If you have a lot of pedals that aren't true bypass, yes. Even having a lot of true bypass pedals can suck tone. Two ways to solve it: bypass looper or a buffer.
Without a doubt....but there are way to many variables too provide any specifics.Maybe this is a dumb question to ask on TGP, but is there a point where having too many pedals will destroy your amp tone when all pedals are off even if they are all true bypass and dedicated buffers are placed at the beginning and end of the chain?
So wait, quite often pedals that don't have true bypass have a buffer instead. You say pedals without true bypass will suck tone.
Then you say a buffer will help.
Everyone understands what a buffer actually does electronically right? Its just a unity gain amplifier.
I don't think there's a magic number. It really depends on the type and quality of the pedals.
Use your ears and compare the sound you get plugging straight in vs. through all your effects and judge for yourself. That's the only way to tell if you're losing a bunch of signal/high end/clarity etc.
Really though, if you're happy with the sound you're getting don't over think it and just play and enjoy.
Maybe this is a dumb question to ask on TGP, but is there a point where having too many pedals will destroy your amp tone when all pedals are off even if they are all true bypass and dedicated buffers are placed at the beginning and end of the chain?
Unless you're arbitrarily trying to plug in a large number of pedals, no. I've seen boards with 30+ pedals that sound good. Does it sound absolutely the same as going direct to the amp? No, but everything is a trade off. Would the audience notice? Hell no. Its all in your own head.
I also don't get the odd relationship people have with buffers. A buffer in a pedal is evil, but strategically putting buffers in your chain is good. A buffer that's always on is evil, but having "always on" pedals is good.