Why I'll Never Go Fully Digital (my new pedalboard)

[@xacttone]

Thank you so much for bringing in this project! A great example of how something can be uber-capable without being a straight jacket. You did a great job of making sure this was conceptually complete well before one cable was cut. Paid off huge.

[@RhettShull]

Thanks again guys! You knocked it out of the park with this one.

[@fluffytoaster427]

I had no idea there were people who provide the service you guys do. Definitely feeling another board might be in order👀

[@catopwnzify]

Why spend so much on a nice amp to load it with all this garbage?

[@glass.hammer]

The buffer(?) you guys built is amazing. That addresses something that turns me off of certain amps: no fx loop. Is it built to the spec of the Mastermind’s loops? What I wouldn’t do to see the diagram…

[@ronaldleone9038]

​@@RhettShullI would love to see you use your tidal caster in your videos. Never see it anymore

[@Yungjd]

I'll never financially recover from watching this video

[@Antitrump7431]

[@segueoyuri]

do not worry. As soon as Kemper announces their new profiler Rhett will make a video telling how much his taste changed, how much wow and amazing this is and how he's going fully digital from now on 🤣🤣 after all it's his equipment and he has the right to use whatever he likes

[@Robert_Browne]

Reminds me of my first Mogami video.

[@LodvarDude]

Well, you're not a trust-fund kid like this dude. Don't worry about it. Go build a board and do some gigs and enjoy your music.

[@mikedr1549]

@@LodvarDude Rhett isn't a trust fund kid. He worked hard and became a successful KZbin'r.

[@Teletex82]

I went all digital this year and Im really happy with it. There is so much posturing among a lot of guitar influencers/youtubers, nobody wants to be the guy with the digital rig in his videos and then have to follow that Pedal Show or Uncle Larry. The biggest lesson I've learned as a guitar player is to stop caring about what other people play or like.

[@Toutvids]

I'm 53 and pedals are part of my guitar DNA. Nothing will ever change that.

[@lukescott8438]

Pedalboard builds are SO satisfying. Solid video, thanks for this!!

[@sundaynightdrunk]

I like the Paul Gilbert approach to pedalboard design: you need an overdrive, a distortion, a delay, a reverb, and "something to make it wobble."

[@johnscanlon419]

Lol, yeah then duct tape it all to a piece of plywood and shred.

[@sundaynightdrunk]

@@johnscanlon419 He does use plywood but not duct tape; he actually uses velcro over the entire thing so he can swap pedals.

[@KYCDK]

instead of overdrive and distortion I have a traditional fuzz (tone bender clone), and a another fuzz pretending to be an overdrive (powerboost clone) and a third fuzz pretending to be a distortion (big muff) they are all fuzzes and have the wild fuzz characteristics (as they use transistors) but the powerboost is relatively low gain, so it's like an overdrive and the big muff (because of it's circuit and using more transistors) makes it smoother and less wild but higher gain, similar to a basic distortion pedal (still has the fuzz sound though) I think it's funny that I technically have 3 fuzzes on my pedalboard and then on top of that I have a marshall which I can use for it's natural tube overdrive I worry I have too many distortions, I'm not even a heavy distortion user

[@Tool0GT92]

I run a Helix LT, I'm not a professional player I just serve at church and its so easy to bring it with me and have all my songs setup for the week. It doesn't always sound better than analog but just plugging it into the front of house and playing is great for me.

[@Fernando-ry5qt]

Oh the comfort!!! Unbeatable!!! Being able to just quickly pick up your guitar, modeler and maybe small backpack with.... a few cables and stuff, and that if your gig bag doesn't have the space And run to the gig, arrive just in time, throw a line to the mixer and sound FLAWLESS is amazing...... I love my modeler

[@alec7364]

Amen

[@ESP77769]

I've spent the last 40 years going through gear, still running into the pedalboard to amp or cab sim. Nothing beats analog pedals, still!! What a beautiful pedalboard, Rhett!! :-)

[@Aaronius_Maximus]

First off, that midi router is freaking amazing. Absolute artistry what this company does. In my own experience, using the digital stuff just feels like it separates you from that connection to the guitar's sound. I also just hate trying to match levels on tons of presets and how they sound so vastly different between amps. When I'm able to line my pedals up the way I need into my Marshall head everything feels much more "alive".

