Heard a Strymon Blue Sky for the first time (as far as I know) just a few days ago and was blown away. Sounded fantastic. I'm not normally a fan of a lot of reverb and certainly previously wondered how any pedal could be worth its considerable asking price - I certainly couldn't bring myself to part with the £400 ish that the Strymon costs.
I know very little about reverb pedals but a bit of YouTube research would suggest that there's a 'shimmer' parameter which gives that glorious slightly choir-y sound. Have I got that right?
I see the TC Electronic Fluorescence (at about £43) also has a 'shimmer' control, and sounds pretty reasonable but it's hard to tell through my tiny (tinny?) laptop speakers. First appearances suggest that it's simplicity itself to use.
Obviously I need to get out there and try a few. Anything else (sub £150) that I should be looking at. The fewer knobs the better and preferably a small footprint.
I play guitar because I enjoy it rather than because I’m any good at it
Comments
The Strymon Blue Sky and Big Sky are two different things, at different prices.
The other verbs on the blue sky are are solid and decent but ultimately not overly inspiring. I think it’s better worked into the fx loop of an amp fully wet. There are better cheaper pedals that do your springs, plates and room reverbs. I’ve tried them all pretty much. Red Panda Context is a good all rounder though not that cheap. mad professor kosmos great too with the hold/freeze function enhancing the shimmer.
if you’re after a closeish shimmer sound I think line6’s reverbs on the M5 pedal upwards are very very worth considering. As are all the other reverbs on the line6. They go for £50 second hand which is frankly madness.
Ive grown to learn that when playing in a band reverb isn’t that much of a necessity as it gets lost in the mix ultimately. You never need as much as you think.
its taken me a good few years and about £2000 to learn that the hard way!