Topmusicanswers
- Should I buy delay or reverb first?
- Do I need both delay and reverb?
- What is the first pedal I should buy?
- Is reverb just fast delay?
Should I buy delay or reverb first?
In a guitar signal chain, the delay unit is generally placed before a reverb pedal, but it's up to the individual musician to decide on the order. Putting delay before reverb can muddy up the sound, so most guitarists prefer placing it after the delay.
Do I need both delay and reverb?
There are no “best reverb and delay settings” that you can find: all you need is your creativity. Practice, practice, and when you think you know what you need, practice some more. That's not all. If you are looking to replicate some classical sounds, like those in the 60s or 70s, use delay first, followed by reverb.
What is the first pedal I should buy?
For most guitarists, a tuner, drive pedal, and delay pedal are essential pedals. Buying these pedals first will give you a solid rig that you won't outgrow. Some guitarists never move past these three pedals, while other guitarists go on to build large pedalboards with a range of different effects.
Is reverb just fast delay?
Technically, reverb (as well as chorus and flangers) is a delay effect. It's a time-based repeating effect that emulates soundwaves bouncing around a room. Delay is also time-based. But it starts after a certain amount of time and lasts for a certain number of repetitions.
