chillax hoss You are a fantastic player as are others without pedals. That's my point.

[@paulsalyers4421]

Maybe the point is to not sound like every dude with a mic. and amp in the past... and present.

[@czarcastic1458]

@@paulsalyers4421 Maybe i just like Jasons harp playing without compression.

[@B00MBATS]

After Leaving the Corporate World I've dived back into playing harmonica, coming across your channel was like hitting a lottery win!!! Thanks for all the amazing well laid out content, and your no-nonsense approach to harp playing. The Friday videos are killer content.

[@jasonricci]

Appreciate YOU! WELCOME BACK!

[@harmonicamanrandy]

I once wrote an article on frequency modulation for amping. It was based on the difference between organic sound vs digital as it pertains to how the ear and your brain works. The research was extremely informative and educational to me personally.

[@kevinwalker9522]

Little Walter would be proud of your rig,Lee Oskar impressed me with his setup,you are whole generation ahead and I mean that artistically and literally!

[@downeys1]

Jason, coming back to playing after retirement from the working world. I have been doing it since 74 and played in some bands. I heard you playing your setup a long time ago in some juke joint in Marietta, GA (bought a CD) and was very impressed. You are a great ambassador for harp players. Thank you for sharing this. And, whoever below says something about Little Walter, blah, blah, blah, either has never heard you play or does not play themselves or both.

[@jasonricci]

Thank you 😊!!! Welcome back! ❤️

[@dirkh.8238]

Great suggestions and rarely discussed THAT clearly in the harmonica wold. Thank you, Jason. Very helpful to me.

[@nybyooboy1]

I'm a guitar player who's a pedal nut. My son is the Harp player in the family, and I'm dang proud of his skills. My son uses a small and specific pedal board. He has an MXR Six Band EQ, a Dunlop Echoplex, followed by a Wampler Fuax Mini Reverb, and then a Boss looper. I'm freak'in delighted that he really diggs his pedals and that you had this video on tap for him to learn from. Much appreciated big time. Also, your a hurricane on that harp, and I'm glad this planet has you show'in them how to git hot on harmonica!

[@jasonricci]

Thank you Millhouse Fan! 💜 😺!

[@nybyooboy1]

@@jasonricci Don't stop. You got my kids attention. That's a great thing for all musicians to want in their life. Thank you again young Fella...

[@A-staticCal]

Awesome video. The best points are that the "rules" are made to be broken based on what sounds good to you, and that Sonic Stomp goes LAST. I need to up-size my board and power supply now.

[@Martin-gg1up]

Listen carefully! Can save you much time and gets you new ideas. Thank you very much for sharing this content.

[@WoozleEffect]

I JUST noticed Seagull Merlin sitting next to your board! I love that thing. I built a bunch of cigar box guitars recently using that same diatonic fretting, and 4-string 3-course layout. Love it! I'm just testing out a few new pedal board configurations, and this video is one I keep coming back to to refresh my memory! Right now I'm testing out a Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 V2, with it's FX loop, and pushing the Sans Amp sound right to my mixer... very interesting options in there... Thanks, as always, for your great videos! Cheers Jason!

[@jasonricci]

Kates learning it!

[@bobbybluefancher8181]

Thanks for your input ! Keep on rocking in the free world!👍🏻🎸

[@phillby01]

Jason, as always very sound and great advice. You are like the Yoda of the harmonica world. I personally like compression before my OD, but that is just me. I have messed around a lot with modulation effects to find the best chain for them. I have Chorus, Phaser, Flanger and Rotary. What is really insane is that with certain harmonicas you get a totally different vibe and sound off the pedals and a different break up. For example with a Low F I get a much cooler sound using Flanger then Chrous or Rotary, because of the lowness of the Harmonica itself, compared to say an E harmonica where you have a much higher frequency and putting the chorus or Phaser before other pedals gives such a cool sound and better break up. But like you said it's all personal choice of what sounds best for your needs. Hope you are keeping well, and having fun down there in the Big Easy.

[@jasonricci]

Man thanks a lotphillyb!

[@paulcook68]

Cool video Jason! I don't have even half of those pedals but I'm starting to get some gear together and this will definitely help me!

[@jasonricci]

I started with one.

[@williamgieras8505]

Thank you my brother. Great to gain this gift of knowledge.

[@jasonricci]

Thank you William for watching and the nice comment!

[@SnapperEarl]

This is pretty helpful, I’m waiting on a new board with all my pedals sitting in a box. I’ll try your suggestions and see how it goes. Most of all I wanna get out back to playing!

[@jasonricci]

Man ! I hear you! Definitely try out all the different combination orders before you Velcro em down!

[@frankstidham1439]

Thanks a lot Jason.

[@brianshaw6533]

huge help!!!

[@haxans-humanrights-channel6113]

You the man, Mad Max

[@mikedougherty735]

Jason, great video but I would have liked to see how your amp is set up as well. Thanks Michael Doc Dougherty

[@jasonricci]

Hey Mike check this video out! This shows how I set the amp with or without pedals! Thank you!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJSzg5V8Yp2Unbc

[@tynelsonnasty5968]

Bro. Thanks so much!! You are the man!

[@AdvancedLawn]

Hey jay it’s Nate Vance. This is my landscaping tree work business channel. I’m subscribed on my other channel but just subscribed here too. Thanks buddy

[@jeffreys.harris3433]

Hi Jason,, in you opinion what paddle would you recommend a amateur harmonica player should buy?? This is a new adventure for me in regards to peddles. Love your channel and what lessons you have put out there, thank you very much, 👍it's a Hondo bass amp

[@jasonricci]

It depends a little on what amp and/or mic you have or don't even! What you got?

