Advice on delays

NPP

I've never had a delay - having lived through the 80s I'm a bit hostile to things like chorus, always-on delays, and guitars drenched in effects. 

However, I now want to try whether I may get on with delay after all. I've read up on types of delays out there - digital, analog, tapes, and pedals modelling tape echo. But I'm lost trying to figure out which specific pedals to check out, or look out for in the classifieds. I think I need some specific recommendations. 

I think I'd be happiest with a pedal emulating a tape echo but they seem to be expensive. I don't want anything that sounds like it's the 80s all over again, I'm not into ambient or U2 stuff. I'm happy with second-hand or a clone.

Any ideas what might suit me? 

randomhandclaps

For simplicity and price I reckon a MXR Carbon Copy may be worth checking for a starting point.

mike_l

Maybe a Visual Sound Axle Grease for a cheapish analogue voiced delay.

 

not_the_dj

Second hand TC Electronic Flashback (there are plenty about). 

Loads of delay options so you can experiment and decide what you like first hand, and they're easy to sell on again without losing much (or anything).

JohnPerry

+1 on the Flashback or Alter Ego - stonking for the money (circa £70-£90 used)

randomhandclaps

Completely forgot about the flashback.  A really good shout.

EricTheWeary

not_the_dj;394041" said:

Second hand TC Electronic Flashback (there are plenty about). 

Loads of delay options so you can experiment and decide what you like first hand, and they're easy to sell on again without losing much (or anything).

Or the Digitech Hardwire one which has similar options and a basic looper.

stickyfiddle

Flashback or alter ego is a good shout, but I have to ask, if you don't want ambient or 80's or U2, what DO you want..?

digitalscream

It's got to be a TC - so much versatility it's ridiculous. The Hardwire DL-8 is good too, but lacks in both sound quality and flexibility compared with the TC delays.

steamabacus

Another recommendation for the TC Flashback.

Really good sound quality, simple controls and, with the Toneprint functionality, access to every flavour of delay from rockabilly slapback to ambient soundscaping over-indulgence.

NPP

seems like I'll have to look into the Flashback then - thanks everyone!

stickyfiddle said:

Flashback or alter ego is a good shout, but I have to ask, if you don't want ambient or 80's or U2, what DO you want..?

some mild classic rock sounds, Hendrix, 50s slapback, that sort of thing

meltedbuzzbox

a bit left field but the Danelectro Reel echo is worth a look 2nd hand. 

Its under £50 and it does most of the tape stuff 

Personally I would lean towards the alter ego over the flashback

noisepolluter

NPP said:

seems like I'll have to look into the Flashback then - thanks everyone!

stickyfiddle said:

Flashback or alter ego is a good shout, but I have to ask, if you don't want ambient or 80's or U2, what DO you want..?

some mild classic rock sounds, Hendrix, 50s slapback, that sort of thing

RE-20 Space Echo'll do those easily enough, if you find one used. Probably a bit expensive for a new one if you're not likely to use the multi-tap and whatnot. I tend to use the single head modes with the tap tempo for the most part.

The virtual tape display is rather wizzy though

hugbot

For that kind of sound you dont really need long delay times, I'd check out a mooer ana echo or a way huge aqua puss.