Guitar guys: Multi-effects?

I'm struggling here.

Here's what I have, and what I need:

HAVE: Quality TC electronics tuner. Solo boost on footswitch for amp.

NEED: I'll probably spring for the ISP Decimator noise gate. Pricey, but worth every penny as far as I can tell. I'd really like to throw some delay, and MAYBE a touch of phaser and reverb into the mix for solos.

I started looking at individual pedals and a board, but these obviously get expensive quickly.

Then I considered a multi-effects board. Mainly, I like the idea of ONE plug with no need for a pedal board, AND the ability to turn all selected effects on with one tap, rather than: Boost, delay, possibly phaser = 6 clicks per solo.

Any thoughts? I keep going back and forth. I could grab a nice used SKB board for around $100 - which is another concern with the pedals, even the tuner and the noise gate; powering everything.

Sorry for the stream of consciousness.

EDIT: This would be pretty much strictly for solos. I'm really happy with the dry sound of the amp.

I run a Zoom B9.1ut on bass and have been quite happy. Other musicians seem to appreciate the authenticity of it's vintage modeling like Big Muff, SVT, TS9. Presets are easy to change on the fly. Preamp blends solid state with a 12au7 tube and has built in gate.

I think the guitar version is a G7.1ut.

I think Line 6 does a great job with effects modeling. Their construction quality leaves something to be desired, but if you're gentle with your gear, you shouldn't have any problems.

Looking at something like this, I have a hard time justifying spending $300+ on effects, board, patch cables, etc., and having to dance. The complexity scares me a little though. I don't need 8 billion buttons, presets, and tweaks. I really just need a touch of delay, boost, and maybe phase or chorus.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/msg/3821713677.html

I have a Boss ME70 and like it because of the way it is arranged, like four individual stomp boxes with a pedal.

What I like about the Line 6 stuff, in addition to their sound quality, is that once you spend some time getting everything setup, it's pretty simple to run.

Alternatively, if this is going to be a set-it-and-forget-it sort of thing, you could just run Pod. I think they have a rack mountable version, too.

With that board (and their Stompbox modelers, which I also like) just be careful with the jacks, knobs and switches. They're soldered and attached to the PCB in a not-terribly-stout manner, and repairing the connection at the board is a real PITA unless you're soldering skills are significantly better than mine. With some care they're fine, but you do need to make a bit of an effort to keep them out of harm's way.

Hit the vintage guitar place today. Scooped up a like-new, in-box ZOOM G3 for $100! Love it! I figured it out in about 5 minutes, and it'll actually be fun to play around with.

Thanks for the opinions.

I had one of the first generation low end Zoom boxes many moons ago. It did an OK job of emulating back then, and the interface was pretty understandable for only having two buttons to work with. I can only imagine their stuff has improved since then. Good buy!

In reply to poopshovel:

What'd you wind up with for an amp, anyhow?

alex wrote: I had one of the first generation low end Zoom boxes many moons ago. It did an OK job of emulating back then, and the interface was pretty understandable for only having two buttons to work with. I can only imagine their stuff has improved since then. Good buy!

I had the Zoom 505 with the volume pedal add on. It was pretty neat back in the day.

ransom wrote: In reply to poopshovel: What'd you wind up with for an amp, anyhow?

This bad motherberker right hurr (minus the cab)

I just bought a Boss ME70 (and a Gibson SG Standard!) and I like it so much I'm going to get rid of my individual pedals. For the size, cost, and features, I'm well happy with the ME70.

poopshovel wrote:

ransom wrote: In reply to poopshovel: What'd you wind up with for an amp, anyhow?

This bad motherberker right hurr (minus the cab)

What's the specs on that bad boy? Model?

Quickrod 100W. It's basically a hand-wired uber hot rodded JCM. It berkeleying screams on half-power half-volume. I don't see the need to ever own another amp. <3

Quad EL34s?

Si.

Verra naice...

Ahh laaahk!!! Was getting some nasty "Off-throttle" feedback out ov the Ibanez at rehearsal, so I hooked up the Fender at WFOT at the shop. Jesus berkeleying christo that thing is loud. At 3/8 volume on half power (50 watts,) I rolled on the guitar volume and realized I needed to put headphones on.