The RG Rules Thread

[markeebee]

FX loop switcher.

How about.....FX loop switcher wrapped around the whole FX chain.

So with the loop switched out you're connected direct to your amp via one switch, and you don't have buffers (or multiple mechanical switches, for the gold-plated amonst us) adding mud.

When you switch the loop in there are buffers in line, sure, but also probably a pedal in 'on' mode so your sound is altered by that in any case.  I've built a wraparound switch into my power supply - doesn't take up any more real estate (and I don't perceive that it's picking up any noise from the ps).

Takes up one space on your board, but you can add another switch (or more) for tuner out or something, so it can be a multi-purpose widget.  Another benefit is that you can pre-select a bunch of pedals 'offline' and then switch them all in with one button push.

A long long way from being  ground-breaking, I know.  I offer the solution merely to head off the punch-up that I feel (and hope) is brewing here....

[Colonel Angus]

I like your thinking Markeebee!! Also waiting for punch-up (covers nuts)

[Earthscum]

What I was thinking is that if you have, say, 5 pedals that only get used once during an entire show, why have them all in the chain? Just switch that group out until you need one of them, then pull the whole group up, hit the one you need, and switch it back out after you're done. No duplicates needed. Then you're sitting with less pedals in the entire chain, and any "tone sucking" or what-nots are only to be expected when you need all your groups in.

Example for my set would be to have a switch that drops everything out between my DS-1 and my Phaser. That would leave me with Bazz Fuss into DS-1 into KMD Phaser. My kickout group would be Nurse Quacky, Toe Jam, FX-17, DOD Bass Overdrive, Little Angel. I don't use those pedals as much.

If I had a larger board (which could very well happen), I'd look at separating them out to kick out groups, like Wahs and filters into one, or if I use one wah with my OD, keep those grouped, and pull them in and out as needed.

[markeebee]

Oh god, I'm embarassed to admit this.  Forgive me.

Those 5 pedals that only get used once?  I replaced them all with a Digitech multi effect thing.  Cost me £20.  About the same size as 1590b.  Passable chorus & flange & vibe etc sounds in a gig situation.

I am Satan.

[joegagan]

i fall all over the map on this one. i use pedals that cost 15 dollars ( zoom 506 bass, has a nice 'defret' mode like a poor man's boss slow gear+ passable octaves, flange etc), and a lot of self made pedals. of course, the zoom has a trerrible sound in bypass, so TBP is the only option for that one. each pedal or sound gets its own treatment.

[DougH]

Joe makes good points in that what works best in any given situation is a matter of context. Sometimes buffered bypass is great, sometimes it's not.

I also agree with Mark in that if you really need a Dave Gilmour scale pedalboard, an FX loop switcher is probably the best route to get the best of all possible worlds,  unless you have a multi-fx unit that gives you what you want.

None of this is that relevant to me anymore as I mostly record, but when I do (or when I did) play live I'd get by on the least fx possible- only the stuff I really needed. And I employed a loop where it made sense. And with a couple of my amps I get the sound I want out of the preamp so the fx loop is handy for delays and so forth- in that case buffering vs. non-buffering is less of an issue than with something between your guitar and preamp.

Now if we could get to the real question I've wondered since the beginning of this thread: Which boutiquer is Strange anyway?...

[Colonel Angus]

+1, based on my experience with other music gear related forums : when you get carefree DIYers, tech-heads, and "Pros" in the mix shit can get real heated.

[Paul Marossy]

the 3pdts are mechanically loud. i have heard of professionals who can't use them at their quieter gigs because the switchnoise detracts from the music.

Yes, that I do not like about them. I also had a first last week. I was using my pedal board straight into a PA system through a direct box, and one of my "boutique" manufactured TB pedals which never has a problem when plugged into an amp made a loud pop in the sound system (to my surprise). Not sure what that is about, but I would think that's not very likely to happen with electronic switching.

Joe makes good points in that what works best in any given situation is a matter of context. Sometimes buffered bypass is great, sometimes it's not.

I also agree with Mark in that if you really need a Dave Gilmour scale pedalboard, an FX loop switcher is probably the best route to get the best of all possible worlds,  unless you have a multi-fx unit that gives you what you want.

Yeah, the context does matter. I have about a 50/50 arrangement (50% TB & 50% electronic switching). I have no problems with my guitar sounding dull or lifeless. In fact, sometimes it is TOO lively. I play a '95 Parker Fly.

[Resynthesis]

Now if we could get to the real question I've wondered since the beginning of this thread: Which boutiquer is Strange anyway?...

I just laughed tea out of my nose 

[timd]

This is the first time I have seen this thread, and I have come to the following conclusion: Strange is (was) strange. After that dust settles, it appears that in forums (such as this one), people seem to either add or subtract from the forum as a whole. For me, I have had nothing but positive interactions with others, as I really want to evolve my art and want to help out too. I also see those (you know who you are) who bend over backwards trying to help forum members and that is really refreshing. Let's all hope for less Dr. Stranges and more R.G's and PRR's.....

[Perrow]

people seem to either add or subtract from the forum as a whole.

I'm about +/-0 I guess 

Let's all hope for less Dr. Stranges and more R.G's and PRR's.....

You think there are more like them out there?