[@xFORESTCRUNKx]

Showed your new album to my wife and she now understands why my son and I are always watching your videos.

[@vanmira]

Rhett, the EP is great! I've listened to it like 100 times in the last few months. Lots of viby sounds and fiery rifs. Looking forward to the next one!

[@chrisbyrneguitar]

I had a digital rig for a while (Helix with a Duncan Powerstage into a 4x12 cab) and whilst it worked great, I missed having a rig that felt personal. Having that extra push a valve amp gives you in a live setting, along with a pedalboard which is tailored specifically to you is just something I find more enjoyable to play with. To each their own!

[@TechyTimM]

My takeaway is the importance of finding and clinging tenaciously to what inspires you - that's where you can't compromise.

[@d3w4yn3]

Hearing you switch tones and modulations so easily in your demo time, this was incredibly satisfying!!! So it can be done!!!

[@Anonymous-o6t6p]

He’s on a roll with the rage bait lol

[@officialWWM]

He found something that works and he’s running with it 😂

[@LumaTo]

Dammit. He got me.

[@BlockDefender]

Next he's going to mod his pedals by replacing the circuits inside lmao

[@caydespliff181]

I’m here for it 👍

[@apersonontheinternet8034]

It's just the youtuber formula nowadays. 🥱

[@dstads]

I had a midi ground loop from a switcher! I contacted the company - and even they (and I) didn’t know about midi ground loops. Expertise is key.

[@allentkatch1762]

The best playing and sounding guitarist that I ever gigged with played a Strat straight into a Fender tube amp, no pedals. And he is a guitarist on famous recordings you probably have heard. Part of the pleasure in hearing him play was that you could make out every little nuance in his excellent playing, the articulation and dynamics was clear, no effects covering that up.

[@nachodaisuki91]

The Fender amps have built in spring reverbs in them so haha! lol Just kidding. I know what you mean.

[@MrScrofulous]

I'm with you. I'm a bedroom hack that travels a lot for work and I take a proper tube amp, a decent pedalboard, a cab and at least 2 -3 guitars. I look like a touring pro when I unload my van and it's just a hobby. to kill time between shifts. I'm sitting here messing with a BOSS RE-202 as I watch this and type. It's a brilliant pedal. I have killer tone, Yay me !! Chupacabra into a Mesa TA-15, Creamback 65 cab, RE-202 for ambience, life is good.

[@JosephCompton66]

Barry and Eric are the best. They built my board, and I couldn’t be happier.

[@ericheidemanmusic]

This is so dope, I be so confused though haha. I wanna just plug straight in and play. The more I mess around with pedals the more I realize I just need to play haha

[@suede__]

Chroma Console and Mood are just incredible creativity machines.

[@RhettShull]

Seriously, they're some of the best pedals ever made IMO

[@joeb3590]

Is there an affiliate link?

[@mikedr1549]

That pedalboard is a work of art right there!

[@spencerfreed6947]

Very cool build and really impressive layout and soundscape!! Sidenote...just downloaded the new EP and it is such a deep vibe, love it! Aurora and Heavy Bike are my favorites so far. Very cool hearing Dylan make an appearance as well. Fantastic job Rhett! So much of it takes you on an almost visual journey. I think you should seriously consider doing film score imho as well! Looking forward to more, big fan!

[@jacobsandnes7993]

I tend to think this whole conversation comes down to a simple reality. A nice grand piano is amazing... but also thousands upon thousands of dollars. The question is not whether a midi setup with keyscape is better, worse, or any number of subjective questions. The question that all of this attempts to answer is "What is the price of inspiration?". Are you a creative who can't create without a piece of gear that inspires you? Enter jack white with a pickup, 2x4, coke bottle and cigarette lol. I'm not throwing shade in any way on this awesome setup. Video was great! I just think using the argument that digital gear can't inspire seems weak to me. But like I said, to each their own. :) Keep on keeping on my fellow guitar lovers.

[@gimmee99]

Bingo. I usually love Rhett's take on things, but all this stuff for a bunch of stuff that makes the guitar sound like not a guitar? I mean I'd rather just have a 300 ME unit with a bunch of ambient and wierd modulations, and then 3 or 4 GOOD guitar pedals even? I guess it all depends on what sounds you need to make, but if 80% of your playing is to make all these wierd synth sounds, how about just play a synth !!! 😛

[@RhettShull]

I didn’t say it can’t inspire, I said it doesn’t inspire me.

