kuro,

well effect pedals have come a long ways, i always go to the namm shows and play with the latest and greatest. digitech has a series out where you can morph the cabinets, speakers, etc and create your own monster...can't remember the name though.

the problem (still!) with effects units is that they suck the tone right out of whatever you have plugged in. doesn't matter if the unit is in-line or through the effects channel...they still suck the life right out of whatever you have.

pedals can somewhat eliminate this, but it still exists's to some degree. really the only way around this is with true bypassing. just saw a new gizmo in guitar player that is a true bypass board where you plug your crap into.

but bear in mind all of this goobly-gook i'm talking about is if your playing out. if you are just a hobbyist (and it sounds like you might be more than that) then digitech's will take you a long ways. do you have soungs recorded?

Comitted to excellence through art.