Nice/More Pedals vs. Nice Amp

[hazelwould]

Would you rather have a decent amp, and nice/more pedals, or the other way around?

I'm at the point where I'm considering selling a chunk of my pedals to get a nicer amp.

Is amp with nice gain really worth it? Or is a good clean base with pedals just as good?

[skullservant]

Nice amp, fewer pedals. Pedals are cheaper, you can always pick up more, more easily down the road.
I've got a Verellen that is COMPLETELY clean, and a Sovtek that can be clean or dirty. Honestly, I think if you go the route of an amp that can get dirty I'd look into one that has an FX loop, if you want to use amp dirt and delays/verbs

[Casavettes]

Better amp fewer pedals.
At least at first...

[Ancient Astronaught]

Better amp, less pedals. And clean base tone in the amp.

If you send high quality pedals into a shitty cheap amp, it still sounds cheap and shitty. If you have a nice amp though the tone of the pedals comes through much better and gives you more control over making them sound better.

As far as amp dirt vs pedal dirt. If you go for an amp for its dirt you better be in love with that tone because you can't really change it. But if you go for a clean amp with dirt pedals you can swap them out if you get tired of them or if you want a different dirt tone.

[hazelwould]

I should reiterate... I've got a great sounding amp. It's just 100 watts more than I need at the moment. And the only time I ever really enjoy playing it is when it's rattling the house. Which causes problems. :/

[rustywire]

Once I found my amp it made the pedal hunt much more fun and interesting.

The amplifier is a cornerstone of your amplified sound, so it makes sense to find an amp that sounds and responds in your preferred way without the use of pedals. Both clean and driven.
From there you seek and use pedals to further season that foundation to taste and expand its horizons.
It sure beats using pedals in an attempt to compensate for a mediocre amp's shortcomings.

Switching amps after you've already amassed a bunch of pedals has the predictable outcome of a pedal sell-off, regardless of their quality...as they no longer provide their compensating function and now clash or become superfluous with the new platform.

Once you've found "your amp" it's a lot easier to find "your pedals"

[D.o.S.]

Once you've found "your amp" it's a lot easier to find "your pedals"

[Ancient Astronaught]

I should reiterate... I've got a great sounding amp. It's just 100 watts more than I need at the moment. And the only time I ever really enjoy playing it is when it's rattling the house. Which causes problems. :/

Ahhhhh I'm picking up what your putting down. I know that feel all too well. That's why I went out and recently bought two low power <50 watt amps. With a new baby on the way and my main amp shaking the foundation on 1, I needed something that could attain bedroom levels while retaining my usual tone.

[DarkAxel]

I mean given the fact i need to be mobile, my amp is great... works great with pedals and plays well, loud and clean

if i were more mobile, i'd probably go with a head version and 2x12 cab... and if i had more money, Fender head and 2x12 cab

but i'm pretty happy and i'll be even more after i change the dead tubes tomorrow

[DADGBD]

Better amp fewer pedals.
At least at first...

Hahahahahaha, THIS. ^^^

Edit:
I hear you, on having a house-shaker though...
I use a Bassman, with my band and have a Musicmaster Bass at home.

Even the Musicmaster (really) is too loud for use at home.
It's more practical, and sounds better on it's own... but I have to admit that I don't enjoy pedals as much through it; as I do the bassman.
It is good though, to have two different reference points for when I'm unsure on whether or not I like a pedal...

[Holy Schnikes]

My gear hierarchy goes AMP > PEDALS > GUITAR

[Ancient Astronaught]

My gear hierarchy goes AMP > PEDALS > GUITAR

As does mine. $4k+ in amps plus $3k in cabs around $2500 in pedals and the two guitars im using right now together cost $300

[hazelwould]

I should reiterate... I've got a great sounding amp. It's just 100 watts more than I need at the moment. And the only time I ever really enjoy playing it is when it's rattling the house. Which causes problems. :/

Ahhhhh I'm picking up what your putting down. I know that feel all too well. That's why I went out and recently bought two low power <50 watt amps. With a new baby on the way and my main amp shaking the foundation on 1, I needed something that could attain bedroom levels while retaining my usual tone.

What are you using?

[Ancient Astronaught]

What are you using?

Big wattage = Dunwich Custom (200w) + Peavey VB-2 (225w)

Low wattage = Verellen Custom (30-45w class A) + Hiwatt Lead 50 (50w)

[Holy Schnikes]

What are you using?

Big wattage = Dunwich Custom (200w) + Peavey VB-2 (225w)

Low wattage = Verellen Custom (30-45w class A) + Hiwatt Lead 50 (50w)

Ooohh, I didn't know you were rocking a Hiwatt 50 now days too.

I've been longing pretty hard for one of those. You love it? Loud as fuck??