[Steveguitarist]

OK, I've changed the order of the effects chain several times. I've heard compressor always before distortion. Then I read it should be before. Modulation based effects at the end but before time base effects. Which is where I thought my phasor should be. So I had it in the chain after my chorus. I then read that a phasor is more of a filter and should be at the front of the chain after the wah-wah. It was killing my gain at the end so I gave it a shot and moved it up. Voila! It sounds terrific. Now whether or not you call it modulation or filtering that's another discussion. My point: Is there really any definitive method of ordering your pedals? Other than keeping time based (delays) at the end it seems that you'll still need hours of tweaking to get it right. Distortion then EQ or vice versa? Compression then distortion or vice versa? I mean it's enough to make a guy go back to his ME-50! (Nah). Well, any hints, tips, advice, insight or instruction would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a photo for viewing convenience. The wiring is still spaghetti as I have not yet decided what goes where. Right now it's like this:

Guitar>Dunlop Cry Baby Wah>Ibanez CP10(Compressor/Sustainer)>Mu-Tron Phasor>ProCo TheRat>Ibanez MS10(Metal Charger)>Boss Spider Modded GE-7(EQ)>Ibanez SC10(Stereo Chorus)>Ibanez DDL(Digital Delay)>Ibanez ADL(Analog Delay)>DOD FX-17(Wah/Volume)>1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb

[Ax]

Great Scott! Just looking at your cable clutter is giving me a headache...

[metropolis4]

After years of playing with effects order I've come to the conclusion that there are no rules. It all depends on what sound you're after. Sometimes modulation sounds better after overdrive, sometimes it sounds better before. Sometimes a compressor sounds better before overdrive, sometimes it sounds better after. I even run analog delays before distortion sometimes to get a dirtier sound. I never use EQ pedals so I'm not too sure there, but I think they would produce a different sound either before or after other pedals, again probably best to just experiment. I think the best thing to do is to keep experimenting until you find what sounds best to you (like you did with your phaser). The thing to think about in order is what you want to do to the signal. For example do you want to compresss a distorted signal, or distort a compressed signal. They both give you a different sound.

[Steveguitarist]

Thanks much for your input. You'd think after playing for 40 years I'd have a better handle on things. Especially dealing with these old pedals. Well, live and learn. The Word says there's wisdom in the counsel of many. Thanks again.

PS. Clutter is in the eye of the beholder. And my ears get by it!

[RipVanWinkle]

Theres always stuff like a 1-spot adapter, or some sort of power supply unit for your power needs