The Best Pedals You'll Ever Play

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What are some of your all time favorite guitar pedals? Tell us in the comments below! Table of Contents 00:00 Intro 01:09 The Rig Dr's Criteria 03:23 Signal Path Overview 04:10 Fuzz Pedals 07:16 Wah Pedals 10:39 Tuners 14:24 Buffers 16:19 Low-Gain Overdrive Pedals 19:55 Mid-Gain Overdrive Pedals 22:01 Vintage Distortion Pedals 25:19 Modern Distortion Pedals 27:57 Filter Pedals 30:19 Compressor Pedals 33:55 EQ Pedals 36:12 Boost Pedals 38:05 Volume Pedals 40:59 Phaser Pedals 41:53 Flanger Pedals 43:00 Chorus Pedals 44:19 Tremolo Pedals 45:30 Univibe Pedals 46:16 Pitch Pedals 47:26 Delay Pedals 48:41 Reverb Pedals 49:43 Noise Gates 51:00 Line-Out Boxes 51:38 Parallel Mixers 52:28 Cab Simulators 53:19 Amp Simulators 55:01 Outro

[@Merick365]

id say on the buffer section. the sunday driver is a really good one also. plus have you heard of 29 pedals? they make a one for input called the EUNA and one for the output called the OAMP. highly reccomend checking either out. they put all other buffers to shame IMO. cheers. great video.

[@dwtn81]

No ring modulation?!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@dwtn81 I didn't...what do you like?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@Merick365 The Sunday Driver is fine, just a single buffer however, so you'd need two of them to buffer a rig properly as a dual buffered system. Of the others you mentioned - they are only input buffers or output buffers, not dual buffers. They're separated components, so they only solve the issue of buffering in half the board. Secondly, the EUNA, in my opinion, is more of a EQ than a buffer. A well made pedal, no doubt, and well designed - but a buffer should have no sound, no EQ, no nothing but what comes in comes out. The output buffer OAMP is disaggregated from the input buffer so you'd have to buy both to have a dual buffered system. At that point it's about $500 for a buffer pair as I recall to buy both. Ultimately, anything that's shifting or altering the sound of the instrument isn't an ideal buffer. A buffer should be totally neutral, no color, no EQ. You might like the color, and that's fine, but if you're going for neutral it's not what I'd pick for a buffer.

[@dwtn81]

@@VertexEffectsInc Moog-Mooger Fooger EHX-Frequency Analyzer & Ring Thing Way Huge- Ringworm

[@danielzukle3788]

We need one of these episodes for bass players, we use pedals too. I know many of these will transfer well to bass, but it would be nice to see your picks. Awesome content!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Working on it now!

[@RileyReneau]

Bass players need a Fuzz thats it haha

[@chloebugg218]

Amen.

[@garlowloke]

You don’t use pedals, you just have 4 strings

[@RileyReneau]

Bass guitar effects channel: using a pick

[@patrickcarroll1754]

Man...yeah. I agree with this entire picture, Mason. I remember a trying lot of these in guitar stores in the early 2000's and it's cool to see my reaction was mutual. They've stood the test of time.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Some great pedals...I'm sure there are even more I didn't think of!

[@Texasbluesalley]

Great points about pedals working well with others. In the studio you can work around a finicky pedal that has to have everything around it just right, but those things are a nightmare when you try to use them live. 👏

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Absolutely! Love your Channel TBA! Thanks for chiming in!

[@TdMtech]

That was hands down one of the best pedal-compare video's out there. Thank you for taking the time to share this with the world.

[@BitcoinTakeover]

Cheaper and equally great alternatives: Fuzz - Big Muff Pi (Tone Wicker & Deluxe are excellent) Wah - Electro Harmonix Wailer Tuner - Mooer Baby Tuner Buffer - Fender Level Set Low-Gain OD - Electro Harmonix Soul Food Mid-Gain OD - Electro Harmonix East River Drive Vintage Distortion - Just get a BOSS DS1 Modern Distortion - Electro Harmonix Op-Amp or Russian Big Muff Pi Filter - EHX Micro Q-Tron, because sometimes less is more Compressor - Mooer Yellor Comp or Electro Harmonix Tone Corset. If you can afford something fancy, get the new mini comp from Keeley EQ - Behringer EQ 700. It's $30, has 7 bands and sounds just as good as the BOSS Boost - Electro Harmonix Nano LPB-1. One of the most underrated pedals ever, why do people sleep on this one? Volume - Electro Harmonix Dual Expression. Costs less than your Dunlop, is built just like it, and can also be used as an expression pedal Phaser - Electro Harmonix Small Stone. And if you want a true gem, look for the XVive W1 Flanger - Mooer Eleclady (or e-lady) for analog, Electro Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress for digital Chorus - Electro Harmonix Small Clone or an old BOSS CE-2. You can't go wrong with either Tremolo - Mooer Trelicopter or Electro Harmonix Stereo Pulsar Univibe - Electro Harmonix Good Vibes (analog with photo cells) or Nux Monterey Vibe (excellent digital emulation of a classic) Pitch - Electro Harmonix Pitchfork Delay - XVive W3 Memory for an analog clone of the original Deluxe Memory Man that's designed by Howard David himself (creator of the classic), or Electro Harmonix Canyon Reverb - Electro Harmonix Oceans 11 or TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2. EHX Holy Grail is also a total sleeper Noise Gate - Electro Harmonix The Silencer Line-Out - BOSS LS-2 Parallel Mixer - Electro Harmonix Tri Parallel Mixer Cab Simulator - Mooer Tres Cab Amp Simulator - Nux Solid Studio That's it, you've just saved a couple thousand dollars by avoiding fancy overpriced boutique brand without compromising on sound quality. Use the money to buy bitcoin or beer, or whatever. Or maybe save for the upcoming financial crisis, though with the current inflation I wouldn't use government money.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching and the suggestions.