[@jacobsandnes7993]

@@RhettShull apologies, I know you said it doesn't inspire you. I suppose I was trying to point out others who might say digital has no soul. It can move air in the room with frfr speakers and such. At the end of the day I'm usually a more utilitarian when it comes to effect/amp gear and less driven by whether something really speaks to me (guitar is a different story of course). I always just figure I'm having a bad day cause inspiration comes and goes. Anyway, sorry for miss characterizing your statement.

[@iggie_za]

Yep, agree. What works for you and inspire you at a certain time and application is extremely important. This video is great to provide important information when deciding on a traditional pedal board and building one. However, at this point in time and going forward I don’t think you can say that a digital rig or a traditional pedal board with live amp is better than the other. It all depends on what type of setup you need for your application- is it live gigging or studio work or just writing/composing….For instance, if it is a simple live blues rig with very basic requirements, then an old traditional rig is fine. I found that gigging live with greater versatility is a lot easier with a digital rig. I use Main Stage and a midi foot controller and can do amazing intricate setups with a few plugins… and my setup can change/grow without having to remove/replace a pedal with new patch cables….or reproduce a new pedalboard. (I do prefer to use an FRFR type monitor for my guitar in this setup). Though, I love old analog gear…

[@AmiliaCaraMia]

@@gimmee99not the same thing as a synth. As is the case if you are manipulating found objects to sound “synthy.” A lot of people use stringed instruments as sound design tools, so a blues purist is not going to understand the want or production need to do so. Different strokes.

[@Myoldnameiscringy]

I just sold my Helix and bought an old Pro Reverb for this reason.

[@eoak134]

Being in a cover and tribute band, the amount of control I have over my sound just can’t be really be replicated with a physical amp and pedal. I use an FM9. However, there is something about laying out pedals and just playing with them, they inspire a lot of creativity. Hard to replace it!

[@Ryan_Wiseman]

I'm with Rhett on not going fully digital. The dream of my setup is to have a good IR pedal (paired with power amp), amp head + cab (using a bedroom level practice amp atm), as well as an amp switcher so I can switch between IR and analog amp. It's a dream, but damn, I want to make that dream possible

[@DoobTube71]

Rhett Shull 2026 review: “Why I Went 100% Digital Pedal Board!” 😂

[@bluecollarguitarist]

Exactly.

[@Riley880]

anything for the clicks

[@tonyphucthinh]

i mean he did go over in his previous videos…tools should serve a need. needs can change

[@MarcoCirillo]

Great sound man!

[@JCleggy]

Rhett is basically the opposite of me when it comes to gear, but he’s filled with a lot of great knowledge on the stuff that is important to him. 😎

[@edgarcortes]

Awesomely creative rig Rhett! keep this content coming! The nerdier, the wilder and personalized the sound the better!

[@michaelfriedman9029]

@Rhett I didn't know you had an EP. Congratulations! At the end of the day, it's all about the art.

[@STWUGAMMA]

It is a beautiful board Rhett! You gotta give it a name!!!

[@guypierce6323]

We've crossed over to full plaid now, interesting.

[@SuddenSoundStudios]

This was fantastic. I know a lot about electronics, but like you said, I didn't know what I didn't know. So much useful into, from ground loops to cable soldering! Thank you.

[@TrashHeapCustodian]

As someone who solders for a living, that dude knows what's up for sure. I always hear folks talking about crimp vs solder, but the fact of it all is, if you solder properly? Absolutely superior almost every time outside of some niche use cases. And use more flux! Nobody uses flux! It helps!

[@joshplant]

I went 10 years soldering cables not knowing flux was a thing.... Discovering it made me feel like an absolute idiot struggling all those years

[@John666Galilee]

Thank you for putting this rig together. This is very inspiring!

