Spring Reverb Units - Are they worth it?

[ZepFuzz05]

I've been looking at the various reverb possibilities out there and have been considering an outboard reverb unit. How much better do these actually sound compared to the most recent crop of digital reverb pedals? Is it significant enough to jump from the $150 range to paying at least $400 for solid state units and nearly $700 for the cheapest tube units?

In addition, in terms of the outboard spring units, how much of a difference is there between tube and solid state? The Schreyer audio spring-verb looks fantastic, but do tube units sound significantly better?

 

[Stratofuzz]

Well, if it's a surf or a groovy 60's reverb timbre you want to hear-yes.

The box is also a preamp of sorts. Not to boost the signal though. It warms up the guitar signal. I put the outboard before a Ghetto Stomp then into an Allen Old Flame and it's really nice.

 

[ZepFuzz05]

Are there any outboard units that provide authentic spring reverb but do not have a preamp that alters the sound? Is that what the Schreyer is meant to achieve?

 

[jzucker]

i thought the shreyer was a fender clone but using transistors instead of tubes to drive the reverb? I liked the demeter verbulator. It'll work in front or in a loop. The fender outboard units don't work well in a loop. Seriously, check out the wet reverb...That ends the search IMO

 

[alvagoldbook]

There's Fender tube driven reverb units, yes.

I think the Vanamps Solemate is a great choice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-UTimT0zmE

 

[Jim Moulton]

The Soulmate sounds great there. Personally, I like the Spring Chicken!!!!
JIm

 

[Pale Rider]

A nice Fender RI can be had for $350-400 used-
with some old tubes these can sound amazing-I had a Schreyer and it was not warm enough for my taste-
The Demeter does sound great, but I've not come across one
all the pedals just won't do it if you want real spring reverb-
that said the Van Amps is a great unit-he'll throw in a different pan too if you want longer times

 

[mad dog]

The real deal outboards are definitely worth it, if you get the right one and if it's the sound/setup you're actually looking for. I use a Victoria Reverberato all the time at home ... one of my fave bits of gear ever, any type. Also had equally good luck with a Clark outboard, and with a Fender RI once I'd modded and upgraded it.

That said, I use the Hermida reverb pedal just as much or more lately. It's a different thing, more like the BFSR reverb I used to love so much. Far more convenient of course and cheaper. So in my experience, you don't have to go the high end spring route to get quality reverb. But if you like that particular sound, the big outboards are the only way to get it.

MD

 

[jzucker]

as stated before, the fender tube version doesn't work well in a loop. The van amps product sounds great but adds brightness.

 

[Chonny]

Not worth it in the day of great emulation pedals.

 

[wingwalker]

If you are nuts about reverb I say, yes they are worth every penny...if you just want a splash of reverb to keep your Marshall or twed Fender from sounding so dry than a little pedal reverb will do ya just fine...

 

[bigeasy]

i thought the shreyer was a fender clone but using transistors instead of tubes to drive the reverb? I liked the demeter verbulator. It'll work in front or in a loop. The fender outboard units don't work well in a loop. Seriously, check out the wet reverb...That ends the search IMO

Hi,
My unit is not a clone of the Fender, it's an original design.
I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can use mine in an effects loop. It has in internal +/-15V supply.
Earl

 

[jcarpenter]

Shreyer is a great unit. My only problem was the noise. With all stand alone reverb units they have transformers and clash with your amps tranny to make a nasty hum. It's a pain to run them but if you run them right and go the extra mile it's the best way.

The wet reverb pedal is awesome. I sold my Shreyer and bought a WET to replace it. For me it was worth it. However the WET pedal is different. It sounds awesome but it sounds nothing like spring verb its very unique, different, and sounds great. Makes you play different. At least that's my opinion.

 

[bigeasy]

It is true that if the input side of the reverb tank is near the power transformer of another amp, you can pick up 60Hz hum. If you put the unit on the ground to the side of the amp this would not be a problem. Also if it happens to line up that way, you can also flip the unit around and the input of the tank will be away from the power transformer on the amp and the hum should go away.