[@richardgutierrez2864]

I’ve been watching a few of your videos, and I came across the volume pedal video and it changed my whole sound. I can’t thank you enough I just audition for band and I have 40 songs ahead of me to learn I’ve already got 10 of them down and only 30 days to learn the rest. I just want to tell you how valuable the information you gave me was thank you.

[@dragonhed123]

I heard that the ocd dosen't stack well with other overdrive and stuff is this true have you tried that?

[@strangequark420]

I have many of the pedals you recommend. I'd have put the MXR Carbon Copy in there, because it's a must have on my board. Lee Anderton made a terrific point about it in his video with Rob Chapman years ago when they built small boards together, that it takes the place of reverb if you don't have it. He's absolutely right on.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Also a great pedal!

[@glaucosouza1971]

The budwah is my wah of choice for more than 17 years now. Is exactly what you said. Absolutely no fancy stuff there, just like an original Memory Man, just tone and what a tone.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They're great! I buy them up whenever I can!

[@bewley1903]

the fact that i watched this for 57 minutes is crazy can i just pay you to build me the best of the best im overwhelmed and going crazy lol

[@csharp57]

I had the same thought 😂😂

[@michael_caz_nyc]

So many Choices & Options to choose-from. Almost impossible to pick. Really enjoyed this-one. This was great.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

So glad you dig it!

[@juanfichtl2011]

My fav drive of all time is the strymon Riverside!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I guess time will tell if it becomes a classic!

[@dant9796]

For me it is a tie between the ocd and riverside, I have both and they are both fantastic but perhaps I give a slight edge to the riverside because it has a noise gate

[@paulngardner]

My second vertex video, absolutely awesome content again! Really helped me design my board 👍

[@corynorell3686]

Just starting to delve into pedals instead of using a modeling amp. Very helpful video, much obliged.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erwinroman4217]

Well, one of mine made the list! Arion SCH-1. Bought it new in the early '80s. I put it away for years when chorus became a bit dated. Then my only pedal was a Barber LTD for lo-gain. I've collected a few Keeley pedals, especially the dual effects to save space. Aria (comp / drive), Hydra (trem/reverb), Monterey (fuzz/wah/univibe) and a MesMer Astral Delay. Added a Digitech Freqout too. Still playing with the order. Great channel, I've subscribed.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelgriffin5304]

Really surprised you didn't have any Strymon pedals on here, especially when it comes to delay and Reverb. The sound is absolutely 3D and immense.

[@don8635]

54:00

[@purple76seaslug]

I dig these videos a lot, Mason. Some of us mere mortals haven’t had the opportunity to test this much gear, so it’s awesome to get some feedback on pros’ experience.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm glad you dig it!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Love my: OCD, Clyde Deluxe, DD-500, DC-2W & Polytune 3. I also have some lesser-known pedals, that are equally Fantastic. Always interesting-stuff Mason. Really-enjoyed this one. Happy Holidays my brother. oNe LovE from NYC

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@buckadillafilms]

Great job man! No shortage of "what about...?" in the comments, but I really appreciate you making a guide for the ones you decided to showcase. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad I could help!

[@per-robineriksson8072]

My first pedal has for the last 18 years been my most used. My dads old DS-1... Always ended up with it, because it always works.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Old MIJ ones are great

[@Ratchman_5000]

Love my DS-1. Tried and true, also very affordable.

[@HeleneLogan]

Still using mine in my rig. Bought it in 1981 and it's never let me down. Other distortions come and go in my pedalboard, but the DS-1 is the mainstay. 🙂

[@shanemartin8904]

Its great to see guitarists using plant life to alter their overdrive sounds. Ive found indoor fernery is perfect for blues screamers and strangely enough the MESA BOOGIE amp chugs significantly better. Good choice dude. Please do a video on studio plants, this will be well received

[@starflyer4660]

Mason! Thanks you SO much for your video on pedals. That was pure bliss! I took copious notes. You cleared up my understanding of how these pedals are organized on the market. We’re so lucky to have have knowledgeable folks like you willing to share the how these lil’ beasts f*’#@ing howl and move!!!! You got a ton of X-TRA CREDIT for your awesomenessbest pedal report!!! Pretty much a permanent recess for the rest of your life!!! Your high school music teacher. :-)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@zachshipstead5247]

I love the MXR classic fuzz. I have one, and you are right, people sleep on it. One thing you didn't mention is that, when you turn your guitar volume down, the sound cleans up, and you get the best clean tone on the planet.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

As with most Fuzz Face style circuits :)

[@sweethands4328]

A Marshall old school original big box UK built Guv'nor with the 3 band EQ set at a lower gain with more Volume was my secret sound weapon for 15+ years. I miss it 😥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It's a great pedal!

