I use multiple distortion pedals, so I use A/b switches to go back and forth.
I always put the wah first in the chain(personal preference from experience). I would never use a compressor before any effect, but last in the chain as effects sometimes need some taming. Personally, I don't use compressors at all. Takes all the playability out of the rig. Just leaves with a dry, drab sound that cannot be nuanced with the fingers.

example setup:

Guitar to a wah, to Tube screamer, then split with an A/B switch. One side goes to dist 1 with matched effects(ie. mxr dist, delay, chorus, etc.) Other side goes to dist 2 with matched effects(ie. Big Muff, delay, chorus, etc.) then close the loops back together either with another switch or stereo pedal such as a passive volume pedal with both A and B, ins and outs. This is effective because you can rock the pedal back and forth between the two seperate chains to transition the two setups(as long as both channels are selected on the A/B switch). After the loop is closed, you can use more effects on the whole mix giving you yet even more control.

Drawbacks? You may get lots of noise from all the pedals in chain. You may also notice signal loss. Some pedals may need to be modded to reduce niose and boost output.


IMO: EQ pedals are worthless. That's what the amp is for.