[@NadaSurfinAB]

My concern about such a specific and unique pedal board would be someone stealing, losing, or abusing it. I have a whole different set of simpler needs for my gigging, but I like the idea that if I ever lost my Helix, or if it died, I could go rent or borrow one, load a back up onto it, and be good to go. My Helix needed a repair. I bought the performance warranty when I purchased it. I walked out the door with a free loaner, and gigged the loaner while mine was in the shop. I’d also be concerned about how many points of failure or inadvertent tweakage there could be on such a complex board. So, for what I need, the Helix, and the ability to recreate my Helix on another one with a simple upload, has served me well.

[@ryancruickshank1868]

Practical as fuck take

[@masonmoffort]

@@ryancruickshank1868 FR It's the cost of ownership, I never keep tube amps for the same reason. I love them, but tube failures etc have happened to me in the past - I like having an amp for gigs, so I have a catalyst ready to go - lighter, 200watt 2x12 that works as a rough frfr for the me80 (mentally good little unit the me80)

[@apersonontheinternet8034]

That's likely because you're an actual gigging musician (probably with limited finances), rather than a clickbait youtuber who needs to keep doing stuff like this 'for content'. In a few weeks/months Rhett will post another video "Why I moved back to modelers for my entire pedalboard".

[@justiceforall6412]

As a player I quite agree. Amp wise I own 5 different amps. I use a rack right for gigging. Quick, simple, easily backed up,band best of all...light!

[@DavidMacVicar]

Digital is incredible

[@nickm.9474]

That’s an awesome board. I just got my supplies today for a new pedalboard build. Love watching that guy work. Always pick up good ideas.

[@MarsGuitarOfficial]

I tried to go fully digital myself a few times with failure. I totally relate to you !!! Thanks for the video. 🎸🎵🙏

[@misterknightowlandco]

I learned how to play in the 90’s. I’m not re-learning how to build a rig in order to go digital now 😂😂😂. I just can’t. A few drives and a few oddballs plugged into a proper tube amp is all I need. 🍻

[@everope]

Impulse responses for speaker cabs work great, tape delay emulations have gotten great, digital reverbs have been great since the 80's. But nothing beats real tubes, transformers, op-amps and diodes working together... IMO

[@cal_blac]

Your signal is being fully digitized by that re-202. Supposedly it’s really good A/D conversion but yeah…. 1s and 0s. I have one too - don’t really notice any difference, definitely adds more than it takes away

[@daughtersofdivorce6803]

Honestly, the mojo from the analog preamp in the 202 nullifies any weird A/D conversion for sure. It sounds so so sooooo nice.

[@sam-browne]

30:00 if you want to know why he'll never go fully digital (which is the title of this video).Spoiler alert - he likes how real amps sound and feel.

[@christopherpurcell8131]

this thing is rad! this is also an example of why I could never hack it as a touring musician these days. so much tech i just can't get my head around

[@thoblette]

This pedal board is a piece of art.

[@robbraden3266]

Yes for sure if you have a Two Rock amp behind your shoulder to play through, not using it would be a shame.

[@jaysonmakesmusic]

I find the best usage out of digital setups (mainly the helix as a pedalboard) is 1. snapshot mode, & 2. having a wide array of effects at your disposal, rather than having to build a board that ends up way more expensive and prone to failure than a multi-fx unit would be I don't knock anybody who stays along the analog path! I was the same way for a looong time, and if that helps you get the sounds you want/like then it's perfect!

[@RandyFricke]

In a recent post by Tim Pierce he stated that he's an analog man too. If you're a session player and you're on the clock the artist and producer aren't going to give you 3 hours to twiddle knobs for the sound they're asking for. You have to get set up, tune up, and nail that tone as fast as possible. I'm not a session musician but I also would rather be playing that dialing in effects and tones. A modeler would not work for me. Rather than having one board that does everything, I stick with the standards. Drive, compressor, chorus, flange, phaser, EQ, a couple of boosts and that's it. I have 17 pedal boards 5 of which are built are the $40 JOYO Sound pedals. British, Oxford, and AC. They sound better than 90% of the pedals I've tried in the "boutique" range of pedal that can go for $200 and up.

[@jlynnb1]

Using a modeler can be no less efficient etc than analog.

[@brianmiller3287]

17 pedal boards??? Dude...

[@RandyFricke]

@@brianmiller3287 Well, I started with one and it turned out so nice I just started buying a bunch of the great budget pedals. The most expensive drive pedal I have is a Carl Martin Plexitone.

