Master Guitar Delay Pedals: Complete Guide

Introduction to Delay Pedals

A delay pedal is an effects pedal that creates echoes of your guitar signal, adding depth and texture to your tone. In simple terms, it repeats what you play after a short delay that can be controlled. The first delay effects emerged in the early days of rock music, with guitarists experimenting with reel-to-reel tape machines to capture and play back echoes of their playing. Early examples include Marty Robbins’ 1959 song "Don’t Worry" and the Beatles’ use of delay on multiple tracks starting with Revolver in 1966.

Delay pedals allow guitarists to tap into this creative sound effect in a compact stompbox format. The delayed signals blend with your direct tone, filling it out and adding a sense of space. Delay can be used subtly to thicken up leads and chords, or more dramatically for swirling ambient textures. From slapback echoes to long trailing delays, these pedals open up many creative possibilities.

Delay pedals enable guitarists to add depth, dimension and interest to their tone. The echoes introduce rhythmic variations and psychoacoustic interest. Whether used subtly or prominently, delay pedals allow guitarists to craft their tone for different styles and add flair to their playing. From rock and blues to ambient and experimental genres, delay pedals empower creative guitarists.

Types of Delay Pedals

Delay pedals come in many different styles and flavors, each with their own unique tones and capabilities. Here are some of the main types of delay pedals guitarists should know about:

Analog vs Digital Delay Pedals – Analog delay pedals use bucket brigade device (BBD) chips to create a warm, saturated delay tone. The repeats tend to degrade and distort in a musical way. Digital delays use digital processing for crisp, pristine repeats. They offer more delay time and flexibility but some guitarists prefer the organic sound of analog.

Tape Delay Emulation Pedals – These pedals recreate the sound of vintage tape echo machines. They emulate the warm, gritty sound of magnetic tape saturation and the natural degrading of repeats. Popular tape delay pedals include the Strymon El Capistan and Catalinbread Belle Epoch.

Multi-Function Delay Pedals – Many modern digital delays offer a wide range of delay types in one pedal. This can include standard digital delay, tape echo emulation, reverse delay, modulated delay, looping, and more. The Eventide TimeFactor and TC Electronic Nova Delay are great examples.

Stereo and Ping-Pong Delay Pedals – Stereo delay pedals output the dry signal on one channel and wet delay on the other for immersive effects. Ping-pong delays bounce the repeats from left to right channel creating a psychedelic sweeping effect. The Strymon TimeLine offers both stereo and ping-pong modes.

Reverse Delay Pedals – These pedals reverse the delay signal for trippy backwards-sounding echoes. When used subtly, it can add thickness and ambience. The Boss DD-8 includes a highly usable reverse delay mode on an affordable pedal.

Key Features to Look For in Delay Pedals

When shopping for a delay pedal, there are several key features to consider that will determine how versatile and functional the pedal is for your needs.

Delay Time Range

One of the most important factors is the available delay time range. This determines the shortest and longest delay intervals you can set. Shorter delay times like 20-300ms are great for slapback and rhythmic effects, while longer delays of 500ms or more provide ambient trails and textures. The best delay pedals offer a wide range of delay times for maximum creativity.

Tap Tempo Functionality

Many modern delay pedals feature a tap tempo footswitch that allows you to tap in the delay time you want in relation to the tempo of your music. This makes it easy to precisely dial in delays that sync with your playing rather than having to manually adjust the delay time knob.

Tone-Shaping Controls

Controls like modulation, filtering, and EQ allow you to shape the tone and character of the delayed signal. Modulation adds chorus-like warbling, while filtering can roll off highs for a darker delay sound. Some pedals also have tone knobs for further EQ adjustment. These parameters expand your creative options.

Preset Saving and MIDI Control

For studio and live use, features like preset saving and MIDI control are very handy. Presets allow you to save your favorite delay settings and recall them instantly. MIDI lets you control parameters externally. Both make it easy to recreate sounds precisely during performances.

