Is the Capistan worth it?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Aristocat
  • Start date Start date
Aristocat

Aristocat

Well-known member
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on an El Cap as I love Tape Delay but the only reason I'm gunning for an El Cap is that it has built in reverb with the pedal which is a killer deal for me.

Just checked out the Catalinbread Belle Epoch but that doesn't fulfill my reverb needs albeit that it sounds amazing.

Honestly at the point that I want to pick up a DD-3 and get a decent reverb.

So if I only use verb for a doubling effect (380ms max) and reverb more so to fill space (I like plate) what's a good option for me?

If I had my way, I'd get a SDE 3000 and a Hardware RV-7 but I want to know what you guys like.
 
Check out EarthQuaker Devices-Dispatch Master Delay and Reverb. El Cap is killer.
 
I went with a Timeline over the el capistan but admittedly reverb wasn't on my radar. For your needs, it sounds like the el capistan is the best pedal option.

I just got an SDE-3000 off Ebay yesterday and I'd be glad to post some thoughts/videos when I get it. I don't have any personal experience with it but most of what I've read (and heard via youtube) suggests a warmer, more organic sound compared to even new(er) pedal based alternatives.

I paid $225 so it's in the ball park of an el capistan but my understanding is cost of ownership on these (really any sudo-vintage rack gear) is costly and potentially painful should they need repair.
 
The El Cap is awesome but I've never bothered with the reverb since I don't normally use it live...in fact, I forgot it had reverb since it's part of the secondary controls. Now I have something to try out...thanks :thumbsup:
 
the el cap is an amazing delay, absolutely love mine, however if it's as a reverb you're after i would get a separate reverb, you'd need a favourite switch to go between delay and reverb only anyway on the strymon, separate pedals are the way to go imo
 
I would say just pick up a dedicated reverb pedal, like the WET so you can have complete control over it. As far as delay goes, I love my Flashback x4.
 
I had a TC HOF and it did not gel at all with my rig.

The Cap is probably the best option for me. I'm just getting tired of reprogramming on my G Major as it takes too much away from my amp.
 
I just got mine and i really do like it. It has bit of a learning curve so im still not completely there. The reverb in the el cap is excellent and i turn it on for the clean stuff. I think the pedal would be awesome if it has a plate setting and a way to tell the time on it. I own a flash back delay and to me the el cap is better because i can actually tweak the sound.
 
I could be wrong, but doesn't the El Capistan limit you to delay OR reverb. You can't have both at the same time.

I would suggest, since you said 'if you had it your way. . ." just get the SDE3000 and hardwire reverb. That would be a killer combination for sure.
 
no the el capistan reverb is tied to the time control under secondary function. What you cannot have is just reverb only. Also what are you using the reverb for? i have the hall of fame but only use it for a tail one leads every once in a while. I have been thinking about getting the wet reverb because it is simple and i am never looking for a hall or plate or spring setting....im simply just trying to find that one sound in my head so i think the wet may do it for me.
 
Someone was selling a Doctor Scientist Reverberator pedal in the Classifieds. It's a pretty nice verb, if you decide to go with a separate delay and reverb.
 
I wouldn't mind going seperate delay and verb.

As far as separated is concerned, the N. Wet Reverb and Hardware RV-7 are at the top of my verb list.

Delay is a mixed bag as I like simple, tape sounding delay. Digital is fine but if I did digital, I'd go DD-3 and call it a day.

I think my loop is funky too as whatever I've thrown in it (line or instrument level) my amp sounds muddy.

Good thing the loop was installed upside down so I can't access the trim pot.
 
I loved the El Capistan. Great unit and worth the cost (IMO).
 
Back
Top