I’m an old guy. I’ve been playing (for not much money) for 60+ years. I own 14 guitars. I don’t take 14 to a gig...sometimes two...lately one. In my opinion...how you ( or I, or anyone) sounds has more to do with how you play, than what you play on. If you can’t manage to sustain a note on your Strat...unplugged sitting on the sofa...and your pedalboard will make you sound like your fave hero, I feel sorry for you. Sustaining that note with your hand is playing guitar...stepping on a pedal is...stepping on a pedal. I’m not taking some kind of elitist attitude here and no one would likely ever refer to me as one of the greats of my time...just a guy that’s done this before...lots. If you’re reliant on your “pedals” and can’t manage without them...learn to do just that. The time WILL come when it’ll be very handy. Y’all be well and play as often as you can.