[@czechplastik]

Modeller totally simplifies this exact scenario for me. One box, does it all, easy.

[@suede__]

You're modeler would have all that set up. There would be no twiddling knobs. Your modeler doesn't have to be set up to be like a per song thing.

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

Re: MIDI ground loops. This won't happen on a standard 5-pin DIN MIDI rig. Usually MIDI devices use optocouplers for galvanic isolation, meaning that there is no physical connection between the wires in the different units. So it would seem that pedal manufacturers (using tele plugs) don't adhere to that practice. I've been using MIDI since it was first released and I've never had a ground loop problem on any of my synth, sequencer, mixer, effects rigs, caused by MIDI connections. MIDI through USB also has the potential for the same problem. ✌✌

[@xacttone]

Correct. The standard current loop driven spec is designed specifically to not introduce ground loops. Many MIDI capable pedals currently on the market break this convention. Kind of a bummer.

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

@@xacttone It makes me wonder why a serious manufacturer would implement an inferior version of an established and working standard. ✌✌

[@ericjohnson1811]

This is soooo cool! Awesome!

[@jonasjacobsen9702]

"For Penny" is beautiful

[@robrdavis]

I appreciate that you're not a hardline amp and pedals vs. digital modeler kind of guy. You see tools as tools and not as some sort of gospel that you have to support one and bash the other. I'd absolutely LOVE to have an awesome amp and a great pedalboard. Many things in my life prevent that from being a reality; mainly, I'm not a professional musician and just can't justify the expense. I'm also not financially able to fund a rig like that. Small footprint, easy to lug around and relatively inexpensive are my needs. Thank you for sharing the "other side" of guitar tone and what can be done with "real" gear while not pooping on those of us who live in the digital realm! Also, your setup is kinda neat.... Okay, it's really cool.

[@gcvrsa]

I actually made the decision to go fully digital earlier this year for my main guitar pedalboard for two reasons: 1. Size and weight, because I have decided to limit the physical size of my pedalbaord to fit in an airline underseat bag, and 2. Because I actually found that I was fully satisfied with the sound of my Boss GT-1000Core's drive, amp, and cab models. I never thought I would say that. I owned ny Core for over two years before I sat down to figure out if I could or would be happy with using the digital drive, amp, and cab models, and it turns out that I found it pretty easy to build patches that sound great to me. I was already using the Core for my compression, mod, delay, and reverb needs, and analogue for everything else. I have not yet decided to go fully digital for my main bass board, but my current main bass board is mostly digital, to begin with. I'm still planning on building a new analogue/digital hybrid main bass pedalboard.

[@scotthutchens1556]

This is a great set-up but is so much more than I could handle even as easy to use as these guys have engineered it. In the early 1970’s our singer made fun of me having to tap dance on just 3 effects-Big Muff Pi, Black Finger Sustainer, and Cry-Baby Wah-Wah. When we had special extra long worship sessions at my old church in around 2017 plus in other services, I packed pedals (a reverb, 3-4 overdrives) in a suitcase and set them up on the floor because that’s how I wanted to do it it despite many people saying I wasn’t supposed to do that and that I HAD to have a “board”. Plus except for the reverb which has to have a PS, I used batteries because of less PS clutter. 😂😜🤪

[@FrozenCrapholeDweller]

That board is really something, my friend!

[@JayTheLane]

I've just gone back to a pedalboard setup after dwelling in the modelling realm for two years. My pedalboard is mostly UA stuff so nowhere near as high end as your board and no midi. I'm back on my Fender Deluxe 112 solid state from the 90s which is brutally loud but is great as a clean pedal platform. Dig your album, has a somewhat ambient but retro vibe to it 💜 You play with real musicality. It's great that you haven't drenched everything with wet delay and reverb but been selective 😎

[@Kipperbob]

Here's another perspective, I've been a plug straight into the amp guy for 35 years, I didn't get pedals at all till I got a little Spark Go at the beginning of 24, since then I've been messing around with the effects and different types of amps, so much so that I don't think I would want to go back to just playing straight into an amp.