[@paulcowart3174]

Yeah some pedals just have "IT"...I always keep coming back to my older pedals...w some exceptions of course

[@jasonpitre1249]

Yes! I owned one of these (original Marshall Gov) and it was a great sounding pedal. I ended up using it in a trade for some studio monitors. I also miss it. I should have been more patient. I’ve been looking for one for years. Super regret trading it.

[@j.alexandermyersen1176]

Great video presentation. You put some products on my radar that I am now really interested in, including some Vertex ones. I appreciate the time you took to put this together.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

Some days ya just get lucky. A Black Friday deal came along and the MXR 108 Fuzz twisted my arm, lol. Another thing...the Peterson Strobostomp tuner. Really big display, but the real winner is it doesn't 'bounce' when you get close to being in tune. Use it once and all other tuners seem like junk.

[@harleyhexxe9806]

I totally agree with the tuner, I have a couple of them. I wonder how the buffer compares to his criteria? I'll have to go review the manual about that one.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Both great pedals!

[@tompoynton]

Been meaning to pick up the 108 for ages now

[@doom_siege]

WOW! Thanks for such an in depth analysis and some great choices to look at. Pedals are so exciting sometimes . My favorite pedal is usually my Behringer Super Fuzz!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!!! Thanks for watching!

[@xzavior21]

$500 HX Stomp.... all of these pedals in one and you can run it with whatever pedals you already like. - Add an expression knob/pedal and another footswitch and your options become overwhelming. $1000 Helix LT......Need more DSP for more pedals? Not to mention you can USB connect them to your computer to edit using software or use it as an audio interface for your system. Still can load IRs as well. So many of these options are already digital and these modelers are absolutely fantastic. IF they sound barely different than the real deal, they certain never sound worse. Pedals sound a little different from pedal to pedal anyways.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

If only that were true....

[@ileutur6863]

Yes... but also no. I'm a big fan of digital but even I readily admit that it isn't all equal and some of the more unique pedals out there have still not been replicated properly.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

🤣🤚 almost spit my coffee out. Im happy that you’re so happy tho

[@SparkyGoldsmith]

I never knew much about RATs and bought a cheap one used. OK. Then I bought the Rat Pack. Oh, god yes! EXCELLENT pedal. A no brainer bargain for everything it does. I've been a long time JHS fan just because he does such a great job educating the public FOR FREE and his pedals are all extremely sound, but this one blew me away for sure. I've never heard one bad comment about that pedal. MISSION REWAH is my favorite wah. I also own Clyde Deluxe, Dunlop 535Q, vintage Thomas and Dunlop wahs and have tried others. I just like the simplicity of the package and all the switches are internal. Spend an hour setting up the DIP switches where you want them, close it up and use it. EXCELLENT sounding, streamlined, beautiful looking wah. That VRTX Ultraphonix sounds cool. I may have to try that, and maybe a couple others. Thank you for your time making this video. It was so much of an info dump I had to take some breaks, to buy a pedal or two! LOL

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Ten DS-1s into a Metal Zone are the best pedals you'll ever play.

[@pkflash2004]

Great video Mason. My picks would be Fuzz - Kasleder Voodoo Chile Overdrive - Ryra Klone, Cornerstone Gladio double, Hudson Dual Broadcast, Neo Drive In Boost - Vertex (thanks Mason!) Filter - Source Audio Spectrum Phaser - MXR 90 script logo Chorus - Boss CE2 Flanger - Dreadbox Komo Rebi Vibe - Effectrode Tube Vibe Rotary - Neo micro vent Delay - Electro Harmonix Deluxe MM Reverb - Meris Mercury 7 That's the shortest I could get the list down to.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Awesome!

[@WhiteWizzard]

Never get why you keep putting down Boss Buffers. The TU3W buffer sounds great. It’s so subjective. You talk in absolutes in regards to it and I don’t agree at all. I think it’s a bit misleading.

[@Pher98]

Right. Why recommend the TU3W because it can do true bypass and then try to plug a $250 buffer when I can just use the Boss

[@BaldingElephant]

I’ve heard him clarify that he thinks the waza craft buffers are made with better components and he would recommend them.

[@douglaszirk8949]

I'm a bass player and anytime I've ever tried a regular boss pedal, the bypass tone is horrible. The main thing I hear is the "plastic-y" top end it leaves. Maybe some bassist wouldn't be affected but I like a bright open sounding tone, slightly overdriven for some hair and boss pedals just kill that high end sparkle. I hate them but they generally sound great when they are on. I do fine with pedals with good quality buffers and true bypass pedals but definitely believe a really good buffer last in the chain before going to the amp is key for a good tone. My pedals before that are a mix of true bypass and pedals with known good quality buffers

[@JHKNVY02]

@@douglaszirk8949100%

[@georgebarry8640]

I am so glad you recognized David Tarnowski's ADA Flanger. The shout out to his genius is not lost on me. Ive been using an original for years. THANK YOU. Credit where credit is due.

