Introduction of Staff Equipment: Effects Pedals

Do you step on effects pedals? I do a lot every day! Today, I’m going to show you some of the effects pedals I use. Please take a look.

First of all, please take a look at the overall picture. The wiring is so messed up, it’s embarrassing... Since I started to work, I’ve had less opportunity to carry around my pedal board, so I put my pedals directly on the floor without a board! By doing this, I can connect as many pedals as I want without being limited by space. When practicing in the studio, I pick up the pedals I need and put them on a smaller board. Let me introduce them from right to left!

TU-2/BOSS Tuner

The first pedalI have in my effects chain is the BOSS TU-2 tuner. The best thing about BOSS effects pedals is their durability! I bought it second-hand when I was a student, and even after about five years, it’s still working perfectly with no issues. Nowadays, the successor models, the TU-3 and the TU-3W from the WAZA Series, are available.

Plums/EarthQuaker Devices Distortion Overdrive

At the forefront of my distortion pedals is the Plums from EarthQuaker Devices (hereafter EQD). This pedal falls under the so-called TS type of effects, but in a good way, it doesn’t quite fit the typical TS mold. Personally, I’ve always found TS types to boost the midrange, resulting in a somewhat muffled sound, which I didn’t particularly like. However, the Plums retains that midrange boost while providing excellent clarity, making it a very user-friendly pedal! I personally use it as a booster for the BD-2 and Jackal, which are connected after it.

Blues Driver BD-2 / BOSS Distortion Overdrive

The BD-2 is a renowned classic drive pedal. I set the gain between 12 and 2 o’clock and the tone at 12 o’clock, using it as my main distortion. Moreover, the unit I own is from 1995, the first year it was made, and it seems that the parts used in it differ from those in current models. It’s said that the sound is slightly different, but I can’t tell the difference with my ears.

Jackal/ Limetone Audio Distortion

The Jackal is a distortion pedal launched by Limetone Audio with great anticipation. I use it when I want a more intense distortion. It features a Plexi switch that, when turned on, reduces the distortion amount and delivers a sparkling sound reminiscent of a Marshall Plexi amp. Using the Plexi mode with a single-coil pickup guitar highlights the guitar’s midrange sweet spots and brilliant highs, making it perfect for chord playing and backing.

CS550/ MAXON Modulation Chorus

Affectionately nicknamed the ‘lunchbox’, the Maxon CS550 caught my eye with its retro-cute appearance. It has three knobs: SPEED, DEPTH, and D.TIME, allowing for a wide range of uses from subtly natural settings to dramatic, extreme effects. Personally, I often set SPEED and DEPTH to 11 o’clock and D.TIME to 1 o’clock for a natural effect.

Caverns/ keeely Ambient Effects Delay & Reverb

Combining delay and reverb in one unit, each with individual on/off switches, this pedal performs the functions of two pedals compactly.
The delay simulates a tape echo, producing a natural, warm analog delay sound.
The reverb features three modes: SHIMMER, SPRING, and MODULATED. Especially in SHIMMER mode, setting the DECAY and BLEND knobs past 3 o’clock creates an ethereal and beautiful sound.

These are the pedals I currently have on my ‘pedalboard’. In fact, I’ve only introduced a few of them, and I have many more that I’m not using! This is my current main lineup, but it’s exciting how it might change in a year. If there are any major changes, I’ll be sure to share them. Next, I’d like to upgrade to better patch cables!