Reverbs are a funny pedal for me. For years, I hated reverbs. I mean, I really, really, really hated them. But over the last 5-6 years, I can’t imagine not using one.. or 3. Obviously, they’ve become hip and because of that builders have been exploring and creating interesting reverbs, which just enhances the experience and allows for more creative boxes entering the market.
So what is it about reverbs? For me, it’s the “wash” that is very desirable. I personally love over the top reverbs for leads. It use to be a sin to have reverbs and dirt boxes together, but that combination in a variety of pedal ordering can be wonderful! Obviously using reverbs to expand the base tone, is great too, so having a variety on board is something I’m seeing more and more. Additionally, there are ways to alter that tone that people want as well – for example using “shimmer” effects or modulated or darker verbs on the wash.
In my own set up I use a Strymon BlueSky as a “always on” verb, but use a Earthquaker Devices Dispatch Master (with a lead boost) to create some intense dynamics.
I wanted to put this list together for those of you that want to get some great sounding reverbs, but find those reverbs “in the pocket” when I talk about pricing. All of these reverbs are in the $100-$200 range, so really quite affordable. This list has some really great units. I also want to point out, this is not ordered in any way.. just the order of the reverbs that came to mind.
15 of my favorite Reverbs in the $100-$200 range
EarthQuaker Devices Dispatch Master Delay/Reverb
Boss RV-6 Digital Reverb
TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb Pedal
Digitech POLARA Lexicon Reverbs Stereo Pedal
Electro-Harmonix HOLY GRAIL NANO Reverb Pedal
Catalinbread Topanga Spring Reverb Effect Pedal
Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Neo Reverb pedal
Old Blood Noise Endeavors Dark Star
Caroline Guitar Company Météore Lo-Fi Reverb
Keeley Aurora Reverb
Neunaber Web Reverb
Old Blood Noise Endeavors Procession Reverb
EarthQuaker Devices Ghost Echo Reverb
Malekko Spring Chicken Reverb
Matthews Effects Cosmonaut Modulated Void Reverb
Let me know what you think about this list. Did I leave something off? What you remove one? Remember, we’re talking about reverbs between $100-$200 range. Please comment below!