[@MisterRorschach90]

Things that guitar pedal makers need to make. A super high end custom combo effect that uses all analog and mechanical effects if possible like spring reverb, tape delay, tape flanger, and mechanical vibrato/tremolo. Think one of those jam pedals custom combination effect units but even more high end. Either a set of pedals and or a custom combination pedal that’s claim to fame is being “the first”. The first distortion, the first delay, the first chorus, etc. exact circuits and components. Desktop effect units that resemble mini hifi stacks. Tape reel machine tape echo, graphic eq, radio tuner as some kind of modulation or sampling effect, preamp as a compressor and boost, and amp as some kind of distortion, fuzz, and or overdrive. Alternatively a mini desktop effects unit resembling a studio outboard rack could be made with studio grade effects and more modern stuff.

[@lifebreath77]

Great episode. I’ll add a few: Xotic BB for low distortion/OD, it’s my fave for this type at the front of chain. One of the Strymon delays! I like the El Capistan on the board with my Deluxe Memory Man and TC Nova. Also MXR Carbon Copy for smaller, lower priced bucket brigade delay.

[@shashankraman2512]

Really helpful video Mason! I am getting a Dunlop 535Q Mini Auto-Return Wah. Should I place that before my Empress Buffer+, as it's not True Bypass but True Hardwire?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'd test it both places but generally these types of wahs before buffer. It's true bypass there are some different ways people say the same thing.

[@yotrilogy5556]

Totally agree with the studio compressor comment… for guitar. For bass, it’s a different matter. Those studio comp pedals are magic for bass.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Agreed, but basses often are going direct with processing afterwards so this is more logical for the bass signal path.

[@CowdreyC]

An $800 overdrive pedal wow thats gnar

[@wharman1]

I absolutely love my Tumnus Deluxe, Fulltone OCD and Plumes pedals for my live gigs. I primarily play single coils and feel the overdrives are a big part of my stage voice. Also you cannot go wrong with the ego compressor from Wampler. Brian rocks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice pedals!

[@Matthew_Scan]

I have a boutique Delay unit called a Hall and Collins, it does every vintage echo, Meazzi, Binson, Vox long Tom, klempt, Roland space echo. It’s out of production at the moment due to having trouble getting some parts, it sounds brilliant but it’s a pain to edit , you’ve got to get into menus. Also it runs on 12v Ac annoying if you want to run it with other pedals . It cost about $1000, there is a similar rack unit called TVS echo but costs three times the price

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, sounds cool!

[@Matthew_Scan]

@@VertexEffectsInc it’s mainly aimed at fans of Hank Marvin and the Shadows those echos are very particular and hard to get on most units kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ-pgYd-fZpkY7c

[@stephentraiger5024]

Ive had my distortion + since 1978, and putting an equalizer with it, keeps it still usable today. Its great

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Also a great pedal!

[@rickyoldtree]

Dude! You gotta drop the bubble popping noises … it’s maddening

[@joco9958]

[phone]!! great vid but after around the 20th plop I'd use some of the pedals to tame that sample, pfew

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the feedback, we'll work on that in future videos.

[@jeremiahstraker1523]

Choice job Mason, quite a list :0). So pleased there was an EQ segment and the EQ2 by S.A. made the list. If you are looking for a graphic or parametric EQ this does both and could easily be in the filter, wah and noise gate segments as well. Super buzzed about it’s functionality and it’s wide array of user group support and audio educational opportunities through them. I cannot find enough time for this pedal. Kia kaha from Aotearoa/NZ and Kia Ora again Mason.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for chiming in!

[@ccfmafia3301]

Also...Keeley Comp mini, baby. Sooooo good, so cheap and sounds like a dream

[@VertexEffectsInc]

All great pedals!

[@Relayer6a]

While I don't always agree with your choices, it is very subjective after all, there's no doubt about your knowledge and expertise. I really enjoyed this video.

[@peterisdead666]

very glad you gave the dyna comp a shout out. i still think its probably the best compressor. I got a janglebox and its great but i cant escape the dyna comp when i want that sound

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Couldn't agree more!

[@elliotbradley]

I adore the way it colors your sound, but it's a little bit noisy. And it took a while to notice, but I realized that it really kills the top end. If those shortcomings were overcome I'd tell that Cali 76 where to f'n stick it.

[@thehereticquentin]

Thanks for mentioning the Digitech Polara, my all-time favorit reverb pedal and often overlooked by others

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The best

[@tomt55]

A very comprehensive and well done video on this topic. Tone, pedals and amps are so subjective and in some way would be like discussing religion. Where everyone thinks what they believe is the right or only way to think. Pedals are similar in that one person's favorite may be another's lackluster stomp box. I really enjoyed your selections and appreciate the effort you put into this.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@GASMan-57]

Wow, you’ve got quite the talent for a long detailed narrative. Appreciate the content too.