True Bypass vs Buffered Bypass

The type of bypass switching used affects the pedal’s transparency and potential impact on your tone when disengaged. True bypass completely removes the pedal circuit, while buffered bypass retains a driver circuit for reduced signal loss. Each has pros and cons to weigh.

Battery vs AC Power

While most pedals run on a 9V power supply, some also offer battery power for portable convenience. However, batteries drain quickly with delay pedals, so AC power is recommended for heavy usage. Power considerations are important for reliability and usability.

Using Delay Effectively

Delay pedals offer immense creative potential when used effectively. One of the most important factors is dialing in the right delay time and number of repeats for the desired effect. Short delay times between 40-100ms create lively slapback echoes that lend energy and richness to riffs and leads. Longer delay times from 500ms and up create atmospheric backgrounds that add depth and space. The number of repeats impacts how prominent the delay effect sounds. For rhythmic effects, try setting the delay time in sync with the tempo of the song.

The best delay settings depend greatly on the musical genre and playing style. For rock, short and lively delays work well to thicken up solos and riffs without overpowering the direct tone. Ambient and post-rock benefit from long, washed-out delays that create lush soundscapes. Funk styles often employ slapback echoes to accentuate staccato rhythms. With country and blues, subtle delays emulate the natural echo of an amplified guitar in a large space.

Stacking multiple short and long delays together can create complex patterns and textures. This allows you to combine the rhythmic impact of short delays with the ambient backgrounds of longer echoes. Creative guitarists also often combine delay with other effects like reverb and modulation for even more unique tones. The key is experimenting with delay pedal settings to find what works best for your gear and personal style.

Delay Pedal Placement and Power Considerations

When building your pedalboard, one of the most important considerations is where to place your delay pedal(s) in the signal chain. There are a few key factors to take into account:

Signal Chain Placement

The most common placement for delay pedals is after distortion/overdrive effects and before modulation effects like chorus or flanger. This allows the repeats to be shaped by the distortion while keeping the modulation effects only on the initial signal. However, creative players may experiment with unusual placements, like putting delay before distortion to get a washed-out lo-fi sound.

In the Effects Loop vs In Front

Many guitarists run their delay pedals in the effects loop of their amp rather than in front. This results in a cleaner delay sound since the initial signal is not being colored by the preamp distortion. Delay pedals in front of an amp work too, but can sound darker and less pristine.

Power Considerations

Digital and analog delays often require more power draw than simple pedals like overdrives. Make sure your power supply can provide enough isolated outputs at the proper voltage/milliamps. Chaining multiple delay pedals from a single output could result in noise or misbehavior. Using a dedicated delay output from a power supply ensures stability. Also consider battery vs power operation – digital delays often only work on power.

By carefully considering where to place your delay pedals and how to power them, you can maximize their potential and avoid frustrating issues. Take time to experiment with placement and signal chain order when designing your pedalboard.

Notable Delay Pedals

When it comes to notable and iconic delay pedals, there are a few key categories to consider.

Classic Analog Delays

The delay pedal effect really came into its own with the advent of analog bucket brigade chip technology in the 1970s and 80s. Some of the most sought-after vintage analog delay pedals include:

• Boss DM-2 – One of the first mass-produced compact delay stompboxes, known for its warm, saturated analog tone. Used by guitarists like The Edge.
• Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man – Features lush, murky analog delay. Popularized by U2’s The Edge.
• Ibanez AD9 – Emulates the warm sound of old tape echo machines.
• MXR Carbon Copy – Modern analog delay that mimics the classic Carbon Copy tape echoes.

Modern Digital Delays

With digital processing, delay pedal builders were able to achieve more pristine, clear delay tones as well as add more features like presets and tap tempos. Notable modern digital delays include:

• Boss DD-7 – Extremely versatile digital delay with tap tempo and analog mode.
• Strymon TimeLine – Studio-quality digital delay with extensive tone-shaping and MIDI control.
• TC Electronic Flashback – Affordable digital delay with TonePrint editor for custom tones.
• Empress Effects Echosystem – Advanced digital delay with 30 second loop time and extensive creative options.

