Off Topic What to get First - Amp or Effects?

[GoD_X]

im currently running, podx3 through a SpiderValve 2x12 40w powersection. im thinking of upgrading my gear. since im getting my BFR JP6 anytime soon now.. but im not shure what to go with first.. i was thinking of getting for effects, tc electronic G-System, 2 EB jr pedals, bbpreamp and suhr shiba for OD. and for the amp i want a mesa markV and 2x12 cab.

i play in a coverband 2-3 times a week. music from bbking, clapton, to metallica, guns and roses. and anything in between, u2, radiohead, audioslave, creedance, lynard skynard, and also latin rock/pop music, soda stereo, caifanes, mana, enanitos verdes, heroes del silencio..

but im not shure what to get first..

 

[balance]

Get the amp first. That's going to be the core of your tone and your effects can compliment that tone.

 

[GoD_X]

thanks..

 

[nobozos]

I agree with Balance on this. What kind of budget do you have, and what brands are available to you in the shops in Honduras? Maybe we could make some suggestions for you.

 

[John C]

oops - kind of redundent; I got a phone call before I posted.

My $0.02 - the amp comes first. The amp is your main voice; the effects are their to color or alter that voice - they have to work with the amp. Over the years I've found that some amps work well with all effects, some amps seem to not like certain effects. Some effects will sound the same through all amps, some do not. When you move from the modeling gear to tube amps you'll find a lot more interaction between the circuits.

Effects are cheaper than amps, but still not cheap. I would find the right amp voice first then try out effects that will work well with your amp.

 

[beej]

+1. Get a good amp. Get one that's versatile, that's enough wattage (without being too much- so it's light enough to move and you can get the power section moving, etc.)

Once you've got that covered, you'll know what you need from pedals. ODs and boosts are really subjective, the voicing of your amp is largely going to dictate what kind of pedals work with it.

Often I'll gig with a single channel amp and just a delay. Simple is good sometimes.

 

[GoD_X]

well we just got a new store here in my city that brings top brand names, i bought my EBMM through them.. and they got, mesa, fender, laney and marshall. and for effects, they got tc electronic, line6 and some keeley. as for budget, i could only get either one at the moment.. because the markV is around $2600, head + 2x12cab, and i guess the gsystem, expression pedals, od pedals and whatever else i would need would get me around that price too.. but i think you guys are right.. i should get the amp first and go from there.! the only thing is i would be using my podx3 for effects at the moment..

 

[ScoobySteve]

Amp, effects are color.

No more matter how great your color is, your original tone is:

Player, Guitar, Amp.

Invest in the amp first, BELIEVE US!

 

[ScoobySteve]

+1. Get a good amp. Get one that's versatile, that's enough wattage (without being too much- so it's light enough to move and you can get the power section moving, etc.)

Once you've got that covered, you'll know what you need from pedals. ODs and boosts are really subjective, the voicing of your amp is largely going to dictate what kind of pedals work with it.

Often I'll gig with a single channel amp and just a delay. Simple is good sometimes.

This too, think of color as optional compliments. You want as FEW things as possible between you, your guitar, and the amp. So with that logic in mind, try to only incorporate effects that REALLY and GENUINELY make an expressive impact on your sound.

Just something to think about, but it still doesn't change the original notion. Get a good solid amp first, then go for effects. Use with tact!

 

[GoD_X]

thanks.. so i guess i'll be trying out a few laney and mesa amps.. but mostly thinking markV for its versatility and wattage selection.! then i guess i could do with a lin6 DL4 for the U2 delays and a Wah for now.!

 

[sickindian]

Amppppp! decent one definitely~!

 

[peterd79]

without a doubt go the amp... the effects will respond differently (imho) with every amp. set you core tone and accentuate the tone with simple effects... i think the key with pedals is less is more... and i'm a fan of going with the highest quality you can afford and it's worth the wait to hold out to get exactly what you want.

 

[sickindian]

thanks.. so i guess i'll be trying out a few laney and mesa amps.. but mostly thinking markV for its versatility and wattage selection.! then i guess i could do with a lin6 DL4 for the U2 delays and a Wah for now.!

I heard some bad comms about Line6 DL4, Switches die after some time and the unit can do the same thing although it sounds good.

 

[D.K.]

Amp. Period.

 

[Slingy]

Thats alot of styles to cover with one amp. Seems like the Spider Valve would cover way more ground than any traditional amp, even if the sound is only 90% there.

 

[GoD_X]

well i coul get the amp and just use the podx3 for effects only and a wah pedal.. until i can get enough for the gystem unit..

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Let me get this... if you get the effects before the amp, where are you gonna plug them in?

Get the AMP first, you know it makes sense!

 

[GoD_X]

Let me get this... if you get the effects before the amp, where are you gonna plug them in?

Get the AMP first, you know it makes sense!

well i have the line6 spidervalve 40w 2x12. the only thing is, right now im just using the power section.. everything else comes from the podx3

 

[fatoni]

you can just kill two birds with one stone and buy a fractal axe fx. my previous rig was a mark iv and g-system. they were both great and if you go that route...amp first. in the end the axe fx can do all that the mark and gsystem can do with less cables, mess, weight, inconsistency and you wont even be near using the axe fx to the fullest. the thing is the axe is the same price as the g-system (and has way better effects) so it is kind of a no brainer.

 

[GoD_X]

i was thinking about the axe fx ultra- but i would need a poweramp, 2x12 cab, midi footcontroller, expression pedals, just to use the axefx alone, and just that is over $4-$5grand.. i need this to gig. not for room or recording but to play live.. i gig 2-3 times a week. and i cant try one here in my country.