Just thinking about some pedals and started wondering what you guys thought were pedals that are a "must have" for just about any type of music? I play mostly jazz inspired pop, usually my Duo Jet or my SG through a Fender Blues Jr. and I have to admit that I have mostly been one of these guys that preferred to plug direct into my amp. I have recently been thinking about trying different sounds and different pedals. I have used a Boss RC-2 and a Boss CS-3 but haven't in awhile. I also have a vintage RAT distortion box, but again, not a lot of use lately.

What are some pedals that you guys recommend or feel that you could not live without and most importantly, what do they do?

Not a pedal guy, but clearly the most useful pedal would be an EQ pedal. 90% of all pedals are kind of gimmicky, but the EQ pedal is really a tool to get your tone the way you want it.


If you are looking for a specific pedal for your Gretsch, I would suggest the Danelectro Reel Tape Echo. It really gives a good approximation of that old slapback, echoey classic Scotty Moore tone.


http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv224/taxmanharrison/pedalb012.jpg

I could not live without:

a delay pedal, an EQ pedal, and (most of the time) a compressor.

My amp has reverb, so I don't need a pedal for that.

Never found a distortion or overdrive pedal that I couldn't live without... still searching...

BBE Sonic Stomp.

The only pedal that I consider essential.

I second the preamp - it's a pedal that two years ago I'd never heard of and now I can't imagine doing without. I use the Dyno Brain, but other alternatives exist. I also like OD pedals. If you don't want much dirt, I'd also look at a clean OD like a Timmy.
As others have pointed out, an EQ pedal lets you shape your tone.
And for me, a delay is pretty critical, but depending upon your style, perhaps it's not a top priority for you.

Timmy or Tim - or similar "transparent" gain pedal
Clean Boost for lead boosting (optional)
Delay Pedal
Compressor
Reverb (since neither of my amps have it)