Just a few comments on a multi-effects pedal (if Lucien didn't get what he wanted for x-mas). Here's a lesson on the Boss GT-3 (the GT-6 works the same way). Also to add to the comments from the good Dr. and Sly. You need to be a little "computer literate" to really get the most from the unit but it can really get the job done. Sorry if I get carried away.......

Using a Boss GT-3. Drawbacks - Grouped effects. There is a way around it but that's a whole other topic. Rarely do you want a Limiter and Compressor at the same time however..........

Chaining effects - For live performances - Chain can be altered mid song via your preprogrammed patch select. This is not (realistically) feasible with single pedals.

Control via expression pedal- This gets a little nuts. The GT3 has an onboard expression pedal, plus I have added another Sub Expression Pedal (Roland EV-5). Expression pedals are sweepable, give you the ultimate in flexibility as they are assignable to practically any parameter from any effect, not just on-off (but they do that too). i.e.- Rotary speed, reverb depth, DD time, OD gain, etc. They're not just for master volume any more. This deals with the pedal assign section on the GT-3 and can become rather detailed and confusing. You can actually assign multiple parameter changes to occur simultaneously with a single pedal (i.e. OD level and reverb depth for a big swell). Single pedals do not offer this.

The CTL (Control) pedal (switch) & Manual Mode- Note-I also have added another sub dual CTL switch (sub CTL 1 & 2) in addition to the expression pedal. (This gets crazy and your programming skills will be tested). The onboard CTL pedal can be assigned to put the entire unit in "Manual Mode", i.e. each of the remaining onboard pedals (Bank up, Bank Down, 1, 2, 3, 4 AND the expression - for a total of 7), can be assigned an individual effect for on-off (or parameter control on expression pedal). This means you can, with a single foot stomp, turn the whole unit into a "pedal board" with 7 effects of your choosing, chained the way you want. This also includes Bypass & Noise Sup on-off. Add the Sub CTL 1 & 2 switch and you get 9 (which is about the max you have access to). Adding the Sub CTL 1 & 2 pedal (or sub expression) adds the flexibilty of changing the effect parameter via pedal assign, i.e. changing PreAmp "type" from 5150 to Twin. The onboard CTL has the ability to be assigned this as well but cannot be used in conjunction of putting the board in manual mode (that's a pure on-off deal). All of this comes without the program load delay you get from a patch change. Individual effect on-off is seamless. You just can't alter the chain while in manual. Confused yet?

Multiple Assigns on the CTL pedal- Like the expression pedal, the CTL's can have multiple assigns for effect on-off or parameter control, i.e. one stomp, turns off the chorus, turns up the OD drive by 20, level up by 5 and pumps the reverb depth by 10. i.e. hans Solo!

GT-3 Midi - What can I say - If you Midi, this thing will do it all. Patch changes are very smooth. With midi, tools like EQ plot and patch editor can be used on your computer to program the EQ or patch parameters. Saves your back and is much easier on the eyes! Add a midi controller and the sky's the limit.

3 wire method. Provided your amp has an effects loop, this uses the GT-3's extenal OD/DS loop to utilize your amp's preamp section for the natural distortion. This is NOT like using the amp's effect loop where the GT-3 is placed between the preamp and power amp section of your trusty ear bleeder. Nor is it like plugging the GT output to your amp's input. This isolates your amp's preamp and places it ANYWHERE in the effects chain you want it, then injects the GT-3 output directly into the power amp section. Again, it's chain location can be moved from patch to patch. Added bonus, you can add other outbaord effects in this loop (prefer post preamp) but keep it simple. The 3 wire -If you like your amp, now you get to keep it.

Anyone want more GT-3 tricks? E me.