We asked Thomas Dill, an expert in guitar effects to describe his pedalboard. Thomas made his passion his profession: it all started with his guitar studies in Cologne which lead him to become a guitarist for many musicals such as Tommy (The Who), Jesus Christ Superstar and Harry & Sally. He is also a guitarist in the studio, a sound programmer for Boss multi-effects, teaches guitar, an author for specialist magazines and the author of his book “Guitar Effects” published by AMA.
Dear fellow guitarists,
As tester/author for the German webzine Bonedo, many effects pedals have passed my hands and especially my feet. This is of course a dream job for a pedal-freak such as myself, but also with fatal consequences for my bank account. In fact many pedals never make it back to the manufacturer, but instead find a home on my pedalboard… not only the expensive ones, but also the lower priced models that bring a particular sound. So it’s hard to say what the best pedals are, but what I can tell you is which ones are my most favourite at the moment.
Live pedalboard setup
I have a mini board for concerts for more flexibility and because it’s easier to carry. I chose for the Pedaltrain Nano+ as it’s very lightweight and durable. In this setup are two of my favouritie pedals: the Himmelstrutz Fetto Overdrive and the Okko Diablo Gain Plus. The Okko for big sounds and the Fetto for less saturated sounds. At the end we have the TC Electronic Flashback Delay, which provides a natural echo. And in between we have three Mooer pedals, the Ninety Orange Phaser, the Ensemble King Chorus and the Varimolo for tremolo sounds. The Shim-Verb is on the bench for atmospheric sounds. Mooer pedals have a distinct advantage in that they are very compact and still provide useful sounds.
Studio dirtboxes
For studio recordings, there are a few dirt generators next to the Diablo and Fetto of which I can’t live without. The Emma PisdiYAUwot for example is appropriate for metal, and when High-Gain sounds should sound somewhat cleaner, I replace it with a Bogner Ecstasy Red. If instead I need a filthier sound, then I bring forth the Red Witch Fuzzgod II to the amp – the 
name is not in the least bit exaggerated. For bluesy sounds, naturally the Tube Screamer is an appropriate choice, and depending on the guitar also the Boss Blues Driver. And finally the Schaffer Replica to enrich the distorted sounds (as well as clean sounds).
Modulation, delay and special sounds
For recording I often use a Boss RE-20 Delay, especially when warm and spherical delay sounds are needed. The Harley Benton FL-100 doesn’t quite compete with the sounds of pedals in the higher price segment, but it does have a special flanger sound with an aggression I haven’t heard in other flangers. Therefore it’s like a wildcard and a prime choice for 
special circumstances. For more obscure sounds I have the Electro Harmonix Micro Synth ready prepared. And for a stylish touch in Wah sounds I use a DOD Envelope Filter, which also now comes in a new edition (DigiTech DOD D 440). And finally the indestructible Dunlop Cry Baby pedal for wah sounds.
So this is the current gang, as of August, 2016, as I mentioned before, the pedals are constantly in rotation and I’m curious as to what’s next in front of my feet.
Thomas Dill
What do you think of his setup? Do you have some personal favs when it comes to pedals? Let us know what’s on your pedalboard, we’d love to hear about it 🙂
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