Pedalboard Problems: Too Many or Too Few Options
One of the main questions we get from our customers is, “How do you dial in a good core guitar tone?” If you’re still trying to find your tone (that would be us, too 🖐️), a pedal with a ton of options can complicate matters. Big pedals like these typically go from one extreme to another, so if you don't know what you’re after tone-wise or you’re unsure what each parameter changes, it can be difficult to dial in a good sound.
Pedals with many options are time-consuming. Once you learn what all the knobs control, it can take a lot of time to program the sounds you want. Some of these big pedals give you lots of presets to start with; however, we’ve found the sounds aren’t all that usable in the context of worship music, so you don’t get a good starting point. Instead of being able to plug in, hit a preset, and play, you end up spending a lot of time adjusting, tweaking, and diving into menus to find the sounds you need.
On the other hand, some small-box pedals can be too narrow in their tone capability, typically with one setting and that’s it. Then you end up buying several pedals to get all the sounds you want, which costs more and takes up valuable space on your board.
Striking the Right Balance
So, is there such a thing as pedals with just the right amount of features and options? “Just right” is obviously subjective, but for the majority of players, we find they want a balance of options, ease of setup, and playability. Junior of JET Pedals said this regarding the way he engineers and designs the JET line: “Our solution has always been to simplify by not adding an excess of controls and also by making sure the ranges of our knobs are musical wherever you put them.”
Junior’s approach to pedal design focuses on providing the essential controls without overwhelming the user. This philosophy ensures that each knob and switch contributes to the musicality and usability of the pedal. Instead of inundating the player with too many options, JET Pedals focuses on offering meaningful choices that enhance the playing experience.
“Another thing we’ve tried to do is engineer pedals that, while simple, employ creative ways to dial in the pedals in a multitude of ways. For example, most of our effects pedals use presets and MIDI. With these two features on the Eternity Delay, you have access to essentially six different delay pedals and can configure those pedals into 127 different sounds with MIDI. The other capability we have is you can control every knob you want with our MIDI features—but you don’t have to either. You can use our pedals simply by just plugging them in, hitting a preset, and playing, or you can add a lot more control,” he said.
This blend of simplicity and flexibility is what sets JET Pedals apart. By offering both preset options and detailed control through MIDI, players can choose their level of engagement. Whether you prefer a plug-and-play setup or want to dive deep into sound customization, JET Pedals accommodates your style.
Real-World Experiences
If you’ve been struggling with dialing in your sound, too many or too few options available on your pedals could be the culprit. Here’s what some of our guitar players had to say about their experiences with balancing their pedal setups.
Simon Glover of Tasmania, Australia
“Delay pedals without thousands of options are definitely my favorite. Being able to plug in and just play has been awesome. However, having the slightly deeper flexibility of the extra settings, presets, and full MIDI control definitely adds a LOT of value and the ability to start out small and get more creative as you feel more comfortable with the pedal.”
Simon’s experience highlights the importance of having a pedal that offers both simplicity and the potential for deeper control. Starting with a straightforward setup allows for immediate playability, while the additional settings provide room for growth and experimentation.
Harley Tracy of Shawnee, KS
“Doing more with less is something we’re passionate about. This pedal is AWESOME!! I’ve played on quite a few overdrives over the years and this one is by far my favorite I’ve played on so far. The design, the features, and the functionality of this pedal are genius. And the Mid Boost is a crucial game changer to make your tone cut through the mix and shape the tone. (Most pedals don’t have this feature and it’s a must-have for me). The 3 changeable circuits are also really nice and offer great options for dialing in your drives with some variety. And with the presets, you can honestly program those for gain staging vs. stacking other overdrives (to consolidate pedalboard space). Really happy I went with the Lamb over some others I was looking into.”
Harley’s feedback underscores the value of thoughtful design and feature integration. The Mid Boost feature and changeable circuits provide versatility without overwhelming the user, allowing for a range of tones from a single pedal.
The Role of MIDI in Modern Pedal Design
MIDI functionality has become a significant factor in modern pedal design, offering unprecedented control and flexibility. At JET Pedals, we’ve embraced MIDI as a way to enhance the usability of our products without complicating the user experience.
With MIDI, you can control multiple parameters simultaneously, switch between presets seamlessly, and even integrate your pedals with other MIDI-compatible devices. This level of control is particularly useful in live performance settings, where quick adjustments and consistency are crucial.
For instance, the Eternity Delay’s MIDI capabilities allow you to access a vast array of sounds and configurations, making it an incredibly versatile tool. Whether you need subtle echoes or complex rhythmic patterns, MIDI provides the precision and flexibility to achieve your desired sound.
Practical Tips for Balancing Your Pedal Setup
Finding the right balance in your pedal setup can make a significant difference in your overall guitar tone and playing experience. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve that balance:
1. Identify Your Core Needs: Determine the essential sounds and effects you need for your playing style. Focus on acquiring pedals that cover these core requirements without unnecessary extras.
2. Prioritize Usability: Choose pedals with intuitive controls and user-friendly interfaces. The easier it is to navigate and adjust your pedals, the more efficiently you can dial in your tone.
3. Leverage Presets and MIDI: Use presets and MIDI capabilities to expand the functionality of your pedals without adding physical units to your board. This approach allows you to switch between sounds quickly and maintain a clean, organized setup.
4. Test in Real-World Scenarios: Try out your pedal setup in various playing environments, such as rehearsals, live performances, and recording sessions. This testing will help you identify any gaps or redundancies in your rig.
5. Seek Versatile Pedals: Opt for pedals that offer a range of sounds and settings within a single unit. Versatile pedals can replace multiple single-function pedals, saving space and reducing complexity.
6. Regularly Review and Adjust: As your playing style and needs evolve, periodically review and adjust your pedal setup. Stay open to trying new pedals and configurations to keep your rig fresh and effective.
Conclusion
At JET Pedals, we strive to offer pedals that provide the perfect blend of simplicity and versatility, allowing you to focus more on your music and less on tweaking settings. Whether you're playing in a worship band or jamming at home, having the right tools can inspire creativity and enhance your sound.
Finding the right balance in your pedal setup is essential for achieving a great guitar tone and an enjoyable playing experience. By focusing on essential features, leveraging presets and MIDI, and regularly reviewing your setup, you can create a versatile and efficient pedalboard that meets your needs without overwhelming you with options.
Explore our range of pedals and discover how JET Pedals can help you achieve the perfect balance in your setup. With thoughtfully designed pedals that offer both simplicity and depth, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and take your playing to new heights.
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