Question:
Greetings friends!! Hoping you can help...
First I apologize if this has been well discussed, using the search feature here was a bit inconclusive.
I'm looking for a cheap multi FX (i.e. under $150). Some I can play in my local shop but others (if good) I'd have to buy without playing it.
My focus for a unit is basically for practice and an occasional Sunday worship stint. Also, I live in NYC and use public transportation so I cannot lug around a bunch of stuff. At church, instruments are through a PA system.
This what I'm looking at:
Behringer V-Amp 2 (so far this tops my list)
"Used" Line 6 POD 2.0
Korg Pandora PX4D
Zoom G2
Zoom PFX 9003
I realize they all have shortfalls and none are as good the pricey Line 6 and Boss gear. Any recommendations on the above?
Thanks!

Answer:
Well, do you need an expression pedal? Do you need tap tempo delay? Do you need foot switchable stuff, for mostly live situations?
Answer:
Originally Posted by Building429_Boy Well, do you need an expression pedal? Do you need tap tempo delay? Do you need foot switchable stuff, for mostly live situations?
Some of that would be nice but I had used an ancient DOD floor multi fx years back and never used the expression nor have I ever really changed fx mid-song. FX changes would be between songs and I guess I could program the unit in a way to make such changes quickly.
Again, I play once a month. I should add that our worship band is more piano/keys driven rather than guitar, so I am not often playing a lot of standout leads or solos, etc.
Thanks for you help!!
F
Answer:
I know that you're going to get a lot of replies saying that you should save up and go with single effects pedals. The truth of the matter is, for me personally, single effects pedals almost always sound better. I personally haven't found a multi-effects unit that I've liked, but to each his own.
*EDIT: What all effects do you use currently or plan to use?
Answer:
i'll sell you my digitech gnx 3 for 180+ shipping. thats a great price
Answer:
My advice for lower end multi-effects is this...don't do it. You might get a sense of what you want, which is good, but you will outgrow it so fast that I think it would be much more cost effective to just get a good one.
However, I see that you listed a used POD 2.0 as a possibility. If you can do that, do it! PODs are excellent units, plus once you get the funds you can get the full sized floorboard and expand your possibilities quite a bit. As an example of what PODs can do, just go listen to Lincoln Brewster. Just about anyone who has listened to him will admit that he has incredible tone, and it all comes from PODs. While it takes time to get good enough with them to make it sound that good, it can be done.
Answer:
I HATE Pods, I could never get a good tone from them (to be honest I only spent like three hours tweaking) but the overdrive just wasn't there for me.
HOWEVER
I saw the little river band in concert, they sounded amazing I was way impressed. Both guitarists had the latest pods, and the line 6 footboards, and two fender HR deluxes. I talked to the lead guitarist and he told me that all the amps were just "Clean and Freaking Loud" (....he may not have used 'freaking', but another similar word) for the stereo Delays. Anyway, their tones were great, so if you can take the time and get that tone, the pod should be a good thing, just not for me.
Answer:
For $150 you can get a Korg AX10G from Musicians Friend. I had one that I just traded in. Its got very sharp amp models and fairly good effects. It has some of the best reverb I have heard. It does lack dynamics in the amp models however, which is why I traded it in. Its the best I have played for under $160 though.
Answer:
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom. I'm still new to the effects...most of playing has been acoustic using an old chorus and eq stomps. The reason why I'm leaning toward multi's (and the smaller units) I listed earlier is simply for practice, space, and portability. Sound quality goes without saying (yet I just said it!!) I live in a small apartment (if you have been to NYC you know that small is SMALL...and overpriced) with 2 kids both under age 3. My playing is now through headphones late at night and storage space is likewise limited. I also cannot carry a large piece(s) through the city to my church.
While I have played on and off for about 14 years now, I still am a beginner, especially with electrics. Hence, my desire for something cheap but decent. I don't want to spend loads of $ for an awesome piece only to hardly use it and not appreciate its power.
Originally Posted by simple servant What all effects do you use currently or plan to use?
I guess its easier for to say that I do not play metal or hard rock. My tastes are along the lines of U2/R.E.M. and 80s alternative, Delirious?, Crowder, Tomlin, Passion Worship, and Hillsong's United.
Thanks again!
F
Answer:
the main thing you need considering your influences is a great tube amp with out too much drive. maybe like a vox/mesa/fender and then a delay pedal
Answer:
Originally Posted by nick2282 the main thing you need considering your influences is a great tube amp with out too much drive. maybe like a vox/mesa/fender and then a delay pedal that would be great, however considering your other needs forresal, I am sure you can find a POD to try out in NYC to try out, and if you can get the tones out of it (I know they're in there, I just couldn't find them) then it would be a GREAT way to go.