Explore the Blog

2024’s Top Reverb Pedals for Guitar & Bass

Posted by:

Nathan Thompson

|

On:

|

Introduction

A reverb pedal is an effects pedal that guitarists use to add reverb to their tone. Reverb creates a sense of space and ambience, simulating the sound of your guitar playing in different acoustic environments like rooms, concert halls, and open spaces. It’s an essential pedal for every guitarist’s rig, as reverb adds depth and dimension to your playing.

There are many different types of reverb pedals with various reverb algorithms to choose from. The right reverb pedal can transport your guitar tone to cavernous, atmospheric soundscapes or tight, intimate spaces. From the vintage spring reverb sounds of early rock and surf music to the shimmering ambient reverbs used by modern guitarists, a quality reverb pedal opens up a world of tonal possibilities.

Choosing the right reverb pedal requires careful consideration of your needs as a guitarist. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of reverb pedals, key features to look for, and recommendations for great pedals for different musical styles and budgets. You’ll learn reverb pedal basics, how to incorporate reverb into your rig, and tips for getting the most out of your pedal. Follow along as we dive into the endless possibilities of reverb and help you find the perfect pedal to take your guitar playing to new atmospheric heights!

Spring Reverb Pedals

Spring reverb pedals are designed to emulate the sound of vintage spring reverb tanks that were built into amplifiers in the 1950s and 60s. They work by sending the guitar signal through a set of metal springs, which vibrate and produce a bright, splashy reverb effect.

The main characteristics of spring reverb include:

  • Bright, twangy tone
  • Strong initial reflection and fast decay
  • Vintage vibe perfect for surf, rockabilly, and classic rock tones

Spring reverb excels at adding a splashy, surf-rock ambience to clean guitar tones. It’s also great for rockabilly and classic rock riffs that need a retro reverb sound. Some of the best spring reverb pedals include:

  • Fender ’63 Reverb Pedal – Emulates Fender’s classic 6G15 reverb tank found in vintage amps like the Deluxe Reverb. Great for authentic vintage spring reverb sounds.

  • Catalinbread Topanga – Affordable option that nails the vintage spring reverb tone at a lower price point.

  • Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay – Combines lush spring reverb with analog-voiced delay for classic rock and surf ambience.

  • Danelectro Spring King – Budget-friendly spring reverb in a compact pedal. Dials allow adjusting reverb time and dwell.

The splashing, drippy sound of spring reverb is an essential ingredient in many classic guitar tones. For guitarists wanting to add an authentic vintage vibe, a dedicated spring reverb pedal is a great option.

Plate Reverb Pedals

Plate reverb pedals aim to simulate the sound of vintage plate reverbs that were commonly used in recording studios in the 1960s. Plate reverbs work by sending an audio signal through a large, thin sheet of metal suspended upright under tension. The vibrations of the metal plate create a lush, dense reverb effect.

Plate reverb pedals are characterized by their smooth, rich reverberation. Compared to spring reverbs, plate reverbs have a more even decay and lack the metallic twang of springs. The reverb tail is very high quality, though it may lack some of the vintage character of spring reverbs.

Plate reverb pedals excel at adding a touch of dimensionality and space to cleaner guitar tones without coloring the core tone too much. They have a shimmery quality that sounds great with chords and arpeggios. Plate reverb works well for jangly indie rock, atmospheric shoegaze, and ambient playing.

Some popular plate reverb pedals include:

  • Strymon BlueSky – Offers vintage and modern plate modes. Stereo outputs provide immersive ambience.

  • Boss FRV-1 ’63 Fender Reverb – Emulates Fender’s original 6G15 tube-driven reverb unit. Warm, smooth plate reverb.

  • Neunaber Immerse Mk II – Features high-quality plate reverb algorithms alongside other reverb types. Stereo configuration available.

  • Catalinbread Topanga – Affordable analog-voiced plate reverb pedal. Retains clarity even at long decay settings.

Experimenting with different plate reverb pedals can help you find the perfect subtle sheen or bombastic ambience for your guitar tone. Plate reverb is an essential effect for any genre that requires a professional mix.

Hall Reverb Pedals

Hall reverb pedals aim to simulate the natural reverberation of a concert hall or other large venue. They work by modeling the way sound waves reflect and decay within a large, open space. Of all the reverb types, hall reverb provides the most spacious, grand, and lush reverberation.

The hall reverb effect has a very long decay time, resulting in a deep and immersive reverb tail. The reflections are smooth and dispersed, enveloping your original guitar tone in a rich wash of ambience. This helps create a sense of three-dimensional space, making your guitar tone feel bigger and more expansive. Hall reverb adds depth and grandeur to any guitar style.

Hall reverb pedals shine when you need to make your tone sound larger than life. They work great for styles like ambient, post-rock, and cinematic music that require expansive atmospherics. The huge reverbs are also popular with guitarists who play in large venues and want their tone to match the grandeur of the space.

Some excellent hall reverb pedals to consider are:

  • TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 – Offers a great hall reverb mode at an affordable price point.