[@guitarjeff55]

Nice job Rhett. You're working on the same thing that I've been contemplating I have one major board and I have two medium yet to build in my retirement I'm still finding it hard to get things done and find the time for them. and just like me all of those multiple variables are real to grab they are very picturesque. It's much easier to take a photographic snapshot of how you had your settings then it is to remember a particular digital footprint if you are looking at a model in a magazine is totally different when it's hands-on

[@DGoetz26]

That pink sparkle novo is by far my favorite guitar of yours out of everything you’ve ever shown on your channel. So nice.

[@atonofspiders]

He has a video about it and it’s really good

[@WesleyThibodeau]

And this is why I follow your channel, it's just more fun :) Pedals are fun!

[@DanielBrophyMusic]

Amazing. Have loved watching your different boards evolve over the years. This one looks sweet! Sounds killer.

[@eansteidel9541]

I’ve been in the box and using digital for my entire time as a musician and producer. Finally made the jump to try some guitar pedals and it’s wayyyyy more fun. And the nuance I can bring out of the tones by messing with knobs instead of menu diving is faster and better. Idk if it sounds better or fuller or anything, but it’s more fun and I think more creative to have physical pedals

[@joelogan5120]

That Argentine Grey 335 deserves a video! It’s been in too many thumbnails now.

[@EduardoBerth]

Second to this! ❤

[@DocMartin3]

I use to feel this way, but the new fractal VP-4 has really changed my mind. It does everything so well. I would maybe throw my favorite overdrive, fuzz and compressor in front of the VIP-4 and that’s it!

[@geoffwidmier3714]

The board looks great. I have the previous version of the Space Echo, so I definitely recognized that sound and the end! I have been using the Space Echo on my pedal board since 2010. After maybe 170 gigs, it still works perfectly. I could not use it on our last album, because it was getting a lot of noise from the power outlet, but that is my fault for using a cheap power supply!

[@rhythmguru1]

That jam around 28:00 felt a lot like Phil Collin's 'In the air tonight' intro. Sounded cool that you did it on your own, where Phil's band live would have probably 3-4 people to make that sound - a cool drum pad would be fun to add to this rig.

[@Telewest792]

I have a schmit array board with Gigrig G3 controlling it all so i can do the wet dry 2 amp thing . The G3 allows you to have 12 pedals and control the midi all in one . I go into the built in inputs on the board , that goes to my volume pedal then to BB exotics Andy Timmons drive ,then into ODR 1 then the iautomitone , a boost , then to the three UA pedals and from there to the Strymon time line strymon Möbius ,then finally to the Halo then all the wet effects goes to the effects on the lone star classic and all the dirt goes to front channels on the mesa and a deluxe reverb , glorious sound . Love different pedal boards they make you think of the endless possibilities that the likes of helix and kemper and fractal can’t match especially when you want to change setting on the fly . Love your show Rhett.

[@beatmasterbossy]

I mean, it's already a mix of tubes and transistors anyway. Some degree of analog, some degree of digital As long as it sounds good and feels good. I wouldn't want a full digital set-up and don't have a full analog set-up I do like tactile pedalboards But I also like the automated switching and ease of use for digital

[@guitarjeff55]

Nice job Rhett. You're working on the same thing that I've been contemplating I have one major board and I have two medium yet to build in my retirement I'm still finding it hard to get things done and find the time for them

[@claytonfairchild8213]

Very enjoyable and the playing/writing top notch.

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I use a NUX multiFX modeller with an additional analogue OD pedal in front on my electric rig, gives me everything I need, doesn't cost a fortune and is easy to transport. For my acoustic shows, I have a pre-amp pedal, a tuner/power pedal and a Boss looper. I'd love a board full of cool pedals but I don't earn a fortune and have to make the most of what I can afford.

[@StevenPhillips]

I didn’t think I needed an overdrive until I got my tube screamer. Now it’s always on

[@jtf2dan]

Hologram Electronics Chroma console for the WIN! What an awesome board...thanks for sharing!

[@viggogrendahl1]

My pedalboard: Wampler Pinnacle deluxe, Boss CE5 chorus, Boss DD3 delay. It really rocks.

[@B.I.B.L.E.]

That board is sick! Nice choices.

[@transmundanemusic]

Digital is fun. Analog with real amps is more fun, and as amazing as digital sounds, it can never ever ever give the same experience as, like you said, an amp pushing air behind you. That's enough reason for me.

[@suede__]

I mean, minus the fact that half of the pedals are digital.