Unique and Boutique Delays

Beyond the major brands, smaller boutique pedal builders create uniquely voiced and featured delay stompboxes. These include:

• Chase Bliss Audio Tonal Recall – All-analog delay with tap tempo, tone shaping and MIDI control.
• Walrus Audio Bellwether – Analog bucket brigade delay with sound-on-sound looper.
• Malekko Ekko 616 – Lo-fi analog delay based on Binson Echorec tape delays.
• Crazy Tube Circuits Time MKII – Vacuum tube-driven analog delay.

Delays for Any Budget

Whether you’re looking to spend $50 or $500, there’s an excellent delay pedal out there to suit your budget. Great budget options under $100 include the TC Electronic Flashback and the excellent Behringer Vintage Delay. For high-end studio and touring pro pedals, the Strymon TimeLine and Empress Echosystem deliver unmatched versatility and pristine sound quality.

Delay Settings of the Stars

The delay effect has been a crucial part of many iconic guitar tones over the years. By examining the delay settings used by famous guitarists, we can get insight into how to craft delay tones for different musical styles and eras.

The Edge’s Ambient Delay

Few guitarists have utilized delay as extensively as U2’s The Edge. His ambient, chiming delay tones define the iconic sound of classics like "Where The Streets Have No Name." The Edge often uses a simple digital delay pedal like the Boss DD-3 set to a delay time of 300-400ms. With the feedback knob rolled back to avoid runaway echoes, this creates a warm pad of delay that elevates his crystalline guitar lines. For solos, he kicks in a longer delay time for soaring textures.

Andy Summers’ Slapback

As the guitarist for The Police, Andy Summers popularized tight slapback delay textures. Heard on hits like "Message In A Bottle," Summers’ delay settings involved a short delay time between 50-120ms. With low feedback, this produces a rockabilly-esque echo that doubles each note while retaining clarity. For thicker tones, Summers would also stack his main delay with a second unit set to a longer ambient delay.

Brian May’s Vintage Echoes

Queen’s Brian May is known for his organic, vintage-flavored delay tones. On tracks like "Brighton Rock," May used an Echoplex EP-2 tape delay unit to produce warm, degraded echoes with a hint of modulation. For those looking to emulate his tone, tape delay pedals like the Catalinbread Echorec or Belle Epoch can produce rich echoes when dialed in with delay times around 300ms and moderate feedback.

David Gilmour’s Epic Delays

As Pink Floyd’s guitarist, David Gilmour crafted some of rock’s most expansive delay textures. On classics like "Comfortably Numb," Gilmour’s delay tones blend pristine, long digital delays with airy reverb. Using units like the MXR Digital Delay, Gilmour would set delay times as long as 500-600ms for ambient pads and huge solo repeats. High feedback settings let the echoes cascade into infinity.

By exploring the delay settings of the greats, any guitarist can learn how to sculpt professional delay tones. Experiment with different delay times, feedback levels, and combinations of effects until you craft your perfect delay recipe.

Delay Pedal Maintenance

Taking proper care of your delay pedals will help them last for years of tone-enhancing use. Here are some tips for maintenance and troubleshooting:

Cleaning and Care

• Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the pedal’s exterior periodically. This removes any dust, dirt or debris that can potentially get inside the pedal.

• Avoid using any cleaners, solvents or chemicals on the pedal, as these can damage the paint, knobs or enclosure.

• Store pedals in a clean, dry location when not in use. Avoid excess heat, cold, or humidity which can impact the electronics.

• Check all cables connecting to the pedal – faulty cables are a common source of issues like crackling, cutting out or noise.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If experiencing noise, try different power supplies and cables. Isolated power supplies prevent interference.

• For weak trails or cut-off repeats, check delay time settings and power – insufficient power can cause early trail decay.

• Popping/clicking can occur from bad cables, low battery, or electrical interference – troubleshoot each possibility.