  • Strymon BigSky – Packed with ultra-realistic hall reverbs and advanced features for sculpting your ambience.

  • Eventide Space – Offers top-notch hall reverbs alongside many other high-end reverb algorithms.

  • Empress Effects Reverb – Provides a gorgeous hall reverb with deep editing parameters for total control.

Experiment with the decay time and mix level to find the right hall reverb intensity for your music. The lush ambience can be used subtly to give your tone depth or cranked for interstellar soundscapes.

Room Reverb Pedals

Room reverb pedals aim to simulate the natural reverberation of a small room or recording studio. The reverb is intended to sound like the reflections created when a guitar amp is recorded in a room with reflective surfaces.

The main characteristics of room reverb pedals include:

  • Tight and controlled reverberation – Compared to hall and plate reverbs, room reverbs have a shorter decay time and sense of space. The reverb is more subtle and sits closer to the initial signal.

  • Intimate ambience – Room reverb adds a touch of ambience without being too washy or expansive. It’s great for adding a sense of space to your tone without dominating the core sound.

  • Retains clarity and definition – Even when cranked up, room reverbs maintain the clarity and attack of the original guitar tone. The reverb blends nicely without obscuring your playing.

Room reverbs work well in situations where you want to thicken up a tone without drastically altering it. They are ideal for:

  • Subtly enhancing cleans and adding depth – A touch of room reverb can make clean tones sound fuller and more three-dimensional.

  • Fattening up crunchy rhythms – When playing chunky chords or rhythms, room reverb adds polish without washing out the core tone.

  • Giving leads a sense of space – Lead lines can benefit from a hint of room ambience to place them in a believable space.

Some excellent room reverb pedals to consider are:

  • TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 – Affordable with great room reverb modes
  • Strymon Flint – Analogue tremolo and reverb in one pedal
  • Eventide Space – High-end pedal with stellar room algorithms
  • Boss RV-6 – A standard room reverb with Boss’ signature tones

In summary, room reverbs add subtle ambience perfect for guitarists who want a touch of space without dramatic washy effects. They are versatile pedals great for enhancing cleans, fattening rhythms, and putting leads into a believable space.

Ambient Reverb Pedals

Ambient reverb pedals are designed to create lush, expansive, and otherworldly reverb tones. They use complex reverb algorithms and effects like pitch shifting and modulation to produce an ethereal, dream-like ambience.

The characteristics of ambient reverb pedals include:

  • Long, swirling decay trails that seem to last forever
  • Shimmery, pitch-shifted tails with octave layers
  • A sense of space and depth beyond natural reverb
  • Lush, atmospheric reverbs that surround your tone
  • Otherworldly, experimental tones perfect for soundscapes

Ambient reverb pedals are best used by guitarists looking to create soundscapes, textures, and atmospheres rather than traditional reverb sounds. They excel at:

  • Ambient, drone, and shoegaze styles
  • Adding texture and atmosphere to lead lines
  • Creating a sense of space and depth in a mix
  • Crafting swelling, hypnotic textures
  • Experimental and avant-garde music

Some of the top ambient reverb pedals include:

  • Electro-Harmonix Cathedral: Features reverse reverb and infinite sustain for ambient dreamscapes
  • EQD Afterneath: Ultra-cavernous reverb with pitch shifting and modulation
  • Neunaber Immerse MkII: Shimmer mode with octave layers and pitch-shifted tails
  • Meris Mercury7: Immersive, lush algorithms perfect for ambient playing
  • Old Blood Noise Dark Star: Extreme reverb machine with bit crushing and pitch shifting

The expansive, creative reverbs from ambient pedals can inspire new musical textures or enhance your existing ambient works. They provide the tools for crafting your own otherworldly soundscapes.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Reverb Pedal

When shopping for a reverb pedal, there are several key features to consider that will determine how the pedal sounds, functions, and fits into your rig. Carefully evaluating these aspects will help you select the right reverb pedal for your musical needs and preferences.

Reverb Modes and Algorithms

One of the most important factors is the reverb modes and algorithms offered by the pedal. Reverb algorithms digitally model the sound of different real-world spaces and environments. The most common reverb types include:

  • Spring reverb – models vintage spring reverb tanks
  • Plate reverb – emulates studio plate reverbs used for recordings
  • Hall reverb – simulates the natural reverb of a concert hall
  • Room reverb – recreates a smaller, tighter ambient space

Higher end reverb pedals will provide multiple reverb modes to choose from. Look for pedals that offer high quality modeling and realistic, nuanced reverbs.

Controls

Reverb pedals feature controls that allow you to shape and customize the reverb effect. Key parameters include:

  • Decay – Sets the length of the reverb tail
  • Mix – Controls the wet/dry balance of the effected and clean signal
  • Tone – Adjusts the brightness or darkness of the reverb
  • Pre-delay – Adds a gap before the reverb kicks in

Consider how adjustable you want the reverb to be and which controls are most important for your needs.

