Here is the latest in the ongoing pedal board suitcase evolution.
I realized recently that some of the sounds I was going for, even with an array of four different distortions (two being amp-born) I still couldn't get that balls out thrash tone that I wanted from time to time. I went on the hunt for the perfect metal pedal.
The problem that I had, with most everything that I checked out, was the sizzle factor. Cheap, imitation metal sounds just didn't fit the bill. The Metal Zone is an example of that classic sizzly metal guitar tone. It's a classic for a reason, it's just not what I was looking for. I wanted... Dimebag. So I checked out the Dimebag pedal, which came closest to what I was looking for, until I found the Line 6 Uber Metal pedal.
This thing is wicked. There are three different models: Metal (as in Hair Metal), Pulverize, and Insane. They are all accurately named. There are also dedicated mid-scoop and noise gate controls. I have already used it in a recording with several layers and am very, very pleased.
Here is the deal, I found this and one or two other pedals that were in the running. Musicians Friend had this pedal on sale for $79. It is part of the Line 6 Tone Core series. The black block at the top with all the controls is a module that pops out, leaving the heavy duty, all metal (not a pun) Tone Dock pedal in place for other Tone Core modules to pop into its place.
At the time of this sale, Line 6 was also offering a buy one, get one free mail in rebate deal. So, for $79, I got the Uber Metal effect and the Tone Dock pedal. I mailed in the rebate form and got a free Liqua-Flange module. It too, is very good.
The Liqua-Flange comes with three modes (Digital, Liqua, and Analog) of eleven classic wave forms. The controls here, as I am finding are standard with Line 6 effects, are just about limitless. Hurray for geeks in music technology!
I intended for the Liqua-Flange to replace my old Yamaha CH10-MII Chorus pedal, which is so noisy and crappish sounding that I rarely used it.
Before (top left):
After (um... top left)
I will swap in the Uber Metal as I need it. Don't be fooled by the picture, the plastic box to the left just has a cardboard insert that looks like a Tone Dock, I don't actually have two of those. If I had thought ahead, though, I would have paid a little extra for the Liqua-Flange initially and gotten the Uber Metal for free. The Liqua-Flange is a stereo effect and therefore, comes with a stereo Tone Dock. Since the Uber Metal is not stereo, it came with a mono Tone Dock.
This probably won't be an issue, since I most likely won't get the two amp / switching / ABY setup going any time soon.
As always, a constant reminder, that the cable ties vs. velcro fastening system has paid for itself again, with another no hassle pedal swap!