First pedal

[bobthecow]

So, I need an idea for a first pedal, I have 3 that I like:
boss cs-3 compression sustainer
boss ds-2 turbo distortion
dunlop original crybaby wah

I like the sound of all of them. But I can only choose/afford 1. Also, I have no idea how i am supposed to link effects up to my line 6 spider III amp.

[Pekker_Head]

The Distortion pedal and Wah pedal will hook up in front of your amp meaning
Guitar-->Cable-->Wah pedal-->amp input
Some effects go in front off your amp and some in an effects loop and I don't know if a Spider has an effects loop.
I would go for the Wah pedal, great for making solos stick out. The other 2 wouldn't make much of a difference since your amp already has gain on it.
Just my opinion.

[Harley]

boss cs-3 compression sustainer


Not meaning to detour you, if you liked how it sounded, but the previous CS-2 model is usually the more sought after design, sometimes selling for double the price of a brand new CS-3. It's an example of one of those things that shouldn't have been messed with. I've owned one of each, along with probably a dozen other manufacturer's designs. A compressor is the most vital part of my setup. Could get by without any other effect, really, but a compressor is kinda a requirement for clean country chicken pickin'.
boss ds-2 turbo distortion
I see even the least expensive Syder III's have a multi-channel design; Clean, Crunch, Metal, Insane. This would eliminate the need for an outboard substitute.
dunlop original crybaby wah
Here you've chosen a classic, time-proven design. When I used a wah, in the mid-'90s, this was the one I had. Didn't take too long before overuse set in. Then, eventually, it was dropped altogether. I still occasionally use a volume pedal for dwells but no longer own a wah.
Also, I have no idea how i am supposed to link effects up to my line 6 spider III amp
Typically, time-based or modulation effects are placed in the effects-loop. This keeps them untouched/clipped by the pre-amp section. These would include your delays, chorus, echos, flangers, etc.

Of the 3 pedals you mentioned, all would normally be placed before the amp because they're designed to work the pre-amp stage. None of this is written in stone. Many have experimented and found they prefer things placed differently.

The 4 standard stages of any guitar/amp combo consists of-
Guitar--->pre-amp--->power-amp--->speaker(s)

An effects-loop is simply a way to insert an effect between the pre-amp and power-amp. Many amps lack this feature. Many of us don't want it either. For a lot of traditionalists it's as hated as a master volume. It doesn't really bug me that greatly, but I do prefer things simpler, with less paths for the signal to travel through and get colored.
http://www.betterguitar.com/Equipment/Effects/TubeAmpAndEffects/EffectsLoop.gif

[disobedience]

Either the compressor or Wah.
Really depends on where you are as a player.

Wah does tend to get overused and is something that you have to keep in mind when purchasing one.

[rockin ron]

i like digitech 100 ...many effects & a perfect drummer for the persuit of timing ... RR

[bobthecow]

another wah I was looking at is the ibanez wh-10, but I can't even find those anywhere. I have heard them, and they sound pretty amazing.

[Harley]

Guitar Player occasionally has 'shootouts' between gear components of the same type. About every 4 years they do a wah competition using the most popular models from readers polls. There are no Ibensez pedels listed, only 'cause they didn't have enough support to make the list, but it might give you a better idea of the different types of wah pedals. "Wahs" should really be separated into several sub-groups. The term is too generic when you look at all the different ways they change voice.

This link will bring you to the into, with the below list allowing you to access each evaluation- (http://www.musicplayer.com/lounge/guides/wah1.htm)

* Intro
* Budda Bud-Wah
* Danelectro Dan-O-Wah
* Dunlop CryBaby 535Q
* Fulltone Clyde Deluxe
* Morley Bad Horsie 2
* Snarling Dogs Whine-O
* Tech 21 Killer Wail
* Vox Wah-Wah
* The Verdict


The Dunlop, Fulltone, and Vox pedals win Editors' Pick Awards.