Imagine the sound of a huge concert hall or a cozy church. What makes those spaces sound so big and rich? It’s reverb! Reverb pedals add that magical echo to your guitar, making it sound fuller and more exciting. But when you look for a reverb pedal in 2021, it feels like standing in a room full of toys. So many choices! Which one will make your guitar sing the best?
Choosing the right reverb pedal can be tough. You want that perfect sound, but all the different settings and types can be confusing. You might worry about spending money on a pedal that doesn’t sound quite right. This post is here to help you cut through the noise. We’ll break down what makes a great reverb pedal, so you can find the one that fits your sound and your budget.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the different kinds of reverb and what they do. You’ll learn what to look for in a 2021 reverb pedal and discover some top picks. Get ready to make your guitar sound amazing!
Our Top 5 Reverb Pedals 2021 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Reverb Pedals 2021 Detailed Reviews
1. Donner Reverb Guitar Pedal
Rating: 9.3/10
The Donner Verb Square is a cool little reverb pedal that adds awesome sound to your guitar. It’s small and tough, making it perfect for your pedalboard. You get seven different reverb sounds to play with, from a small room to a huge church.
What We Like:
- It offers seven different reverb modes: Room, Hall, Church, Spring, Plate, Studio, and Mod. This gives you lots of sound choices.
- The pedal uses a true bypass design. This means your guitar’s original sound stays clear when the effect is off.
- It’s built with a strong aluminum alloy. This makes the pedal durable and able to handle being stepped on.
- An LED light shows you if the pedal is on or off. This makes it easy to see what’s happening.
- The mini size is great for pedalboards. It doesn’t take up much space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pedal does not come with a power supply. You will need to buy a DC 9V power supply separately.
The Donner Verb Square is a versatile and user-friendly reverb pedal. It delivers great sound and is built to last.
2. JHS Pedals 3 Series Hall Reverb
Rating: 9.4/10
Step into a world of endless sound with the JHS Pedals 3 Series Hall Reverb. This pedal is inspired by the huge echoes you hear in massive rooms, like cathedrals and grand halls. It makes your guitar sound like it’s playing in a space where the echo never seems to end.
What We Like:
- It creates massive, infinite, and even dreamlike reverb sounds.
- It’s super easy to use with just three simple knobs and a toggle switch.
- It’s great for both beginners and experienced musicians.
- It’s built with high-quality parts in Kansas City, Missouri, with great care.
- It adds a huge sense of space to your guitar tone.
What Could Be Improved:
- For those seeking complex, multi-stage reverb, the simplicity might be a limitation.
- The 70mA power draw is standard, but a lower draw could be a bonus for battery users.
This pedal is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to add epic, expansive reverb to their music. It delivers big sound with simple controls, making it a go-to for creating those “wow” moments in your playing.
3. JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb
Rating: 9.3/10
The JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb is a fantastic addition to any guitar player’s pedalboard. It’s made right here in Kansas City, USA, which is always a plus. This pedal really lets you dial in just the right kind of echo for your sound.
What We Like:
- Super versatile: You can get sounds from a small room to a huge, endless space.
- EQ control: Easily make your reverb bright and shimmery or dark and smooth.
- Pre-Delay knob: This lets you get cool “singing in the shower” sounds or even springy, spacey tones.
- Built in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- Power consumption is a bit specific (74mA), so make sure your power supply can handle it.
If you’re looking for a reverb pedal that does it all without breaking the bank, the JHS Pedals 3 Series Reverb is a solid choice. It’s a great way to add depth and character to your guitar playing.
4. M-VAVE Mini Universe Guitar Pedal Reverb Innovation Unique Sound 9 Reverb Effects Pedals Pure Digital Dual Power True Bypass
Rating: 8.8/10
Dive into a universe of sound with the M-VAVE Mini Universe Guitar Pedal. This little powerhouse packs a serious punch, offering 9 different reverb effects to transform your guitar playing. It’s built tough with a sleek metal design and works with all sorts of guitars and amps. Plus, it’s super easy to power up, giving you tons of flexibility.
What We Like:
- It offers 9 awesome reverb effects, from classic Room and Hall to cool Shimmer and Lofi sounds.
- The pedal is built with a strong, high-grade metal case that looks great.
- It works with bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and most guitar amps.
- You can power it using a USB Type C cable or a DC 9V adapter, making it easy to use anywhere.
- It’s really simple to use, with a clear layout so you can adjust your sound quickly.
- This pedal gives you a lot of bang for your buck, offering great sound quality without breaking the bank.
- It delivers a warm, natural tone with a good dynamic response.
- The hardware pass-through function means your original signal stays clear.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions suggest using the Type C port first and recommend a power bank, which might be confusing for some users.
- While affordable, the “unique sound” might be subjective and may not appeal to every musician’s specific taste.
