For years I had just one pedal...the Boss Turbo Overdrive pedal...and it still works today. I bought that one back in 1984. A few years ago, when my old high school band got back together again, I needed more effects. The other guitarist in my band has the Pod effects board, but I couldn't afford that...LOL.
For about half the price, I picked up this Korg board...has served me well....just program what sound you like, name it and save it in one of dozens of banks.
Thought I'd also show a few pics of my current setup in the basement...for digital recording. I use an 800 watt, 8 channel mixer to pre-process vocals and guitars and record straight into the PC. I also have condenser microphones...that use power from the amp. They are much more sensitive and picks up highs and lows better than standard microphones. You'll see a cheap bass guitar I use to lay down bed tracks as well as my Fender semi acoustic. All of my band's music is recorded using this setup.