true enough there is a manual mode, but, it's basically like what you see is what you get. So, if say for instance instead of using chorus, you wanted to go to flange or something you woul dhave to reach down and reset everything. I'm sure if I had spent more time with the ME-50, I might have grown to like it, but I'm done the whole modeling/multi-effects thing for too long. It also seemed to take all the sweet tone out of my amp and produce a steril/digital/very thin sound. As for the "real stuff" I'm planning on getting a Boss CE-5 chorus ensamble, TU-2 tuner, original cry baby, and DD-3 delay. Right now that's all I need. I might invest in a few more gadgets later, but for now, that's all I need. I'm really growing fond of the overdrive on the classic 50, so I don't really see a need for a distortion/overdrive pedal. Besides, I've still got my triple XXX if I want to get down right brutal and loud.