Best delay pedals for under $200?

Poor Tom · #1 10-29-2009, 08:54 PM

I'm looking to get a delay pedal but don't know which ones have the best track record for us bassists, or which are the "goto" delay pedals. I am considering these but not sure:

Boss DD-7
Digitech Hardwire DL-8

What else is there? Probably looking for a Digital Delay rather than an Analog.

bigchiefbc · #2 10-29-2009, 08:56 PM

Are you looking new or used? Because you can also get a DD-20 or a Nova Delay for under $200 if you're willing to go to the used market / eBay. I currently have a DD-20 and love it.

If you're looking for analog, you have the Carbon Copy, the Memory Boy/Toy, and the Malekko 616, all under two bills.

Poor Tom · #3 10-29-2009, 09:01 PM

after checking some clips on youtube. I think I would prefer a Digital Delay over the Analog. I don't mind going used, but Sam Ash has a good deal today and tomorrow online. $50 off if you spend $150 or more and use the code SPOOKY at checkout.

bassbmx · #4 10-29-2009, 09:15 PM

Check out the Line 6 DL4 but set aside a bit of time/money to replace the switches. It sounds awesome but the switches suck.

Chronicle · #5 10-29-2009, 09:17 PM

I love my Echobox. Sadly it's 250$. Maybe get a used one.

The Malekko 616 sounds great. If you want a darker sounding delay, i'd go for that.

newbold · #6 10-29-2009, 09:18 PM

I had a DL4 and while I loved the delays I wound up using it to loop more than the delays.

It sucks tone. Boss would be the idea way to go as far as tone suckage is concerned that I can vouch for, but the DL4 is a great delay unit provided you also have the expression pedal,

very awesome or really diappointing

Poor Tom · #7 10-29-2009, 09:20 PM

I think I got a good idea now. Thanks guys.

In Absentia · #8 10-29-2009, 09:26 PM

I'm definitely a bigger fan of the analogs than the digitals. What makes you want one over the other?

Ayliffe · #9 10-29-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

Are you looking new or used? Because you can also get a DD-20 or a Nova Delay for under $200 if you're willing to go to the used market / eBay. I currently have a DD-20 and love it.

If you're looking for analog, you have the Carbon Copy, the Memory Boy/Toy, and the Malekko 616, all under two bills.

second the DD-20

its perfect.

Poor Tom · #10 10-29-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Absentia

I'm definitely a bigger fan of the analogs than the digitals. What makes you want one over the other?

Well, after hearing clips and video reviews on youtube, it seems like every analog delay pedal makes sounds that are coated in sticky cigarette smoke. Most digital delays appear to have an analog setting that is pretty close anyway, which would make the digital more versatile. The analog sound really seems to change your tone and I would rather be able to decide that for myself with a preamp or tone shaping pedal, so that I could determine the way the delay sounds rather than the delay determining the way I sound.

...I think that makes sense.

*insertcoolname · #11 10-29-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poor Tom

Well, after hearing clips and video reviews on youtube, it seems like every analog delay pedal makes sounds that are coated in sticky cigarette smoke. Most digital delays appear to have an analog setting that is pretty close anyway, which would make the digital more versatile. The analog sound really seems to change your tone and I would rather be able to decide that for myself with a preamp or tone shaping pedal, so that I could determine the way the delay sounds rather than the delay determining the way I sound.

...I think that makes sense.

Judging by what you said I would definitely recommend the DD-7. Crystal clear repeats, tap tempo, analog simulator, looper and a bunch of other fun stuff built in. VERY solid pedal.

Poor Tom · #12 10-29-2009, 10:44 PM

Well, in the interest of saving money, I just bought a DD-3 from the classifieds. Not as many options as the DD-7, but I've heard good things about it.

*insertcoolname · #13 10-29-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poor Tom

Well, in the interest of saving money, I just bought a DD-3 from the classifieds. Not as many options as the DD-7, but I've heard good things about it.

A very solid pedal as well. Less fluff, but gets the job done.

FreaqyFrequency · #14 10-29-2009, 10:52 PM

The Memory Boy is my favorite delay under a Benjie.

newbold · #15 10-29-2009, 10:52 PM

You can always upgrade. Great pick.

The Ethanator · #16 10-29-2009, 10:58 PM

i got a delta lab dd1 a few months ago. paid $70 for it and couldnt be happier. its simple to use and really fun to experiment with. plus, its small and true-bypass. if youre not 100% sure youll use it enough to warrant having it, its only a small investment compared to what it could be so you wont be out much money (relatively speaking). there seems to be some talk on the ehx memory toy analog delay too, and its right in that ballpark in terms of price. they also make the memory boy, which has a few extra features such as an expression input and chorus/vibrato modes

dang, now that i look around, i probably shouldve saved up a little longer and bought a memory boy, it seems like it could be more useful in psychedelic rock

Brad Barker · #17 10-29-2009, 11:06 PM

the dd-3 is a great digital delay. i'll get a dd-7 eventually, myself, for a second digital delay, plus for its analog and backwards features.

TheWoodShed · #18 10-29-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad Barker

the dd-3 is a great digital delay. i'll get a dd-7 eventually, myself, for a second digital delay, plus for its analog and backwards features.

I have a v1 DD-3 with the large chip and it is great.

nad · #19 10-30-2009, 12:30 AM

Digital you say? Guyatone MD3. Expect nothing finer.

icarussmicarus · #20 10-30-2009, 12:37 AM

Under 100 - Memory Boy is a killer analog delay - look for my thread for some clips on it.

Under 200 - DD-20, digital delay, with a nice amount of presets and some unique and excellent sounds. I recently bought my 2nd one of these and will be doing a bunch of clips this weekend that I will post including a comparison of its analog mode with the memory boy

Under 300 - The echobox may not have tons of features but it has a beautiful delay sound. It's digital, but it sort of emulates the way an analog pedal's repeats degrade without the hazy coating you get from a traditional analog delay.