I think we guitarists have all had to face the decision of guitar pedals vs amp effects at one time or another. Gear isn’t cheap, and we obviously want to get it right from the start rather than change our minds years and many dollars later.
You won’t be surprised to hear that this debate has raged for decades now, and as with many things, it proves to be very polarizing in the guitar community.
If you’ve been in the scene for a while, you’ll be well aware that pedal and amp technology has improved massively over recent years. These days, I don’t think the decision is always as black and white as it once was.
Pedals offer us versatility and customization. Modern amp modeling has made significant strides in quality and convenience. Ultimately the choice really does depend on your playing style, genre, and personal tastes.
Let’s dig in.
Key Takeaways
- Pedals offer customization options and a wide range of sounds, while built-in amp effects can simplify setup and reduce clutter.
- Many guitarists form a deep bond with their pedals, valuing the tactile interaction and personal connection they provide.
- Combining pedals with built-in amp effects can offer a versatile and best-of-both-worlds tone.
- Modern amp effects have significantly improved in quality. This challenges the traditional dominance of pedals.
- Pedals can be expensive and bulky (especially when you have a lot), whereas built-in amp effects give a more compact and sometimes cost-effective solution.
Table of Contents
Pedals vs Amp Effects
The debate about using pedals and built-in amp effects isn’t about technology anymore. It’s about our personal preferences, playing style, and the reasons we play guitar in the first place.
Many guitar players adore pedals for their massive versatility. With a basic collection of 5-7 effects pedals, you can easily get started experimenting and blending various effects to create almost any tone you need.
Built-in amp effects, however, are super convenient. They provide a range of effects integrated directly into the amp. Simplifying the setup process and reducing the mess of cables, power supplies, and pedals.
If you’re not a pedal player, you’ll probably laugh at this. But another serious aspect is the emotional connection we guitarists develop with our pedals. Each pedal has its own story and personality. And we love the tactile experience of stomping on and off and tweaking the effects.
Built-in effects, while practical, might not evoke the same emotional resonance.
Lots of guitarists mix both approaches. Effectively harnessing the strengths of each to create a more personalized and versatile tone. This hybrid strategy allows for a tailored sound that gets the best of both worlds.
The Pros and Cons of Guitar Pedals vs Amp Effects
Pros of Using Pedals
1. Flexible and In Control
Pedals are extremely flexible. You can mix and match various effects to create almost any sound.
2. Versatile Across Many Genres
Pedals can help you cover a wide range of musical genres, from blues and rock to jazz and experimental music. This is a big perk for beginners who are still trying to discover their sound.
3. Shape Tone How You Want It
With pedals, you have detailed control over individual effect parameters. This allows you to achieve a specific tone that might be more challenging with some built-in amp effects.
4. Make Your Rig Customizable
With pedals, you can build and evolve your setup as your playing style or mood changes. You can add, remove, or rearrange pedals whenever you want. This creates a rig that evolves with you..
5. Tactile Experience
Many players love the tactile feedback and engagement involved with using physical effects pedals. Stomping on a pedal to activate an effect adds an emotional and interactive experience to playing.
Cons of Using Pedals
1. Increased Complexity
Managing a pedalboard requires dealing with multiple devices, cables, and power supplies, which can become cumbersome and complex, particularly for beginners.
2. Higher Cost
Investing in a range of pedals can be expensive, especially if you aim for high-quality or boutique options (which you absolutely do not need to do). The cumulative cost of building a comprehensive pedalboard can surpass the price of an amp with built-in effects – my pedalboard still remains my most expensive piece of gear.
3. Space and Portability
A large number of pedals need a big pedalboard. This isn’t only bulky, but it’s heavy and challenging to transport. This might not work well for gigging musicians who want to be able to throw all their gear quickly into the back of a car after a show.
Pros of Built-In Amp Effects
1. Convenient
Built-in amp effects offer an all-in-one solution. This means you won’t necessarily need a separate pedalboard. This integrated approach can really simplify your setup and reduce the clutter of multiple devices and cables.
2. Improved Technology
Modern amp modeling technology has significantly advanced, and it sounds awesome! Many of them now offer high-quality digital effects that can compete with most individual pedals.
3. Streamlined Setup
Using built-in effects means fewer cables and less gear to manage. This simple setup makes experimenting with different sounds easier and reduces the possibility of technical issues during performances.
Cons of Built-In Amp Effects
1. Limited Customization
Built-in effects may not offer the same level of customization as standalone pedals. Adjustments are often confined to the amp’s interface, which can be less intuitive compared to the hands-on control of physical pedals.
2. Less Versatile
While modern amps offer a range of effects, they may not cover the full spectrum available with dedicated pedals. This limitation can be restrictive for players seeking highly specific amp sounds or niche effects.
3. Potential Compromises in Quality
Despite advancements in technology, some players feel that built-in effects lack the unique character and quality of specialized pedals. Professional guitarists often prefer the distinctiveness and fine-tuning capabilities of standalone pedals for their signature tones.
Combining Pedals With Amp Effects
When it comes to finding your ideal guitar tone, you don’t always have to choose between pedals and amp effects. You can combine both. By blending the strengths of each, you can start to find a sound that not only sounds great but will handle almost anything you need.
Starting with your amp’s built-in effects provides a solid foundation. I’d personally stick to modulation and time-based effects with your built-in amp effects (this is certainly not a rule). These effects, such as reverb, tremolo, and modulation, offer a good base to build from. You can then layer in pedals to introduce additional character to your tone.
For example, add an overdrive pedal to give you a thicker, more harmonically rich tone. You could even try using a delay pedal along with your amp’s reverb to create textures that add real depth to your sound.
This approach is a simple way to give yourself a simple and customizable setup. I’d recommend establishing a base tone with your amp and guitar and then using pedals and built-in effects to customize from there.
To Sum Up
The choice between guitar pedals and built-in amp effects depends on your needs, playing style, and musical preferences. While built-in amp effects offer convenience, pedals can provide great versatility and customization options. Many guitarists find that a combination of both produces great results, allowing them to create the tones they want quickly and easily day after day.
In the end, whether you decide on using pedals, amp effects, or a combination of both, the objective remains unchanged: to create music that you enjoy. Try different things, look into new possibilities, and don’t let equipment snobs or anything else get in the way.