[@transmundanemusic]

@@suede__ being run through a real amp in conjunction with analog pedals. It's not the same experience in the slightest.

[@nicholasaragon4126]

Tube is boring to me. I last maybe half an hour on a traditional amp before I want to go back to a smorgasbord of amps, speakers, effects, gain stages, compression levels, mics, EQ settings, and on and on. Limitless possibilities over limited possibilities. Plus consistency, portability, reliability, efficiency on top. In addition to having the same rig support acoustic and bass. Don't get me wrong my tube amps are fun for a time but they almost never leave my house.

[@transmundanemusic]

@@nicholasaragon4126 Digital has a ton of benefits, for sure, but it's just not the same experience. I'd also add that there really are limitless possibilities w real amps and pedalboards too, but you end up spending a lot more to make that happen. I love and own tube amps and modellers/profilers, and I think they all come with positives and negatives. My point was just that there is no experience like a tube amp pushing air and interacting with your guitar.

[@mariannewijnensanderdekr-me5cm]

What a nice video!! Super pedalboard very nice sounds. Enjoy it and make your dream come through for 25. And what a nice voice you have to listen too...

[@kylecravens8052]

Very cool! Lately I've had a lot of compliments on my tone using a few key trusted pedals (Walrus Audio Compressor, ODR-1, vintage Boss Delay) into a Line 6 modeler (POD GO) then to FOH with Walrus Audio Line Injection / DI box. It's a great compromise of affordability and quality.

[@iananderson1391]

The stashed L3 under the bench caught my eye! I have one from my Grandpa's poka days and its great!

[@krisbrown3294]

Absolutely killer rig! This is exactly what I am trying to accomplish with my rig. I need the ability to do the creative “stomp box” mode but I’m trying to get it set to be more one button operation. I have midi and I can but I struggle with the nitty gritty side of pre programming all the tones per song. Would love to see a video that breaks down your mindset when doing that. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@Birkguitars]

Would love to see and hear that here in the UK. Just be careful getting it through TSA!!

[@LouisA-q3r]

If your amp ever goes down at a gig and you don't have a spare you'll wish you had a rig with amp & cab sim's. Happened to me once, my amp died after 3 songs into a 12 song set at a huge festival. If I was using an analog pedal board I would have been screwed, but I was using a digital multi effects pedal so all I had to do is turn on an amp & cab simulator, plug directly into the P.A. and I finished the gig.

[@atonofspiders]

People used to bring spare amps and put them on stage. Obviously it’s more work, but that’s what you do if you to not have that problem.

[@RhettShull]

I’ve been there, I usually travel with a spare amp or a small amp in a box style pedal in an absolute pinch

[@FlankinspanK]

Friedman IR-

[@tompoynton]

@@RhettShullI’ve got the SimpliferX at the end of my chain, perfect for this

[@nickmarbot]

Joyo American Sound

[@philf4086]

Smooth shimmer reverb! I like it. It really doesn't look old school to me, some of those effects have deep editing functions, and you need those. Take the Space Echo for example, hard to work with that in a plug in. Nice to have knobs.

[@landguitar]

Very cool, thanks for the video on this. I have RJM PBC's on my last and current pedalboards; a PBC 6X on the current one. I have used their computer editor for years and while not perfect, it's easily the best I've used. I am a preset guy and build presets for every song; you can use up to 5 on a song on the 6X, which is usually fine. HOWEVER, I do take issue with some comments y'all made about not having to interact with the board, and being able to put the 6X (or any looper/midi controller) into "manual" mode. Yes, that works, and can be usable, but if you've built songs and presets, and suddenly want or need to go "manual", while you can easily engage individual (maybe not all of them) pedals, it's NOT easy to adjust them on the fly without bending down or having to somehow (bluetooth maybe, depending on the pedal) interact with the pedal, to get to different pedal presets or settings. So the "going manual" thing sounds good, but in practice, it's not that usable. IMO, the whole point is to NOT touch the pedals... I just bought a special edition H90 to replace my H9 Core, and I'm likely going to have to get my current pedalboard rebuilt to make it work. I have used Goodwood for my last 2 pedalboards and he does great work, but I am hopeful not to have to send things to California or someplace far (my first one with them was built in Australia then shipped to me!)...Nashville's still further than I'd like to ship, but it might make sense... I am now going to watch the "nerd deep dive" as I want to see what some of those pedals are! I have never used an EQ, but I love the possibilities of the CB Preamp; it's just so big on the board! Thanks Rhett!

