What would you recommend for a first pedal?

[Phylodog]

I'm probably somewhere approaching intermediate level guitar student. I have several guitars, a Boss Katana Mk2 amp, a talkbox (I don't really think of them the same as a pedal) and just ordered an audio interface so that I can learn to use Garageband at the suggestion of my guitar teacher. The Katana has a variety of effects built in but I don't know if using those rather than an actual pedal involves sacrificing in some manner?

If I were looking for my first pedal, what would you recommend?

 

[smk506]

Since you already have the boss I’d look into getting a footswitch for it and using the built in effects. There are better effects out to see for sure, but if you’re not sure what you want, this will give you a bit of versatility and make the amp a little more user friendly.

The pedals I’m looking at are all kind of specialty units, I went a long time without any effects and now that the boss katana has opened my eyes to what I’ve been missing, I’m doing my research and picking up stuff I know now that I want.

 

[BanditPanda]

Great advice!

 

[HCRoadie]

I agree that getting the foot switch for the Katana is best option...for you...right now

 

[Phylodog]

Many thanks gentlemen

 

[sixstrings]

I'd get a looper. Master that and you do not need anything else. That is my rec.

 

[BanditPanda]

That is not good advice, lol

 

[KStopper65]

I'd suggest some physical pedals; in the event that you actually wish to upgrade to another amp or you start gassing for some real pedals.
If that is the case, get a Boss Sd-1

 

[TXOldRedRocker]

Really depends on what you are playing. The tone you are after for yourself, or artist(s) you want to sound like.

 

[Tweaker]

Any of the $30 Joyo pedals from Amazon. They sound great and they're cheap. The Ultimate Drive is awesome.

 

[SWeAT hOg]

The JHS 3-Series of pedals sound amazing. If I were building a new board, they would be my first stop.

JHS Pedals, Kansas City USA— Current Pedals

www.jhspedals.info

 

[Chango Malo]

only one outboard pedal? Better make it this one:

 

[cybermgk]

A compressor

 

[ChuckHall03]

Lots of fun pedals out there! I don’t use a ton of variety myself but love playing with various overdrive/ distortion pedals. I’ve had a lot over the years and a few of these will go away soon but I use my ep booster, tube screamer, monsterpiece fuzz (the purple one), hall of fame, and deja vibe the most! Not sure how well equipped the katana is, but the built in effects are a great starting point like others mentioned. Go to a local store and play around if you’re looking for more! Best thing to do is just try them out. What pedals you enjoy is very personal and dependent on genres/styles you like to play

 

[Phylodog]

Thanks again gents!

 

[DADGAD]

You guys are snobs. This is the Holy Grail.

 

[Thundergod]

Probably a good way if you are into that sound.
The control pedal for your amo would be a good investment too.

 

[diavolo]

First pedal,... I would get one of those multi pedals (not an effects processor) theyre like $65-$70 on amazon.
Donner makes some and Valeton has good stuff too. Valeton has a cool one (Dapper Indie) for $129 that has lots of effects. Drive, Fuzz, Modulation and time based effects all in one neato package. Its totally worth it to experience most ALL the sounds and how they can work together. It would be a good foundation to learn from if you wanted to build a pedal board with higher end versions of your fav effects later, although you may never have a need for that. Even for an advanced player it would be a fun piece of gear to keep around for casual jamming. To get to stomp on everything for $129 is pretty killer deal. thats what I would do if I was starting again.

 

[geddy]

Tuner pedal without a doubt. I use the TC polytune. Pedal for the amp and then work out what you like and what you need for the style of music. Blues has a different need to ethereal prog or jazz.

 

[diavolo]

why not just use a clip on tuner? a pedal tuner seems like a waste until you have a pedal board.