Outboard reverbs, any experiences?

[Tin(it)us]

Hey there,
I'm considering a nice outboard reverb as my next addittion to my pedal arsenal. I have heard the EH Holy/Holier Grails and wasn't very impressed so I'm looking for something more upmarket. The Fender Reverb reissue (or an original) would be nice but it's frightingly expensive.

Any suggestions for a high-end ouboard reverb are welcome!

[Tinus]

I just stumbled on the new Marshall one (the Reflector) and it seems quite interesting. Anyone owns one or tested it?

[Skybone]

I've got a Marshall Reflector, and I'm well impressed with it. It's quiet, and very responsive, giving you the opportunity to add very expansive amounts of 'verb to your tone, but you really have to reign it in if you're after a more subtle type of 'verb. Mine's set to be quite subtle, as I leave it on all the time to get that slightly wider type of sound you get on reverb tank loaded amps.

If you're switching it on/off all the time (especially mid song), you do get a slight "click", but this seems to be a common "problem" among reverb pedals, I've heard it said about the EHX and the BOSS pedals.

[Tinus]

thx for your comments on the reflector Skybone. As I will have this pedal in a footswichable loop the switching click is no real issue for me. Guess I'm gonna check it out as it gets good reviews all over the place.

[tewboss]

I've got a Vanamps Reverbamate which is a proper spring reverb like the old Fender boxes. Unfortunately it needs two distinct input channels which my amp isn't (i.e. I can't use both channels at once) because the Reverbamate has a dry channel and a wet channel.  It's the reverb that Analogman recommends over the Holier Grail (which I ended up buying).

I was planning on selling mine but the previous seller messed me about. I've been meaning to put it on ebay.

[Ratrod]

I once used a Boss digital reverb and it sucked. When it comes to outboard reverbs, there's no beating the Fender spring reverb tanks. (But they are pricey)

For something cheaper, try the Danelectro Spring King. Real spring reverb.

[PhilKing]

I have a Peavey Valveverb, but you'll have to look for one on ebay.  If you can find one, snap it up.  They are great.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Any suggestions for a high-end ouboard reverb are welcome!

[jt]

:D Personally i realy liked the reverb off of the Aliesis Quadroverb, The Chorus Fx was cr@p but the Reverbs i thought were outstanding. Check Ebay

 :D  8)

[Tinus]

Loads of good suggestions here, thanks! Now lemme see....

- The Vanamps Reverbamate I was very intrested in too, it would be ideal if only I was able to resolve the same issue referred to, ie only 100% mix output. That doesn't suit my setup well so that's why I shied away from it. I'm a bit weary of using a cheap mixer in my fxloop, if there's a better solution it would be very welcome.
- Tried the Spring King and didn't like it much as it seemed to suck tone in bypass and I didn't like the reverb sound itself much. Also worrying reports on internet about the unit working with disconnected spring, suggesting there's some digital help and the spring is added to kick against  :?
- Peavey Valverb, I only saw one about ten years ago and it seemed nice. Lotsa good comments on it, but very scarce over here or even on eBay.
- Lexicons and Eventides would be excellent in a home studio but for gigs I'm looking for something easier to lug around, preferably a pedal.
- The same goes for the Quadraverb although maybe the smaller NanoVerb could sit on my amp plugged into the FX loop. I'll see if I can test one in this application.

My top three list to ponder about / test are now:
- the Reverbamate combined with something to allow mixing it in with the original signal
- the Reflector because it's cheap, versatile and I'll probably like it better than the EH's
- Alesis NanoVerb in the FX loop of my amp.

[5F6-A]

I have a Fender unit with NOS valves and a cap substitution and I'm really pleased