Guitar Effects Pedals Information
Many guitarists alter the sound of acoustic and electric guitars with pedals, which can add distortion, echo, compression and other striking effects. These devices, which are sometimes called stomp-boxes because they're designed to be stepped on, are connected between the guitar and the amplifier, using 1/4-inch audio cables.
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Size and Shape
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Pedals are usually small boxes, measuring about 4 inches wide by 6 inches long, and about 2 inches deep. They're relatively flat and low to the ground, and have a foot pedal or button on top. They have output and input ports on the sides or back, which connect to the amp and the guitar, respectively. There are also multi-pedals that comprise several effects with individual switches; these devices are rarely more than 2 inches tall.
Types
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Most effects pedals do exactly what their names suggest. Distortion pedals result in a harsh, fuzzy sound, and wah pedals add a "wah" sound to the notes. Delay pedals create single or repeating echoes of one or more notes, while chorus pedals multiply, layer and deepen the guitar's sound.
The Uni-Vibe pedal adds vibrato to sustained notes. Compression pedals equalize softer and louder notes, and can increase the instrument's sustain. A vox pedal makes the guitar sound like a human voice (or more like one, phonically). Multi-pedals combine these and other effects.
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Function
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The function of effects pedals is purely aesthetic. An electric guitar will work perfectly well without one, but musicians often use single or multiple pedals to make their sound more individualistic or striking. Jimi Hendrix, for example, loved the original Uni-Vibe pedals, and their sound became an important part of his style.
Benefits
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Some pedals include a feature called a "noise gate," which removes background noise from the guitar's sound. Many musicians and fans prefer this cleaner sound, especially for studio recordings, while others prefer a dirtier sound.
Other benefits are specific to the type of pedal. Some parts of your song, for example, may sound better with a chorus pedal active. Switching from one effect to another (e.g., from a clean to a distorted sound) can dramatically change the mood of a song. In this sense, effects pedals can be an important influence on the composition process.
Buying a Pedal
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Guitar pedals aren't cheap, so choosing the one that's right for you is an important decision. If possible, borrow pedals from a friend, or test them in a music store, in order to find a sound you like. If you're likely to use more than one effect, consider purchasing a multi-pedal instead of a single-effect one.
Look at all the features of each pedal, as they may include reverb or distortion in addition to the main effect. It's also a good idea to buy well-known brands like Dunlop or Digitech, which usually offer a warranty and can provide replacement parts or repairs if necessary.
If you prefer the sound of a older analog pedal, you can usually find them at vintage guitar shops. Before you buy an older pedal, make sure they work properly, and check into the availability of repair services and replacement parts. If the used pedal doesn't come with the original documentation, check online for PDFs or reprints.
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