[@rgr4929]

Hey Mason! Congrats for this video! What about the Lehle Sunday Driver buffer?? The new one works at 30v. internally so they promise great headroom and dynamics. Have you tried it? Thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Most quality buffers run at higher headroom, ours run at 15V rail to rail or about 30VDC overall. Equally the DIY buffers we recommend are able to do about 36VDC. The issue is that you need two buffers if you go this route as it's just a single buffer, not a dual buffer so it's a little less practical to fully buffer your rig.

[@rgr4929]

But Bonafide or Truetone buffer that you always recommend are single buffers too. I was asking if it is so uncolored and transparent as Lehle says because the output impedance is a little high...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@rgr4929 yes, but I indicate you need two and the price point is quite low. To get 2x Lehle you'd need $500 or so, the Mesa Boogie is a better choice with this in mind and is already a dual buffer.

[@rgr4929]

Here in Spain it is only 136€ each. More than affordable! ;)

[@dowaliby1]

Very informative, thank you! I cannot imagine life without my Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. My fave pedal of all time. Helps me get Holy Grail clean tone on my Player Plus Strat plugged into a Fender Superchamp x2 head and Mesa cab with Jensen Blackbird 1 x 12 speaker, and it does beautiful full bodied crunch, as well.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad to help!

[@kettenfett7015]

incredibly well made video. Great inspiration!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Many thanks!

[@BluegillGreg]

Thanks. I have pedals that do most of these things, but now have a list of possible replacements instead of repairs since my DOD collection gets crankier as I near my 50th year playing!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

❤️❤️❤️

[@J.R.Psych74]

Sorry Mason for the juvenile comments here and there. I guess people can't appreciate a well informed master of musical equipment. Maybe when they grow up that they will see.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching Jason!

[@TheDredog59]

I am in the process of builing a new board and found this video very helpful TY

[@colsontowingllc3309]

the docta!!! great picks!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Colson!

[@longlivebytor]

Great video! I was surprised to see Arion pedals mentioned. I've always steered clear of them due to the plastic housing.

[@BristanKeller]

Two things I’m shocked by: 1: No mention of the JHS Vintage Fuzz clones (Tonebender, Crimson, etc.) 2: No mention of Strymon Big Sky or Timeline. 🤔

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What's your baseline? How many vintage fuzz pedals have you played? How many vintage studio reverbs have you played? Vintage delays and tape echos? All of these are well made, good pedals, but compared to what their anchored in, having played and or owning these devices, I feel some pedals get closer to what these pedals are going after...not necessarily at as good of a price point, but there are better sounding choices.

[@BristanKeller]

@@VertexEffectsInc admittedly I haven’t played any vintage fuzz pedals myself, however there are videos comparing them. While the JHS clones aren’t exactly the same (obviously) they sound better than those listed in this video in my subjective opinion. Second, Strymon is used my many professional guitar players and it is no secret they are one of the preferred brands when it comes to pedals. Not saying you’re wrong for not listing them, I’m just really surprised they weren’t mentioned.

[@jessevansant8872]

Great video! I’m about 2 years in when it comes to buying pedals; started out with absolutely no idea what I was doing. I’m glad to see I’ve arrived at a lot of your more affordable choices. I’ll definitely check out your shameless plugs-I agree with everything you said about pedals I’ve tried.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much!

[@richardbelisle3957]

So you recommend you go into a tunner right after the fuzz pedal?

[@dennisfreeland6949]

If you have the tuner's buffer on, then definitely. If it's a true-bypass tuner, it's hit or miss. That applies to *most* fuzzes. Big Muffs / 4 transistor+ fuzzes are generally ok behind buffers.

[@flingar]

Very nice episode. I believe that Palmer should be included especially with their PDI09 and PDI03. I use them all the time with my amps and get great tones on stage with reasonable volumes.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sglee4708]

As far as analog delay I love the maxon AD 9 pro

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Oh yea...great one!

[@billneill7567]

This was great thanks Mason! Another sleeper pedal I've been using for distortion pedals that give you some amp and cab adjustments is the old 90's Tech 21 GT2. Works great on many amps if you're playing casinos or clubs where you have to use whatever amp is there and only bring a pedal board.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sounds great!

[@liampowers8522]

I was sort of shocked to not see one strymon pedal here, just picked up a bigSky (call me basic all you want) and it is 1,000,000x better than the blueSky that I used prior

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it works for you

[@liampowers8522]

@@VertexEffectsInc thank you, would you recommend a ceriatone centura? i need a really good klon clone

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@liampowers8522 They're nice, so is the Rockett Archer

[@liampowers8522]

@@VertexEffectsInc if you had to recommend one or the other would you have an opinion?

[@stephenandvyn4719]

He mentioned Strymon Iridium in the amp sims.

[@TAkahashiryu]

Talking from my personal experience and being 100% based because I own them I would mention the Boss SD-1W as a great light overdrive. The Vox Wah should not have been forgotten and the TC Electronics Sentry Noise Gate is one of the best and most complete noise suppressors out there. And the MXR EVH Phase 90 not only is beautiful, but also sounds great.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👍👍👍

[@joelpoitras6226]

I see most of these pedals on popular pedalboard setups. I'm just wondering where have all BOSS pedals gone?? They were the most popular common staple of all pedalboard setup of the 80s & 90s. They seem to have been overated then vanished. Seems incomplete to discuss overdrive and distortion pedals without mentions of BOSS's classic SD-1 and DS-1.

