Finding a complete sound that takes advantage of all the harmonics that the instrument offers can be a bit complicated given the high number of pedals on the market, especially fuzz pedals. Given this, the touring pedalboard can be somewhat complicated.
Here are some recommendations to keep in mind when choosing pedals to achieve the beloved vintage rock sound that has so characterized the music of the 80s era.
Which guitar pedals are essential?
Without a doubt overdrive pedals are an important element in the selection of guitar effects pedals, they provide the additional gain the amplifier needs to deliver a warm sound with enough sustain to be considered suitable for rock. There are plenty of variety and different parameters, some are more suitable for progressive players, while others are for the more creative ones in terms of performance.
Ibanez Tube Screamer
It is without a doubt the pedal that cannot be missing from the pedalboard, it is easily found on the market and its versatility is such that it has become the pedal for excellence for any type of style.
They are currently manufactured with slight modifications to improve their fidelity and a compact format that is affordable and convenient to have with other effects.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
If you are looking for a fuller sound then this effect is for you. As for distortion, this effects pedal has a lot to offer, and in all its editions the level of gain that it is capable of delivering manages to get the most out of both, the amplifier and the instrument for the most powerful performances at the rate of few adjustment parameters.
This pedal is generally one of the bulkiest of its kind, but this extra space on the pedalboard is well deserved, as it will be essential for taking rhythm performances to the next level.
MXR Phase 95
Modulations are great for rock, and this model is a balanced combination of traditional analog effects and modern transistorized ones, so it shouldn’t be missing from the pedalboard.
This modulation usually has several editions, among which it stands out with few parameters to deliver a more spaced and complex sound, suitable for prolonged executions in which the atmosphere is the main protagonist.
Fuzz Pedal
A traditional fuzz effect can bring some advantages when preparing a pedalboard for rock, mainly because of its cleanliness over the characteristic sound of distortion pedals.
Due to the success of the traditional “FuzzFace”, this effect has spread to the point of being found in pedals with very compact versions that serve as compensation for sustain without saturating the sound too much, maintaining a balance between warmth and definition, something that later can be used with another stage of overdrive to achieve interesting combinations.
Conclusion
It won’t be necessary to get hold of a wide variety of effects pedals to get the vintage sound you want, although creativity in additional choice will pay off in most cases.
