i think if i was going to reduce it to a core of stuff it'd be:
Distortion+
Algal Bloom
RV-3
tremolo
DiscumBOBulator
TC SCF
Ghost Echo
the D+ is my Ur-dirt box i've played since the early 80s; the Bloom will get me at least close to most everything else. the RV-3 is limited, but easily tweakable, does what it does well and is adaptable to a wide variety of formats. i already talked about the EMMA. some people hate the SCF, but i love it because of the lack of coloration and 80s cleanliness others despise...it goes wonderfully after everything else but before reverb. and i just adore the Ghost Echo, which i never turn off, only adjust...i even keep it on when i use the spring reverb on the Laney now.