The best delay pedal for EVERY type of guitarist

Looking for the best delay pedals? We’ve got you covered!

Ah, the humble delay pedal, a cornerstone of every guitarist’s pedalboard and the secret sauce to making those lush, ambient soundscapes or psychedelic trips into echo heaven.

I get it; the market’s flooded with choices. You’ve got analog, digital, tape, multi-mode—you name it.

So, I’ve spent some time twiddling knobs and stomping switches to bring you the three best delay pedals that, in my humble opinion, you’ve just gotta check out.

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1. Strymon Timeline – The deluxe best delay pedal!

First up is the big daddy of delay: the Strymon Timeline.

If you’re a pro guitarist or an enthusiast who loves tweaking and diving deep into sound options, the Timeline is like a swiss army knife for your delay needs.

Versatility: With 12 different delay types, you’re spoilt for choice here. From tape to reverse delays, it’s got you covered.

Sound Quality: This bad boy uses 32-bit floating-point processing, giving you studio-quality sound right at your feet.

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Customization: You get to save up to 200 presets. How cool is that?

Price: It’s a bit on the expensive side, but honestly, you get what you pay for.

This pedal offers everything from the nuanced echoes of vintage tape delays to modern, crystal-clear digital repeats.

If you’re willing to splurge a bit for an all-in-one solution, the Timeline is worth every penny.

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2. Boss DD-8 Digital Delay – The best delay pedal for the everyman

The Boss DD series has been a staple on pedalboards for years, and the DD-8 is their latest offering that takes it up a notch.

User-Friendly: If you’re not into menu-diving and just want something that’s easy to use, this is your go-to.

Built-In Looper: Yup, this thing has a looper. You can loop up to 40 seconds.

Multiple Delay Types: From warm analog delays to shimmering modulated echoes, it’s got a little bit of everything.

Less Tweakable: Compared to the Timeline, you have fewer options to go under the hood.

The DD-8 offers a variety of great-sounding delays without overwhelming you with options.

Plus, it comes in that classic Boss compact form factor. Great for those who want a reliable and straightforward delay pedal without breaking the bank.

3. MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay – The best delay pedal for people who want no frills

Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about the MXR Carbon Copy, the darling of the analog delay world.

Pros:

Sound: It’s got a warm, organic delay that adds a bit of that vintage vibe to your sound.

Simplicity: With just three knobs—Regen, Mix, and Delay—you can easily dial in your desired echo.

Small Footprint: It’s quite compact, making it a great addition to any pedalboard without taking up too much real estate.

Cons:

Limited Delay Time: The max delay time is around 600ms, which may not be enough for more experimental setups.

The Carbon Copy is great for those who want a simple, great-sounding analog delay without all the bells and whistles.

It’s particularly excellent for blues, rock, and roots music.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it—if you’re looking for the best delay pedal for need and budget, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re looking for the ultimate in customization and sound quality, go for the Strymon Timeline.

For something versatile yet straightforward, the Boss DD-8 is a great pick.

And if you’re an analog purist who loves that vintage warmth, the MXR Carbon Copy is a no-brainer.

Now, go forth and make some epic soundscapes or mind-bending solos, my friends. Happy jamming! 🎸🤘

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