• Try operating the pedal in true bypass mode to isolate issues to the delay circuit itself.

Seeking Repairs

• For complex issues, seek professional repair from a qualified technician. Don’t attempt DIY fixes unless experienced.

• Contact the pedal manufacturer first – some offer repair services or can diagnose issues for you.

• Consider whether cost of repair exceeds cost of a replacement pedal – repairs average $50-$100+.

• For vintage or discontinued pedals, find a tech who specializes in that particular pedal or brand.

Proper maintenance and care will keep your delay pedals sounding magical for years on end! Let us know in the comments if you have any other delay pedal care tips!

Conclusion

Delay pedals open up a world of tonal possibilities for guitarists. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the magic of delay and how it can be used creatively to enhance your playing. Let’s recap some of the key points:

• Delay creates echoes of your original guitar signal, adding depth and new rhythmic dimensions. From slapback to long ambient trails, delay provides atmosphere and interest.

• There are many types of delay pedals, both analog and digital, offering different features. It’s worth experimenting to find the delay tones that inspire you.

• Use delay thoughtfully to suit the genre and vibe of your music. Set delay times in sync with the tempo or craft washes of ambient texture. Short delays thicken tone while long delays shine for soundscapes.

• Creative musicians incorporate delay fluidly into their rigs. Place it after dirt for articulated echoes or in the effects loop for more diffused trails. Power supplies keep noise at bay.

• From old-school tape echoes to state-of-the-art digital delays, inspiring pedals exist at every budget. The delay you need is out there waiting to be discovered.

• Legendary guitarists like The Edge, David Gilmour and Johnny Marr have crafted iconic delay-drenched tones. You can emulate those sounds with the right pedals and settings.

The world of delay pedals is a deep well of creative potential waiting to be unlocked. We encourage you to grab a delay pedal, plug it in, and start experimenting. Dial in everything from short slapbacks to infinitely repeating soundscapes. Combine delay with reverb and modulation for even more textures. There are no rules – let your imagination run wild!

What are your favorite delay pedals or go-to delay settings? Have you discovered any creative delay tones or tricks? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Types of Delay Pedals

Delay pedals come in many different forms, each with their own unique tonal qualities and features. Here are some of the most common types of delay pedals guitarists use:

Analog Delay Pedals

Analog delay pedals are designed to recreate the warm, natural sound of vintage tape delays. They use analog circuitry like bucket brigade chips to produce the delay effect. The repeats tend to gradually lose fidelity and degrade in a pleasant way. Popular analog delays include the Boss DM-2 and MXR Carbon Copy.

Analog delays excel at adding depth and dimension to your tone without being too obvious or processed sounding. The darker tone and natural decay make them great for everything from slapback to ambient textures. Drawbacks include limited delay time and lack of tap tempo control.

Digital Delay Pedals

Digital delays convert the audio signal into digital data to produce pristine and clear repeats. Many offer longer delay times up to a few seconds, tap tempo functionality, and advanced features like modulation and reverse delay.

The Boss DD-3, TC Electronic Flashback, and Strymon TimeLine are classic examples of versatile digital delays with extensive capabilities. The crystal clear repeats work well for long, rhythmic delays while still providing convincing analog-like tones.

Tape Delay Emulation Pedals

Many modern pedals aim to recreate the warm, saturated sound of vintage tape delay units. They often include controls to manipulate the sound of the virtual "tape" for convincing analog vibes.

The Catalinbread Echorec, Dunlop Echoplex, and Fulltone Tube Tape Echo offer tape delay sounds in a stompbox format. The naturally degrading repeats and adjustable wow/flutter help produce organic delay textures.

Multi-Function Delay Pedals

Delays with expanded functionality like looping, reverse delay, modulation effects, and preset storage offer creative options for guitarists.

The Strymon TimeLine and Empress Echosystem pack numerous delay types and deep editing parameters into a single pedal. Multi-function delays allow for crafting unique delay soundscapes.