Alright y'all. As 2023 comes to a close, lets share how our boards have changed, and maybe plans for 2024
How it started:
TC Polytune 3, Vox wah, EHX PitchFork, EHX Soul Food, Boss SD-1, Boss DS-1, Danelectro Cool Cat, Danelectro Dan-echo, MXR Tremolo, Boss RC-5
How it's going:
TC Polytune 3, EHX Pitchfork, DOD Carcosa, EHX Soul Food, Analogman Prince of Tone, MXR Micro Flanger, MXR Phase 95, Danelectro Cool Cat, MXR Tremolo, Strymon El Capistan, Boss RC-5
In 2024 I may replace the Cool Cat with another chorus, and put together one or two other boards from my spare pedals: Danelectro Dan-echo and Fab Tone, Boss BD-2, SD-1, and DS-1, TC Ditto).
Nice board. I just got that MXR Tremolo for Xmas. What are you powering the board with?
I started out the year mainly using my HX Stomp out of convenience. I used a Mission Engineering expression pedal with it, along with a 3 button MIDI controller for expanded functionality. I had some presets using the amp models and FX in the Stomp. Other presets were just FX and either all in front of an amp or utilizing the 4CM.
A few months ago I was stuck in a bit of an uninspired rut and decided to put a board back together. Right now it’s a TC Polytune Mini Noir -> Dunlop Fasel wah -> EQD Hizumitas -> EQD Grand Orbiter -> Mythos Wildwood Mjolner -> EQD Dispatch Master. I need to squeeze the MXR Trem in there. All powered by a Cioks power supply.
I really enjoy this pedal. I had to tweak the settings on the envelope filter mode (I think the intensity was way down), but once I had it set right it's really nice. Haven't delved into stereo yet.
I'm using a Truetone CS12 1Spot Pro. Practically maxed out, as the two 18v posts aren't down switchable to 9v or 12v. If I had to do it over, I would probably go with the Fender Engine Room v12. Maybe a Strymon Zuma + Ojai, but having a single unit is appealing so the Fender has the advantage there. I wouldn't turn down a GigRig power system, either.
Nice! The expression pedal might work with the MXR Tremolo. I've been eyeing a dual expression pedal to go with the Pitch Fork and the Tremolo.
Post a pic! How do you like the Hizumitas and Dispatch Master?
That’s good to hear that you like the MXR Trem. I had been looking at a few trem pedals and this one seemed to sound good in all modes and has a ton of versatility based on the online demos. I’ll have to see if the Mission Engineering expression pedal will work with this MXR. I can’t wait to experiment with it more.
The TrueTone stuff is really good. I had a CS7 before and it powered a lot of stuff. But I did need a similar versatility with different scaling that you’re running into and got the Cioks for that reason. Your board is bigger than mine, so I can totally see the Fender Power Engine being a great upgrade. Of course a GigRig would be amazing, too.
I really like the Hizumitas. I’m not a huge fuzz person, but this one can do a lot. Nice wide range of fuzz tones. I like the wall of fuzz type tones it can produce and it’s how I’m using it. It is a very close 2nd to my KittyCaster FX Groovy Wizard. I’ll probably be swapping those fuzzes back and forth depending on what I’m playing and the type of fuzz I’m in the mood for.
I love the Dispatch Master. Being a 2-for-1 pedal doing reverb and delay so well is why I dig it so much. It works great in front of an amp or in the loop. I like to put it on for leads or to add some spread to rhythm parts. I’m not chasing super ambient or layered shoegaze type tones, so it works perfectly for me. If one were to be looking for longer, crazier delay/reverb stuff, I’d suggest the Avalanche Run or Afterneath depending on how many features are needed.
I did look at the Avalanche Run v2 for a while when I was shopping for a new delay earlier this year. But it was out of stock with retailers displaying a weird message like "we don't when we'll get more from the manufacturer" so I thought it was being discontinued or something. So I pulled the trigger on the Strymon.
That’s interesting that the Avalanche Run was sold out and shops didn’t have ETAs. I guess it’s still in demand. You can’t go wrong with the Strymon, though. It’s an amazing unit that does everything.