[@John666Galilee]

30:14 Amen! Live man! you gotta be able to keep it real(analog buttons !ability to adapt live) Dear Rhett: I have been good all year Christmas is coming and this would make a beautiful gift to one of your favorite followers😊

[@drp8062]

Lol... Looking forward to next year's "Why I Went Completely Digital" video!

[@TwoEdgedSword19]

Halfway through the EP and it is 🔥! Coming to a Chipotle and Netflick near you!

[@EJH-jn6mo]

So many considerations when putting together a more advanced pedalboard. Even more importantly is taking to a very good board maker. I made the mistake of using a builder I thought was well qualified (they have a a big YT presence) and $3k later found there were so many issues that resulted in me taking mine to another much more qualified builder who’s been around the block (Dave Friedman).

[@marriner5]

Love the board. It’s a very digital board, but it works and looks fun.

[@peterjessop1878]

Lovely board. There is something satisfying about creating a really great pedalboard. I have to say though I switched to digital because a pedalboard can be unreliable and the ability to play in stereo more easily and cheaply. I now use a sort of hybrid with analogue drive/fuzz pedals plus a Fractal.

[@jamesgibson3242]

Rhett, would you consider doing a video on Mosrite guitars? Even if you don't own one maybe you could find one at a guitar shop and do a video of you demoing it and do some background info on Mosrite. I have vintage and Japanese Mosrites and love them. Most guitarist don't know Mosrite so maybe the story should be told and should be shared to the generations.

[@alexnelson3656]

Hey Rhett! Subscriber for over a year. Easy video suggestion: walk us through your current guitar collection. Would love to see it as I there are multiple guitars I have a connection with after watching the channel. Additionally, there are a bunch of guitars that show up that I’ve never seen before.

[@masonmoffort]

The me80 has replaced physical rigs for me. lightweight and fully stocked, throw some IR's on there, set up your effects patches and you're ready to go. Use it as a line in, an audio interface, a headphone amp, a preamp, and acoustic sim that runs off aa batteries so you can go open micing with it as easy as an acoustic.

[@mattg082]

Nice setup! For pedal dancing I just put my effects in a few bypass loops and keep them always on. That way I can setup my delay temp or anything else…but on the loop there’s no delay switching. It’s pretty much a mute button. I deploy those usually in spots there is a delay switching, or some signal interference of one, or a combo I want to use but can’t hit all at once. Thats the cheap way if you only use 2-3 stacks of effected in and out, and most of them have midi. You can use any midi box or Abelton to change them in session. But if I had the money, I def go this route. Still I like tying midi to a master computer for live shows…just to sync things with other musicians and be creative. Or have Abelton change parameters per section. That works well if you have a locked set, and midi effects pedals at the end. At that point you’re only dealing with your overdrives, however you want and hitting effect bypass loop switches to have kill switches.

[@gordontubbs]

Rhett, I’d love to see you try out a BOSS ME-70/80/90!

[@leavingsoulsBO]

I kind of stand in the middle with this. I'm currently in two bands that are essentially in "writing mode" and having a similar pedalboard (even if less complex and kind of messier) is great for on the spot adjustments compared to the menu diving an "all in one" digital solution requires. But when it comes to performance? I feel a lot more confident with a digital floorboard and a simplified backup one; both for less points of failure and a because I can still have presets and freedom to go off the rails if needed when things are properly set up

[@RoseCityMusicClub]

That sounds awesome dude you are a killer guitar player. You’re a song Smith also out of all of these guys. It’s probably you, uncle Larry and Guthrie trap.

[@RhettShull]

Thank you! Thats very high praise

[@JeffreyDopp]

Barry is the best! I’m so lucky they’re down the street!❤

[@nasticanasta]

I'm 65 been playing since 78 when I saw Larry Coryell and John McLaughlin together, I started out with pedals of course then when with racks and then back and back again and I ended up back with pedals

[@gol_d.kralii2124]

Step 1: Own a lot of money and have a own house where you can play an amp and have space for all that stuff. For the rest i think modellers are perfect solution