[@lashlarue7924]

check the TDPRI "The Stompbox" threads, "show us your pedal board" - people still use them a lot, they ain't gone nowhere.

[@shaft9000]

They're doing fine. Their share in pedal market itself _has_ shrunk to half of what it was 30-40 yrs ago, but the total size of the market has more than doubled. In the '80s/'90s maybe 20 brands were active at any moment and there weren't much more than a half dozen companies releasing new pedals with any regularity from year to year. Now there are 100+ manufacturers with a range of dozens of pedals each, and at least 300 different brands of pedals on just Reverb or Ebay alone.

[@robdevine69]

I use almost exclusively Boss Pedals, so do many superstar guitar players. Ever looked at Dave Navarro’s pedalboard? I think you would be surprised 😊

[@thedellow2093]

Here’s what I’m running with at the moment-> Wah: Budda BudWah V1 Envelope Filter: 3Leaf Audio Chromatron Overdrive: Sarno Earth Drive Phaser: Maxon PH-350 Flanger: Foxrox TZF-2 Analog Delay: Diamond Memory Lane 2 Tremolo: Guyatone Flip Tube Tremolo I’m saving up for a Providence DLY-4 and a Neo Mini Vent II as well as probably a KOT V4. It’s a constant quest for sure!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!!!

[@davidabrams1474]

You seem to avoid Strymon. Would love to hear why?

[@WhiteWizzard]

He also hates on Boss buffers all the time lol ….it’s all so subjective. It’s just one dudes opinion.

[@carlharvey3989]

In my humble opinion, the best sounding and most durable wah ever made is the Roger Mayer "Vision Wah." Just, good luck finding one! It is also the most pricey wah I've encountered.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hmm....I guess not enough of them out there to prove the durability factor. They were cool though.

[@duncanjones7310]

what're your thoughts on the moog pedals? the moogerfooger 401m delay? i picked one up second hand recently for £250

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Some are great! I love their filters!

[@roncarter2188]

I'm glad to see the love for the JRocket Silver Archer pedal, I love this pedal as a standalone or put before a drive pedal this pedal is a must have, if you don't have and you get one you'll love it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great pedal!

[@VonBluesman]

Every pedal sounds different with a different amp and a different guitar to me. What do I know, I own at least $4,000 in pedals and I am still searching for the next best sounding pedal on KZbin videos. It is a maddening crazy non ending search that will keep you awake when you should be sleeping. LOL 😂

[@Psyfonify]

Are you scared to try and fall in love with a helix because you would feel the heartbreak of all the tough-earned cash you've wasted? Because I'm scared..i dont think I'll get a helix because of that 😂 HONESTLY

[@Psyfonify]

I mean, im at the point where im wishing i had programmable functions, and to do that with a real pedalboard is more than half the cost of a helix *just* for the device to handle switching and programming...ahhh lol pulling my hair out I keep thinking oh pedalboard better for gigging because if one thing goes down you still have the rest of the board to improvise with ..vs a helix going down and the performance is cancelled...but assuming the helix wont go down ever, everything else looks so much more convenient 🤤

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Many of us have this same affliction ;)

[@VonBluesman]

@@Psyfonify What I have found when I use a all in one pedal, the volume jump verses switching back to just the amp is too loud. Not boasting but I have a very famous friend that used the Line 6 and along with some other pedals and when he engaged the Line 6 it came across the sound system like it was a AM radio, it sounded awful and nobody had the nerve to tell him because he is one of the top players in the U.S. and tours all over the world. He has played years on the biggest stages with the biggest names in blues and rock. He also owns the most expensive desired amp of all time along with 1950 and 1960’s model guitars. Numerous Nashville studio musicians own them, some demo them on KZbin but rarely do they record with them when the pressure is on. Everybody hears things differently, some swear by Helix, Line 6, Fractal, etc. To each his or her own. Good luck with your tone quest.

[@ileutur6863]

@@VonBluesman yeah that's a classic case of expecting the pedal to do everything without dialling it in. Those digital all in one pedals can be especially tricky

[@jonasjung7501]

A few favorites that have stuck around on my rig: Mad Professor Little Green Wonder, JHS Kilt V1, MXR Analog Chorus and of course Boss DD500

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Good picks!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Agree on Boss DD-500 = Killer Delay

[@misled1664]

What do you think of the MXR Carbon Copy? That's my favorite pedal on my board.

[@PinchTune]

That's interesting, many people love it, but it never makes it into my board. I've had one sitting there for years. I think that's because I see it as a slapback delay and I don't do that very often. For everything else, if a delay doesn't have tap tempo, I have a hard time gelling with it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great!

[@PinchTune]

BTW, if you like the Carbon Copy see if you can get a hold of an MXR Echoplex. I find it's very similar, also dark, but you can add tape warbles. However, it does have a jack on the side where you an add a tap tempo switch.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@PinchTune Echoplex is very nice, but very different, also it's digital.

