Xmas gift for me...Which effects to get? Baggs PADI, Boss AD-3?

rbachman · #1 12-09-2002, 03:31 PM

What can I tell my wife that I want for Xmas?

I would like a new toy to try with my 314ce.

I am going right to a PA (really a mixing board) not an amp.

I would like to spend about $100. Maybe you all can convince me to pay some more!!!!

flig_chris · #2 12-09-2002, 04:31 PM

Doesn't the AD-3 sell for around $180 - $200 and the Baggs PADI sell for around $125 - $140? I think that both of those are over you limit...however the PADI comes really close to your price range. I have one and love it!

Chris

jumbo lover · #3 12-09-2002, 04:33 PM

Definitely get the LR Baggs PADI. I can't wait to get mine.

neelekke · #4 12-10-2002, 02:37 AM

I have both the AD-3 and LRBaggs PADI. If playing through a PA I would rather have only the PADI than only the AD-3. It really rules! AD-3 is a very nice little thing if you want to get more effects at a later stage, but it's the PADI that brings out the sound quality - especially with a Fishman pickup...

Thundercranium · #5 12-10-2002, 05:31 AM

I originally bought a PADI to use with my custom built six string, which has a Baggs RT System installed. When I got my Taylor 355 and installed the Baggs i-Beam passive, I had planned on using the PADI with that. Had I been thinking I would have gone with the active i-Beam, because the passive needs so much more gain from the PADI than the RT System, and I like to switch guitars during a performance with as little fuss as possible. Also, the 355 requires a much different EQ curve than my six.

My point here is that I'm now shopping for another PADI. Yes, they are that good. Built like a tank, quiet as a mouse, exceptionally versatile, and they sound great.

slw · #6 12-10-2002, 06:00 AM

Can you tell me what features come on the PADI and how do those specific features or what do they do to improve the sound? Thanks.

neelekke · #7 12-10-2002, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by slw
Can you tell me what features come on the PADI and how do those specific features or what do they do to improve the sound? Thanks.

You can check out all the features at the lrbaggs website ( www.lrbaggs.com ) - they even have a product manual and reviews that appeared in magazines online...

I love mine! It's like this little magic box in which you can plug your guitar - even with a really crappy pickup - and out comes this heavenly sound! It's also great if you have to use many different PA systems and don't have hours to fool around with the settings to get the best acoustic sound. Just plug it in and off you go! Definately worth the $130 I paid for mine!

rbachman · #8 12-10-2002, 06:43 AM

What will the Baggs PADI give me that the Blender on my 314ce doesn't?

Thundercranium · #9 12-10-2002, 10:48 AM

I'm not familiar with the Blender, but here are a few things I'm sure it doesn't have:

Notch Filter (if it does it is not as steep)
Balanced Line Out
Sweepable EQ
Phase Reversal
Class A Circuitry

The culmination of all these features allows the PADI to almost completely eliminate piezo "quack" which, combined with it's ability to drastically reduce feedback, makes it an indispensable recording and performance tool.

GSnyde · #10 12-11-2002, 09:53 PM

My wife is getting me a Pod for xmas. [lovey-dovey-winky-smileyface]

neelekke · #11 12-12-2002, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rbachman
What will the Baggs PADI give me that the Blender on my 314ce doesn't?

You have a blender on your 314ce?? Usually the 314's come out with Prefix or Prefix plus...

A much better EQ, no feedback, some signal compression, no noise/hiss (at all), phase inversion (I can't remember whether the blender has it too), possibility to put in an FX loop - without increase in signal noise, killer notch filter, balanced output, "clean" signal, no piezo "quack" and in general a more pleasant, fuller and warmer sound. Generally I've found that sound engineers do backflips of joy when I plug my PADI in. If this doesn't convince you I don't know what will...

rbachman · #12 12-12-2002, 07:37 AM

neelekke,

Yes I do have a blender on the 314ce. It is a lefty custom ordered for last Xmas. I thought that since I was ordering it I would throw the blender in.

For this Xmas I will get the PADI and it look like it will be a great match !!!!

I called my local shop (the one I ordered the 314ce from last year) and he has one in stock. My wife can pick it up, wrap it up and put it under our Xmas tree!!

He even said that I can have a few weeks to give it a try

Thanks for your help,
Rob

neelekke · #13 12-12-2002, 09:19 AM

I'm quite sure the music shop won't see the PADI again.

Did it cost much more to have a blender instead of a Prefix installed in your 314ce?

rbachman · #14 12-12-2002, 09:37 AM

it was a $70 upgrade !