Stereo vs Mono Operation

Stereo reverb pedals output a left and right reverb signal for a wide, immersive effect. Mono pedals send a single combined reverb signal. Stereo is great for adding space and depth. Mono is more straightforward and practical for mono signal chains.

Analog vs Digital Circuitry

Analog reverb pedals use real components to create a warm, vintage reverb tone. Digital pedals use DSP and modeling for more versatile and precise effects. Analog often sounds more natural, while digital offers more control and options.

Size and Form Factor

Reverb pedals come in a range of sizes, from mini pedals to larger multi-function units. Consider the size of your pedalboard and your needs. Mini pedals save space, while larger pedals accommodate more controls and features.

Best Reverb Pedals for Different Styles and Budgets

Best Overall Reverb Pedal

The Strymon BigSky is widely considered the best overall reverb pedal available today. It offers 12 high-quality reverb algorithms, including hall, room, plate, spring, and shimmer reverbs. The reverb sounds are pristine and realistic, with deep and spacious tails. BigSky also provides extensive tone-shaping controls, stereo I/O, and preset saving/recalling. It’s a versatile pedal suitable for any genre.

Best Budget/Affordable Reverb Pedal

If you’re looking for great reverb on a budget, check out the TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2. At around $120, it delivers a lot of bang for your buck. With 10 different reverb types, toneprint functionality, and the famous TC high-quality reverb algorithms, it’s hard to beat for affordable ambient effects.

Best Compact Mini Reverb Pedal

For compact pedalboards, the Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 is a top choice. In a mini enclosure, it packs in 11 reverb modes including spring, hall, and reverse reverb. The sounds are lush and high-quality, with parameters easily controlled via the Rate, Depth, and Level knobs. It runs on a 9V power supply.

Best Ambient/Experimental Reverb Pedal

The Strymon NightSky is specifically designed for ambient, experimental reverb textures. It offers unusual reverbs like swarm, echo, and magnetic, which can be sculpted and modulated for unique soundscapes. The drag knob creates pitch-shifted delays, while the gravity knob controls reverb density.

Best Spring Reverb Pedal

To nail vintage spring reverb tones, go for the Catalinbread Topanga. It emulates the classic Fender amp-style spring reverb with a bright, lively character perfect for surf and rockabilly styles. The dwell control adjusts the decay length for just the right amount of vintage vibe.

Using Reverb Pedals Creatively

Reverb pedals can be utilized in creative ways to craft lush, atmospheric guitar tones. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your reverb pedal:

Placement in the Signal Chain

Where you place your reverb pedal in your signal chain can dramatically impact its sound. Placing it before dirt and overdrive pedals will yield a more natural, organic-sounding reverb. The distortion will compress and smooth out the reverberations.

Conversely, placing reverb after distortion creates a more ambient, expansive sound. The reverb will be more pronounced and spaced out, working with the compressed distortion. Experiment with placement to find your perfect balance of clean and distorted reverb tones.

Stacking with Other Effects

Reverb combines beautifully with delay and modulation effects like chorus, flanger and phaser. The reverb helps fill space between delays for lusher textures. Chorus and modulation add movement to the reverb tail.

You can also place reverb in parallel with the dry signal using an effects loop pedal. This allows you to blend in just the right amount of ambience with your core guitar tone. The options are endless for crafting new sounds.

Using Reverb as an Instrument

Creative guitarists use reverb as an instrument itself, not just an effect on the guitar. Try sending drums, vocals, synths or other instruments into your reverb pedal. This can create huge, cavernous soundscapes when used on percussion, or dreamy, ethereal layers on vocals and keys. The sonic possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your reverb pedal sounding its best. Here are some tips:

Power Requirements

  • Use a proper power supply that meets the voltage and current needs of your pedal. Underpowering can lead to undesirable noises or issues.

  • Use an isolated power supply to eliminate hum, buzz, and interference.

  • Make sure you use the right polarity power cable for your pedal. Mismatched polarity can damage the pedal.

Cleaning

  • Keep your pedal in a clean, dust-free location when not in use. Dust buildup can cause crackling noises.

  • Wipe down the exterior housing periodically with a dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using liquids or chemicals.

  • Use compressed air to blow out any dust in hard to reach areas. Be gentle and avoid blowing directly on components.

  • Inspect jacks and knobs for grime buildup and clean as needed with contact cleaner.

Troubleshooting

  • If you experience any unusual noises like crackling or popping, check your cables, power supply, and jacks first.

  • Try isolating the pedal from your signal chain to determine if the issue is with the pedal or elsewhere.

  • Consult the user manual for specific troubleshooting tips related to your model.

  • Post on guitar forums or contact the manufacturer if you can’t resolve an issue yourself.

Repairs

  • Some issues like switch or jack failures may require professional repair. Assess if DIY repair is possible first.

  • Weigh the cost of repair vs just replacing an older or damaged pedal.

  • For vintage pedals, find a specialist tech experienced with that era of electronics.

  • Seek manufacturers with good repair policies. Some offer free lifetime repair service.