[@PinchTune]

@@VertexEffectsInc I guess that's true. I guess I just felt the both sound pretty dark and unobtrusive. You got me thinking, I'll plug them both in and try them back to back. I just got a Strymon Deco and it does that slapback thing that I normally don't play pretty well and now I'm intrigued to try more slapback.

[@retronartz1268]

I'd definitely include the MXR Micro amp for boosts, DBA Micro Harmonic Transformer for fuzz, as well as the T.C Electronic SCF under Flange/Chorus.

[@IndyRockStar]

what about the Strymon Timeline or MXR Echoplex Delays and the Strymon Big Sky Reverb?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great pedals, not my preferred units for those effects. I could add the MXR Tape Echo, that's probably the best one out there.

[@lgrim68]

Best video I have seen in months. I will re-watch for sure, and check out Vertex products.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@wasperminingco]

I'm sorry, but Rhett's not wrong about the TS.

[@error8418]

The Digitech Polara truly is one of the best reverb pedals ever made - it's a pity that they decided to discontinue it. However, since the second hand prices went through the roof, I have no regrets of selling mine. (The reverb algorithms in the HX Stomp are amazing too.) Two more worthy considerations: - Boost/Light-Overdrive: Kingsley Page (Tube Boost) - Overdrive: Nordland ODR-C (best ODR-1 style pedal ever made)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Samsung dissolved the company when they bought it...too bad. I have a Nordland, it's very nice.

[@error8418]

@@VertexEffectsInc Just like what Samsung did with AKG... I'm glad they kept going under a different name with Austrian Audio.

[@bryanfortin7373]

Very cool vidéo, but where is the MXR Carbon Copy ? Very good analog delay! Classic!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

DM-2 was the Carbon Copy before there was a Carbon Copy.

[@joecosta2434]

Great vid Mason. You're a real master at your craft. We are privileged to get such great content. I own a few of the pedals you've mentioned, one being the crunch box pedal V2 I think. I pulled it out the other day after years stored away. Wow! it blew me away how good it sounds and better than some other equivalent pedals I have costing twice as much. I also own a mint v1 ego compressor in brand new condition which I now know not to sell. Thanks again.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Much appreciated!

[@oinkooink]

If I keep buying pedals a) I'll surely get better at guitar and b) it'll take my mind off how mediocre I am

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahahah don't we all!

[@l.a.rodriguez9581]

Great comprehensive list! 2 recommendations: Xotic EP booster for that little always-on extra goodness and Boss JHS Angry Driver (JB-2) as a versatile driver.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gtrmageddon]

So many choices! Now I can sound horrible at so many different levels! Thanx!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hahahahaha! Maybe with a bit better tone ;)

[@gtrmageddon]

That’s Right!!! AhHahaa!!!

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

LOVE the Deluxe Memory Man. Used 'em constantly in the 80's. Never bettered.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They're great!

[@gund2281]

34:37 "Even though it's a Boss..." Um...huh?

[@franciscastro8756]

Honesty, I am curious to know your opinion on Boss. No Bias. Are They Good Products. I am talking DD-500 /RV-500/Blues Driver etc.

[@gund2281]

@@franciscastro8756 I've always known Boss to make really good products. They have their "oopsies" like any company, but their auto equipment had always been highly thought of ever since I worked in a music store in the 90s.

[@tjukkv]

Like your videos. Straight to the point. Clear reasoning rather than just opinions. Pros and Cons. Well done! Including price at video creation lets you know how much it has gone up or down in price..

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thanks!

[@KazuyaST]

if i have a fuzz pedal and a boss tu3 tuner. should the fuzz pedal go first before the tuner?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Before the tuner if it's impedance sensitive.

[@KazuyaST]

@@VertexEffectsInc how would i know? Is the nano big muff impedance sensitive?

[@kodykindhart5644]

Na Muff are 3 transistor circuit or more… less sensitive to placement

[@jsdhesmith2011]

Playing through the archer for the first time was like experiencing great guitar sound for the first time. My absolute favorite pedal or anything guitar related for me in the last 20 plus years.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Couldn't agree more!

[@richardsmith-to1fk]

Which archer version. ? Thx.

[@jsdhesmith2011]

@@richardsmith-to1fk I have the silver version. I use it as a boost. Or stack it with other overdrives for edge of breakup. Great pedal

[@richardsmith-to1fk]

@@jsdhesmith2011 thanks Josh what mid and high drives does it pair nicely with ?

[@tinyb69]

Now all I need is to go find a 60" X 24" sized board, so I can start laying all of this unnecessary crap out, for the rest of the band to trip over all night. Definitely gonna make for a great show.

