A Few Effects Questions

Alright, I have GNX3000 Multieffects pedal. My problem is when I start gigging, I fear I will break the plastic pedals and Matrix on stage. So, would it be in my best interest to switch to single pedals or is the GNX3000 (and other high-end effects pedals just as good)?

Also, if I go the single pedal route, which are the MUST-HAVE pedals (Please provide a small discription as to why, it'd help in purchasing) and what would be the best brand for each?

Finally, I have found several sources on making effects pedals and the schematics are so basic and easy I think I could make one pretty easily (at least the distortion and maybe a flanger or so), is this worth it and is it comparable?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to have a good set-up for my pedals.

I used to use all rack mount stuff for effects but in my old age, I have gone to single pedals, its nice to be able to be modular and switch things in and out as needed. I have a couple of different distortion/overdrive pedals and just pick the one for that particular need. I think its probably more expensive but the versatility definetly works for me. Here are my must haves:

Overdrive / boost - helps dirty up my Vibrolux
Distortion - like to play heavy stuff sometimes
Chorus - great modulation effect to make your should thick and wet sounding
Wah Pedal - i have a mutron auto wah and a old crybaby
Delay - if im the only guitarist i can fatten up melodies, great for leads, picking patterns
tuner - i love my fender pedal tuner

Hope some of this helps.

oh man, the GNX3000 should be great for gigging. unless you were like jumping on the thing it wouldnt crack. and i bet even if you do somehow manage to crack it, it'd still work. nah, you spent the money on that thing- use it!

Haha, well my co-worked said he managed to break his Boss pedal at a gig when he jumped off a drum riser. It's excellent for recording and I'd still use the amp modeling for live stuff, but I just feel a bit off with the effects, because most of the effects are mixed into the patches so you can't get a truly stompbox feeling. Ie. If I want to improv or jam on stage, there's nothing I can do with effects.

But for recording, not much touches the pedal.

yeah, thats a major problem with multieffects. theres so much, but so little is truely usable.

What? No stompbox ability on the GNX3000? I own the GNX4 and it has three pedals that you can assign any type of stompbox/effect to and stomp till your hearts content. You can even program the wah pedal to bring in effects. I can't believe this is not available on the GNX3000. :(

Well, it's in there, just not as fast as single pedals would be. I guess I am just picky.

Just to note, the GNX3000 is basically to replace the GNX2 so it is nothing like the GNX4.

True, True.

I am looking to start gigging during the summer if I can, just coffee places. My GNX has a great acoustic sim so I could use that through my Triple X to get some good sounds. Thanks for the replies.

Originally Posted by: EricJ1186True, True.

I am looking to start gigging during the summer if I can, just coffee places. My GNX has a great acoustic sim so I could use that through my Triple X to get some good sounds. Thanks for the replies.

Sure, I don't see why not. You may have to tweak the EQ a little but it will work.