Ok I am getting my D-50 back tomorrow and it will have a martin thinline passive undersaddle pickup in it. I understand that I will need a preamp so eventually I am going to get a para DI (i think) to go along with that. Now here is my delimma. I want the option of being able to adjust my volume on stage so can I get a volume pedal for that or will it even be necessary considering that the para DI has a volume control on it. (as long as it is near my mic stand) If I should need to get a volume pedal,  what is a good one at a reasonable price for a college student? Also what exactly does a compression pedal do and would it be good to use on an acoustic when strumming?

Thanks

Dan

Depends.  Do you want to adjust your volume without bending over?  If not the PADI is fine. If so, you'll need a volume pedal or something like this would work, to:
http://www.schattendesign.com/blackbox.htm

I don't know anything about compression pedals. Never used one.

David