[@Les537]

A modern classic you missed is the Tumnus, but it's covered with the Archer here as both are the same classic circuit. I have a few of those. The Fulltone Clyde deluxe is built like a tank and I've used mine for years - however the pot became scratchy almost instantly. I put a dunlop pot in there and now it's bullet proof. I love the Fulltone '69 fuzz face type pedal. I have a box full of fuzz pedals and this is the one keeps the rest in the box and off the board. It's not super fuzz, but it's very usable and dynamic with the volume in the Hendrix style. I have the simplifier thing as well for a few weeks now as a way to record guitar late at night - during the day I use tube amps. the simp doesn't come close to the sound, but it's really pretty good if you get most of your sound from your pedals. It has different dynamics than a tube amp that you can't escape - mostly on the attack of the note. Still a neat toy that gets the job done without a computer.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sometimes with pots, it's a the luck fo the draw...the latest Fulltone stuff is fully sealed so seems to last longer. Generally, I've found it to be the opposite, my Hot Potz don't outlast my Fulltone pot.

[@martinfitzsimons9539]

hi there from the Republic of Ireland. I love the video!....but I have a question (half joking & half serious)...Are you a long lost brother to Jack Black...the actor?...In my view...You're the head off him!! I mean that in a good way. LOL

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you like the video...it seems that several comparisons are recurring...Emil Hirsch, Ricki Lake, Geraldo Rivera, Jeff Tweedy, and there were others I don't remember.

[@mortonwilson795]

Hi Mason, thanks for a terrific overview - appreciate the time and effort! I will be googling several brands (including Vertex!) mentioned here by you and others who have added comments, what a treasure trove of info. I still have my MXR Dyna Comp, Distortion + & Phase 100 from the 80's and later grabbed the Analog Chorus, which is subtle but great (I still have the Roland Dimension D rack mount and considered the Dimension C pedal but opted for the Analog). I'll throw a few into the ring that I would recommend the intensely curious to check out. 1. Effectrode Blackbird Vacuum Tube Pre-Amp (UK). My 'if the house is burning down and you can only grab one' pedal. Fender / Dumblish - magic! 2. Neo Ventilator II - exceptional Leslie in a box. You can even arrange how far you want the mics from the speakers :). 3. Crowther Audio Double Hotcake. Made in NZ by an old buddy of mine from my band days. Most guitarists had a hotcake on the floor in the 70's and a few years ago I saw Paul had taken the 'what's better than 1 hotcake' idea to the next logical conclusion. Great OD / Distortion options. 4. TC Electronic Alter Ego x 4. In the 70's I used a WEM Copicat & Roland Space Echo a lot so this was a no brainer. I can switch from Copicat Slapback to Space Echo 1/4 notes to Echoplex dotted 1/8ths with just a touch. No brainer for me. 5. Redwitch Empress Chorus (another Kiwi). Just bought it - stereo and still getting acquainted but enjoying it a lot! 6. Victory V4 The Copper Preamp Pedal (UK). Like the Blackbird, another one with real valves - this one is geared towards the Vox Brit Pop jingle jangle sound. Add a Casino and you're in business! Thanks again, hope this rave proves useful for someone out there! Cheers.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevenbatke4167]

Best tremolo is the Diamond Tremolo.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Agree 100%. = thick, soupy optical, analog tremolo ( even better then my vintage Fender ) and I don't say-that-lightly. ( sadly ) I heard Diamond is no-longer in business. Glad I've got one. Their Memory Lane Jr and Compressor are also incredible.

[@stevenbatke4167]

@@michael_caz_nyc I’ve got the memory lane jr too. Great company.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

@@stevenbatke4167 Yeah, great pedal. ( always sounds killer, & sits-so-well in the mix ) They were: nice folks to do business with. They are from Canada. oNe LovE from NYC

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@stevenbatke4167 It's also very good, and analog as I recall.

[@stratjed]

Fulltone supatrem ? Great episode Mason. Rhett deserves more digs over the TS . He is to hipster to understand. You dont need to play cliche SRV stuff with one Rhett. Everything from jazz to metal works great. Current fav for me is the Phase 95 on the script 45 setting with rate high its "Badge " Leslie .

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, also a good one, the stereo version is so cool too!

[@richardaling5278]

in my opininion the best pedal ever made is the Tama Iron Cobra. My kickdrum just don't kick that nice with the stuff you're talking about...

[@didamnesia3575]

Nice.... and Tama is good stuff

[@rustyshackleford5793]

dude you know more about pedals than anyone on the internet right now. you are pedal jesus

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm sure between a few KZbin channels you'd have a pretty good 360 degree view of good pedal choices and best practices. You can never get it all in one place ;) Thanks for watching!

[@sparkyguitar0058]

@@VertexEffectsInc Great answer. I appreciate you not taking all the credit. After all Josh knows a lot, 60 sec hum covers a lot of different companies and B Wampler seems to know a lot. But you have a lot of good advice on your various videos. So take some credit cause you deserve some also.

[@michaelcraig9449]

So if all tuners got buffers, then no one needs to buy a buffer right?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Not all tuners have buffers, and just because yours does, it doesn't mean it's any good? If I have just any old overdrive, does it mean I don't need a Klon because all overdrives are the same? It's the same thing as it relates to buffers. There's not one buffer circuit. The quality and efficiency of a buffer varies greatly brand to brand. 99% of them suck.

[@prc90272]

Great video, uncle Mason. Well done. My only addition is the Keeley Compressor Plus. Killer comp.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@FatalBrainError]

Korg Miku is the best.