[@jeffreys.harris3433]

Thanks for your response. I'm working on getting a bullet mic. But I have a standard sure 🎤 at this time, I would like to get a fender amp,.in the future. But right now I have a base guitar amp .

[@harmonicamanrandy]

I just have a stage 5 amp and a bullitini in my new kit. I'm fine with that.

[@kerryc5821]

Cool video. I'm a guitar player as well as harmonica, and have just recently started my pedal board. I play a Vox AC-15 and pedal wise I have a Tube Screamer and a Wah pedal. Question for Jason - does the amp you play through change your pedal approach? For instance, if you were using my amp would you use your same pedals?

[@jasonricci]

Great question! Yes! With smaller amps I will use no pedals or maybe just a delay or reverb ...compression varies from amp to amp!

[@mxm190]

awesome Jason, I only use 3 pedals noise gate, boost, and delay. I would think by your pedals order I might find I get best results in that order first noise gate for antifeed back, boost, and delay last right?

[@jasonricci]

I have never used a noise gate so I don't know...but the good news is there's only three pedals so it won't take too much experimenting to find it's right place for you!

[@mofromango]

Hey Jason, I'm having a hard time figuring out an order for my pedals. If you got a second, which order would you put these in? Or would you add or eliminate any.. -Shaker Mad-Dog Harp Mic. Lone Wolf Octive Lone Wolf Harp Break Lone Wolf Harp Reverb Lone Wolf Flat Cat Comp. electro-harmonix Soul Food Overdrive tc electronic Flashback mini delay -Fender Blues Jr 3 Amp Thanks man!!!

[@jasonricci]

Email: [e-mail]

[@clarkeryanokeefe177]

Jason, thank you so much for sharing your board and knowledge!! Do you think compression needed/worth it when playing on medium size amps? I have your signature mic, harpgear Double Trouble 18W amp, several LW pedals. Thank you much!

[@jasonricci]

No I don't think you need it on smaller amps!

[@clarkeryanokeefe177]

Much obliged Jason!!!

[@andrey__shintar]

what song is at the beggining of this video?

[@dancabana8096]

Hello Jason. I use the Harp Break (new to me) and the Harp Tone + for about ten years. Which would be your order ? Harp Break first or second in line ? I am not too whealthy so, what could replace the Harp Shield that is not too costly ? Thanks in advance and have fun !!!

[@jasonricci]

Hmmm I would try it both ways!!! Have you seen my vid on getting loud without feedback? That would be my recommendation as the harp shield is cheaper than most other feed back fighters...

[@dancabana8096]

@@jasonricci un gros merci !!! 🤟

[@ieuanedge6070]

Thank you so much for the video. Love my Jason Ricci mic .. How do you set up your Samson wireless transmitter and receiver 🌔😺

[@jasonricci]

I calibrate the transmitter a tiny bit hotter than factory, and I run out of the unbalanced 1/4" input against the advice of the guy who sold it me. Other than that plug her in and go!

[@jasonricci]

@Jason Wise I believe he thinks that using an impeddence transformer coming out of the xlr does a better job than the 1/4"...he told me why a few times...it was complicated... Impeddence is tough to understand, at least for me...I tried it and liked the other way better....I had been doing it that way for a bunch of years anyway so I just went back to it and everything has been chill ever since...if it's all wrong it seems to be working ok...who knows?

[@ieuanedge6070]

Thank you for your advice and thank you for your amazing music 🌔😺

[@ieuanedge6070]

I tried your way and took out the xlr cable and Impedance converter . It sounds more rounded and less harsh( slightly less gain ) . Thank you so much . I’m very grateful for your advice .

[@jasonricci]

@@ieuanedge6070 wow! That's amazing! Glad to be of service!

[@mickaelstmartin]

hey great stuff again !!! im gonna go rewire but what about a leslie ? i got an rotosphere an i run it with the octaver in the middle before delay n reverb

[@jasonricci]

Nice! A Leslie or rotary type effect will be great just before or after an octavizer. My intuition tells me after... but definitely try it both ways and definitely before any delay or verb.

[@jasonricci]

Sounds like you got it 👍!

[@mickaelstmartin]

@@jasonricci great! yeah ive had my shares of playing with wires ! i gotta say the harp break works magics with the flat cat !

[@elrico1364]

what brand/make pedal box do you have here?

[@jasonricci]

It's a pedal pad from topeka

[@SnapperEarl]

Any opinion on using pedal simulator apps offered on IOS (iPad)?

[@jasonricci]

I'm not a fan myself of that road. It's just my personal taste. I don't think they sound as good as the real pedals, additionally I'm not sure you can stack and change the order like we're doing here, I hate the idea of the iPad rebooting, running out of batteries during a show etc and also it's not as cool. Haaaa!

[@SnapperEarl]

Jason Ricci Yep, pedals are pretty!

[@patrickgragg5602]

I don't have any pedals Jason Ricci oh, I just have my harmonica in my face on the corner of Mountain and College in Fort Collins oh, I do have a keyboard with a 2 inch speaker on it that I use the microphone for a little more volume but that's it

[@jasonricci]

That's all you need baby!

[@TomBrooklyn]

What's a wireless?

[@jasonricci]

A mic with no chord or wire.

[@andrewharris7439]

Did you hear the news, Peter Green passed away today.

[@jasonricci]

I did not until now.