The M-VAVE Mini Universe pedal is a fantastic option for musicians looking to add rich reverb to their sound without spending a fortune. Give it a try and discover your new favorite tone!
5. SONICAKE Delay Reverb 2 in 1 Guitar Effects Pedal Digital Levitate
Rating: 9.4/10
The SONICAKE Delay Reverb 2 in 1 Guitar Effects Pedal Digital Levitate is a cool gadget for guitar players. It combines two awesome sound effects into one pedal. You get a digital delay and a plate reverb. This means you can add echoes and spacious sound to your guitar playing. It’s designed to make your music sound bigger and more interesting. This pedal is great for practicing at home or performing on stage.
What We Like:
- It offers two effects: delay and reverb.
- The delay can go up to 2000 milliseconds, which is a long time for echoes.
- The reverb has a big “decay” setting. This lets you control how long the reverb sound lasts.
- It has a “Trail” function. This lets the reverb sound continue even when you turn the pedal off.
- The “Tap Tempo” feature is helpful for live shows. You can set the delay speed by tapping your foot.
- The pedal uses a special circuit to keep your guitar’s original sound clear. This is called a buffer bypass.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 9V power supply is not included. You will need to buy this separately.
This SONICAKE pedal is a fun way to explore new guitar sounds. It packs a lot of features into a compact unit.
Choosing Your Perfect Reverb Pedal
Reverb pedals add space and depth to your guitar sound. They make your guitar sound like it’s playing in a big hall or a small room. This guide helps you pick the best reverb pedal for you.
Key Features to Look For
- Reverb Types: Different pedals offer different sounds. Some have Hall, Plate, Spring, and Room reverbs. Think about what kind of sound you want. A Hall reverb sounds big and echoey. A Spring reverb sounds like an old guitar amp.
- Controls: Look for pedals with controls like Decay, Mix, and Tone. Decay sets how long the reverb lasts. Mix controls how much reverb you hear. Tone changes the brightness of the reverb.
- Stereo/Mono: Some pedals have stereo outputs. This means you can use two amps for a wider sound. Mono is standard and works with one amp.
- True Bypass: True bypass means the signal goes straight through the pedal when it’s off. This keeps your original guitar tone pure.
- Expression Pedal Input: This lets you control some settings with your foot. It adds more flexibility.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most good reverb pedals use strong metal casings. This protects the electronics inside. Look for pedals with sturdy knobs and switches. These last longer.
Factors That Affect Quality
- Sound Quality: The best pedals have clear, natural-sounding reverbs. Cheap pedals can sound muddy or artificial. Listen to demos online to hear the difference.
- Durability: A well-built pedal can handle being stepped on. It will also last for many years.
- Noise: Some pedals add unwanted noise to your signal. Good pedals are quiet.
User Experience and Use Cases
Reverb pedals are easy to use. You plug your guitar into the pedal and then the pedal into your amp. Many guitarists use reverb for almost every song.
- Adding Space: Reverb makes your guitar sound bigger and more present.
- Creating Atmosphere: You can use reverb to set a mood. A long, dark reverb can sound spooky. A bright, short reverb can sound cheerful.
- Solo Boost: Some players use reverb to make their solos stand out.
- Ambient Music: For ambient music, lots of reverb is key. It creates dreamy soundscapes.
Think about the music you play. This will help you choose the right reverb pedal. A simple pedal is great for beginners. More advanced pedals offer more options for experienced players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of a reverb pedal?
A: The most important feature is the sound quality of the reverb itself. You want a reverb that sounds good and fits your style.
Q: What is the difference between Hall and Plate reverb?
A: Hall reverb sounds like a large concert hall, with a long decay and lots of reflections. Plate reverb sounds like a metal plate vibrating, giving a smoother, more even sound.
Q: Is true bypass important?
A: Yes, true bypass is important if you want to keep your original guitar tone untouched when the pedal is off. However, some buffered pedals can also help maintain your signal strength.
Q: Can I use a reverb pedal with any guitar amp?
A: Yes, you can use a reverb pedal with most guitar amps. You just need to plug it in between your guitar and your amp.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good reverb pedal?
A: Good reverb pedals can range from $50 to $300 or more. You can find great options in the $100-$200 range.
Q: What does “decay” control do?
A: Decay controls how long the reverb effect lasts. A longer decay makes the reverb ring out for a longer time.
Q: What does “mix” control do?
A: Mix controls the balance between your dry guitar signal and the reverb signal. A higher mix means more reverb.
Q: Are stereo reverb pedals worth the extra cost?
A: Stereo pedals can offer a wider, more immersive sound if you use two amps. For one amp, stereo is not necessary.
Q: Should I get a digital or analog reverb pedal?
A: Most modern reverb pedals are digital. Digital offers more types of reverb and more features. Analog reverbs are less common for reverb pedals.
Q: Where can I hear demos of reverb pedals?
A: You can find many demos on YouTube. Searching for the specific pedal model will show you many examples of its sound.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.