Ever wonder if there are actually any new guitar effects since Hendrix? There must be some. But besides digital technology, what are the post-Hendrix effects?
(photo: Lucibox)
Here's one of those analogies that wakes me up at 4 AM. I'm partly inspired here by a recent conversation with a guitar gear industry insider who says the boutique pedal sector appears to be the healthiest and least affected by recession.
First of all, this is not a slight on Mexican restaurants or Hispanic folks-- in fact, I patronize these establishments all too frequently. Salem, Oregon, population approx 380K, is a nearby Pacific NW city with a vibrant Hispanic population-- and consequently, many Mexican restaurants. There are Taco Bells in Salem too, but you'd have to be severely lobotomized to eat at one, as there are Mexican cafes on nearly every corner. Well, the Oregon State Mental Hospital is in Salem too, thus Taco Bell can exist for outpatient referral.
I'll get to the crux here soon...
Trying to get BBQ in Salem is another story! At one point there actually were about 4 BBQ places, but now they're down to like one, and it sucks. But that's another story. We're hoping to tie guitar pedals in somewhere.
Now I know that Mexican cuisine can be a lot more exotic than the standard fare in most US "gringo-ized" joints, just as Chinese goes a wee bit beyond Chow Mein, Sweet-n-Sour Pork & fortune cookies.
The standard formula starts with a flour tortilla and a corn tortilla. Configurations include flat, folded, rolled, deep fried, etc., combined with fillings or toppings of beef, chicken, pork or cheese, topped with more cheese, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes-- AND accompanied with rice and beans. Menu entrees consist of these various configs. which have their own name and usually an assigned number for the bilingually challenged. A closer look at the #36 you just ordered usually reveals it to be a simple reconfiguration of a #4, 7, 16, 22, 23, 28, 39, 41, etc...
Am I saying here that all pedal producers and all Mexican restaurants are alike? Not exactly.
Besides being numerous, colorful and promising the hope of a zesty experience, there are always better ones and worse ones, just like anything else. But unlike many many other enterprises around which seem to be disappearing, more new pedal makers and Mexican restaurants just keep showing up! And in spite of mega outfits i.e. BOSS, Ibanez, DOD & EHX, who oughta have everything you'll ever need-- small boutique builders just keep popping out of the woodwork. Doesn't say much for the mega outfits, and also explains how folks like Keeley & Analog Mike make a good living re-tweaking Tube Screamers & Blues Drivers into mythical states for mythic fees. Welcome to the pedal fiesta! Everyone's here!
Overdrives, Distortions, Delays, Phasers, Flangers, Vibes... Analog or Digital? Corn or Flour?
Many of these basic circuits are unpatented and have been around for decades. Another crazy finish and your choice of domed, top hat or chickenhead knob. So many choices out there! Perhaps for the avid compulsive tone chaser, acquiring pedals is like collecting Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars-- or God forbid I should mention Beanie Babies.
And what about "TRUE BYPASS"... Why doesn't somebody just name their effects line TRUE BYPASS, and get it over with. Great brand name for a pedal builder! You read it here first.
But we still haven't resolved why pedal businesses and Mexican restaurants are so prolific...
Well, it takes time to craft and cook sounds when plugged straight into your amp. So maybe effects pedals are like chips and salsa- though not free- they're something to snack on right away, until the main meal shows up. Ya just have to be careful not to fill up on chips & salsa, then have to take #36 home where it turns into a science project in the back of the Frigidaire.
Typically, only Mexican restaurants put out the snacks right away. People can't get enough of that. I guess we can't get enough pedals either! Just remember that when & if YOUR tone arrives, not to let it end up behind the empty mayo jar.
And that explains everything.
Time for lunch! Arroz con pollo!
!
- 100% rated. Location NY, USA
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