Author Topic: Good Delay Pedal Recommendations Sought (Read 151 times)

hydrargyrum · « **on:** August 07, 2009, 09:57:06 AM »

Hey there,

I was just curious if someone might be able to recommend a good delay pedal for guitar. I've owned an EHX Deluxe Memory Man, and a Boss Digital Delay (I can't recall the model designation), and both were good at their particular functions. These are gone now though, and I was hoping someone might recommend a good delay for under $200. I'm not really wedded to analog or digital yet.

hieronymous · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:22:31 AM »

How about the Malekko Heavy Industry echos?

glocke · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:14:18 PM »

there are alot of choices...I've been tempted to try this for my bass...

http://www.pigtronix.com/products08/echolution.html

bsee · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2009, 01:28:38 PM »

I always like the Boss PSD because it doubled as a pitch shifter. Probably was never a great delay, as I wasn't anywhere near as aware of tone back then. It worked great for soloing with a 5th added to double the line.

As far as an actual top-quality delay by today's standards, it probably would depend if you're looking for any particular extra features. For example, do you want presets? Do you want to set your delay time with a dial or via some form of tap button? I wonder if there's even anything out there that detects tempo and will auto-set to a note rate rather than an absolute time (there is in the software)? Do you want stereo?

If I look at the specs on the delays in my recording package, there are a couple dozen types of delay before you even get into parameters.

tom_z · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2009, 03:28:57 PM »

My TC Electronic Nova Delay sounds fantastic, is versatile, and can be used in stereo. Cost is a bit more than $200 but the quality is great.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/NovaDelay.asp

dnburgess · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2009, 03:39:01 PM »

We just did a big shootout of delay pedals including Boss, EH and others. The best sounding analogue was the Moollon - plus it looks very cool. The best digital was the TC Electronic Nova. Its also super versatile - but that means you need to invest a little time to get the most from it.

bluplirst · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2009, 04:24:11 PM »

I think the Moollon is digital. It does look nice!

dnburgess · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2009, 06:38:13 PM »

Sorry yes - the Moollon delay is digital - they also have a very nice Chorus that's analogue.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2009, 05:34:22 AM »

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Those Moollon's are sure interesting, but a little too pricey for me right now. The pigtonix stuff really looks cool too. I like the sound of the Malekko, but I think 300ms would be a bit short on time for me (although the 600ms looked interesting too). Anyone else have anything to share?

hieronymous · « **Reply #9 on:** August 09, 2009, 07:23:05 AM »

I was going to say the new Boss RE-20 Space Echo - a digital modeling pedal of the old RE-201 tape Space Echo. I have one and it's good, though it doesn't quite cop the vibe of the original. But it's also a little above the price range you stated.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #10 on:** August 09, 2009, 08:59:27 AM »

The old Boss DD-2 is a great pedal. I believe it's the one Pete Cornish used as a platform for his custom delay. Also the MXR Carbon Copy is fantastic, with 600 ms of pure analog delay. Plus the price is great.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2009, 09:50:08 AM »

I might be able to come up with a bit more than $200 for the right pedal.

Jonathan, I had considered the MXR, but I heard that it wasn't strictly true bypass, and could be a bit of a tone leach when not engaged. Do you have any thoughts on that?

jalevinemd · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2009, 10:49:32 AM »

Kevin,

Never found it to be a tone sucker. Depending on the OD pedals I'm using sometimes things seem louder and more crisp, though that may be a function of the delay itself. I've got a spare one if you ever feel the need to try it with your rig. Also have a Boss DD-6 that I don't use.

jack · « **Reply #13 on:** August 10, 2009, 09:15:49 AM »

I'll jump in and say the Echolution mentioned by Glocke is pretty incredible. The online tour there will probably tell you more about it than I could. I'll just say it works as advertised, sounds great, and doesn't take any sound away from the bass (edited to add: or guitar... wait, there are guitar players here? Guess I haven't been paying attention....)

[I always feel obligated to state that the Pigtronix dude is a buddy and former bandmate of mine, although if the pedal was no good I wouldn't lie.]

(Message edited by jack on August 10, 2009)

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #14 on:** August 10, 2009, 11:05:19 AM »

I like my Morley Emerald Echo. Don't know if they are still available...