Guitarists: How do you select your pedals?

[guitarintro]

As a guitarist myself, it is important for me to learn new techniques and acquire new equipment that can expand my musical playing. After all, we all want to improve. I play in a friend's band and also the church worship team.

Now, I came across wah-wah guitar pedals and there is a model called the 'weeping demon'. The specific model is called Ibanez WD-7 weeping demon. As a Christian, are we supposed to avoid items like this? What happens if this wah-wah pedal actually sounds good? Is there anything wrong with acquiring something like this or should Christian guitarists look elsewhere for wah-wah pedals?

To me, it seems a bit legalistic to avoid things because of a brand, but honestly, I am not too sure. I'd like to hear some opinions from guitarists and non-guitarists.

 

[IAmComfortablyNumb]

Hey, Howz yaz dooz? Well if ya REALLY like the sound of the pedal and it works fer ya, but don't wanna show off the name. Try some black electricians tape over the name/logo. It isn't permanent, so if you'd ever wanna sell it, there's no damage. Problem solved.
Have a good one. Enjoy!
J. (A musician for 30 years)

 

[jthomas1600]

I agree, it's legalistic not to buy the pedal based on the name. That being said, I would probably pass on it. I think you can find plenty of pedals that do what you want.

 

[56Bluesman]

Oh, boy. I am a christian musician who also still does secular gigs, and I understand your sensitivity to how things can be misperceived by other christians. It's also a mark of spiritual maturity, and yet we are also supposed to be people of liberty.

I can say that most likely the pedal in question is named what it is, because of the marketing department and has nothing to do with actual occultic worship, etc. The trouble is that that it might be a great tone tool for you, but other christians may come down on you if they see the model name. If you buy the pedal, then cover up the name however you see fit. Use paint, tape or whatever, unless you feel like putting up with the hassle of explaining your good intentions, along with the fact that it's just a stupid marketing name on an otherwise legitamate piece of musical equipment.

One of my basses came with a Leo Quan Bad Ass II bridge. I've left the bridge alone, and so far no one has ever looked at the tiny inscription on the bridge, but I'm willing to explain that the bridge has been named what it is because of less than insightful marketing as a brand name. Of course I'm also a 53 year old musician and not some kid anymore , so let's say the truly concerned, as well as legalistic christians who would be upset over such a thing aren't in a position to bluster and bully me. I won't let them. I will however politely listen to any concerns and use the opportunity to educate. It's your call, friend. Go with what God says in your heart.

 

[graphite412]

I myself personally wouldn't buy a pedal with that name, but anywho. There are tons of different pedals out there. Dunlop crybaby is probably the most popular. Maybe also go to sound on sound and check out reviews on pedals if any. Also find the gear list of the guitarist who's sound you like.

 

[OneOfTheMany]

Yeah, don't discount it based on the name. Try it out, if you like it, buy it.

I have gone through about a million pedals, and I would recommend starting with just two. A boost pedal like the Tube Screamer and a 'feel pedal', like a delay or reverb.

 

[JamesAH]

Does that mean you are going to stop eating devil eggs or devil ham.

It's a name don't worry about it

There is a Christian band called Demon Hunter are we supposed to avoid them because of the word Demon in their name nope you got to draw a line somewhere in the sand.

Now if you are going to use that pedal to make anti Christian music than you gots some problems there buds.

 

[OneOfTheMany]

Does that mean you are going to stop eating devil eggs or devil ham.

Well said.

Sometimes morality lies beneath the surface.

 

[Charlie_]

I was going to buy a Schecter Hellraiser Guitar, asked a brother about it and he said "Does that mean you're going to raise Lucifer out of Hell and slay him"



Ended up getting a Fender Stratocaster though.

 

[OneOfTheMany]

I was going to buy a Schecter Hellraiser Guitar, asked a brother about it and he said "Does that mean you're going to raise Lucifer out of Hell and slay him"



Ended up getting a Fender Stratocaster though.

lol

 

[MAdams985]

I was going to buy a Schecter Hellraiser Guitar, asked a brother about it and he said "Does that mean you're going to raise Lucifer out of Hell and slay him"



Ended up getting a Fender Stratocaster though.

Haha, better choice anyway. Schecters aren't bad, but I feel the Strat is a better choice.

To answer the question...

Don't decide not to buy the pedal because of the name, decide not to buy the pedal because it's not good, haha. There are MANY wah pedals that are superior to that one.

 

[wgooden]

buy the pedal if you like it ... tape out the name if it bothers you ... I wouldn't over think it ...

wg

 

[Leat]

Well, every time you use that Pedal to praise God, you are making a Demon Weep! LOL

But in truth, it is as simple as covering or removing the name. Just because a name is given to an instrument, does not mean it is evil.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

I go purely by the sound when looking at pedals. Generally, I look at the type and brand of pedal, plug it in, play and listen to it. I really could care less about the name.

As it is, my two favorite pedals are a Silver Dragon [Rocktron] and a DD6 Delay [Boss].

If you don't care for the name, or if it bothers you, tape it out. Or paint the whole pedal. As long as it works for you, though, don't worry about it.

 

[mysterE]

The thing about being on a worship team is your on display, like it or not. No thing is evil of itself but it causes your brother to fall don't display it. A good wah wah can make you sound like a better player than what you are though. It's a judgment call.