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BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:55 am
by unownunown
i like how the title rhymes.
hopefully i'll get some cash for my birthday in like, two weeks. if so, i'm going to buy a delay. i don't really know what to look at, but i know i like the memory boy a lot. i'd possibly pick up the deluxe, maybe. anything else i should keep my eye on? my budget would probably be around 100-150.
i think i want something that can be a subtle or really out there and strange if necessary.
also, maybe a stupid question: but where's the line between delay and echo?
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:21 pm
by StudioShutIn
Well, without going into lots of technical 'audio engineering' jargon, there is actually a cut-off point where you go from 'echo' to 'delay'..
It's in the delay time, but the actual number escapes me at the moment

As far as a specific delay, have you looked at the Catalinbread Montavilian Echo? I've never tried that one but it seems pretty solid.
I hesitate to recommend the Memory Boy, though..I have one and I don't particularly like it. It's VERY dark and murky, and a little on the noisey side.
Also, the LFO for the modulation 'ticks' or 'pulses' slightly, even when the pedal is disengaged. (no true bypass, methinks)
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:22 pm
by onelouderash
In that price range, I'd take a look at the Malekko Ekko 616, although anecdotally they seem finicky.
There's also the tc electronics Nova Repeater, which gets some love around here.
The MXR Carbon Copy is smack dab in your price range too, but I didn't care for it much myself.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:28 pm
by Bellyheart
DMB or 616. I've never had the mentioned problems with my DMB. 616 seems to be a poor build sometimes, but most places seem to refund and replace no problem. Also, the Catalinbread is supposed to be viscous.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:30 pm
by StudioShutIn
Just wanted to clarify that I have the standard Memory Boy, not the Deluxe one..
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:32 pm
by Ghost Hip
I enjoyed the memory boy. My friend got a Nova Repeater a little awhile ago, I played it... and loved it. but I love anything with reverse delay.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:48 pm
by unownunown
woah, the nova repeater looks like some serious business! i think we might have a winner.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:18 pm
by bronzetalon
Have you thought about picking up a Dr Scientist Sunny Day Delay with his birthday discount? I have played a lot of delays and to my ears the only analog sounding delay that came close to sounding as good as the SDD was a EHX DMM. The repeats are nice and dark and they sound great with the pedal on the verge of self oscillation. With the discount it will be about $190 which is over your budget but it really does sound that good to me.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:30 pm
by SPACERITUAL
bronzetalon wrote:Have you thought about picking up a Dr Scientist Sunny Day Delay with his birthday discount? I have played a lot of delays and to my ears the only analog sounding delay that came close to sounding as good as the SDD was a EHX DMM. The repeats are nice and dark and they sound great with the pedal on the verge of self oscillation. With the discount it will be about $190 which is over your budget but it really does sound that good to me.
This.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 2:22 pm
by randel_07
i've got both the nova repeater and the sdd.
to be honest, i like the sdd more because it is both aesthetically pleasing and produces good delay sound
i still like the nova repeater (probably gets the same amount of use as the sdd) though because it can do a digital delay well, and it has tap tempo
plus it's not too pricey.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:05 pm
by Bellyheart
That Nova Delay is so friggin' ugly, but apparently is good. So ugly though, gah!
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:14 pm
by hbombgraphics
I am on board for the Malekko Ekko 616
I owned a memory boy and It did not have the best sound nor does it get anywhere close to the advertized delay time.
Also: Not in love with EH customer service.
If you want a digital cheaper route that still sounds good the Ibanez Tone Lock Delay is awesome, does an echo and a long delay and will self oscilate, only real draw back no modulation.
Also the Tech 21 Boost DLA is a monster pedal.
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:17 pm
by RossCanyonsofstatic
Get the sunny day delay and never look back!
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:30 pm
by DarkAxel
i'm not very fond of the Nova Repeater, sounds awfully sterile and IMHO it's a bit of an overkill...
i'd look for used Disaster transport/DT jr., the 616 is also supposed to be good... i'd also love to have Montavilian, but i'd immediately buy almost every pedal Catalinbread makes, so don'T take me too seriously
SDD is supposed to be great - i can't tell, never tried it
Re: BIRTHDAY DELAY!
Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:35 pm
by onelouderash
True facts: every time I see this thread's name, all I can think is "THIS IS A BIRTHDAY PONY" over and over.