 

[ZepFuzz05]

I'm bumping this one since I've become extremely interested in an outboard reverb unit again.

 

[mdjphillips]

I had my doubts in regards to opting for an outboard reverb unit, but can assure you they are worth every penny, "if you're nuts about reverb", as mentioned. I just recently picked one up and have absolutely fallen in love with it.

You can dial in tons of various and completely different reverb tones; from dry to wet, to dark and bright. It covers pretty anything you would want from a spring reverb. Not to mention, as many have mentioned, a tube swap can make a world of difference in achieving the exact reverb you're looking to achieve.

I'm sure the recent influx of pedals are fantastic (I'm considering purchasing the Hermida Reverb myself due to the praise it has been receiving), but it's essentially like comparing digital and modelling gear. They can sound extremely similar, but the "real thing" will always sound superior.

And again, it really comes down to how much you enjoy / use / need the effect. Good luck man!

 

[tdarian]

I'm just nuts about the single knob Hermida Reverb. Just great reverb and to me it does not add or subtract tonally, as in it is not bright or dark but faithful to the original signal. And $99.00 with an included power supply. I just got the ($200.00) Neunaber Black Wet, and I've been able to closely replicate the Hermida and do it using it's two controls (Mix and Depth) within the first 1/3 to 1/2 of their range, and the Wet goes well beyond what the Hermida can do. To me, it does add a little high end shimmer or brilliance that I'm getting used to...doing this in my living room and likely the slight extra zing on the high end would be welcome in a full band context. As good as the Wet is, it sorta made me appreciate the very good reverb and more neutral (to me) presentation of the Hermida.

Lastly, both beat the tar off off the reverb I had in my former Z MAZ 18 Combo. I now have a Z MAZ 18 NR head, and these pedals out in front just flat out sound marvelous. Have not tried either in the loop.

 

[seth3]

I love my Vanamps Solemate - yeah, it does add some brightness, but I believe that is due more to the fact that spring reverbs in general add brightness and even, at some more overt settings, some harsher tones.

I have the Solemate set at 10 or 11 o'clock - subtle, doesn't affect tone, but makes the signal more 3-D, for lack of a better term. This unit really shines when used tastefully and subtly, to my ears anyway...

 

[erksin]

I while I love my 6G15 tank, I wouldn't replace it for what they go for now. I use mine as a very pronounced 'effect' as opposed to a subtle background kind of thing. The Spring Chicken while different sonically achieves the same result for me, and in some applications actually works better.

 

[shadesofgray]

I've been looking at the various reverb possibilities out there and have been considering an outboard reverb unit. How much better do these actually sound compared to the most recent crop of digital reverb pedals?

Alot better if you get a good one.

Is it significant enough to jump from the $150 range to paying at least $400 for solid state units and nearly $700 for the cheapest tube units?

If you use reverb alot and can afford it, yes without a doubt.
Just remember that spring tanks are sensitive to vibration, if you're going to use one live put it on a pillow.

In addition, in terms of the outboard spring units, how much of a difference is there between tube and solid state

Much difference. Solid-state spring reverbs either sound too dull or too bright

The Schreyer audio spring-verb looks fantastic, but do tube units sound significantly better?

Yes, and they're completely transparent if you split the guitar signal and use the wet-output on the reverb tank independently (i.e. to another amp or another input on your amp and then the guitar signal straight through)

I highly recommend the Guyatone FR-3000 Tube Reverb if they're still in production, comes with NOS tubes and uses top notch parts..
It's the only tube reverb I found that had warm mushy reverb instead of surf guitar bright. Unfortunately it looks pretty bad

The Fender Tube Reverb reissue is ice-picky bright and unless you want to dial back treble to 0 it's basically instant surf guitar.
The Schreyer sounds pretty bad.
Vanamps is too bright.

Haven't tried the Dr Z. There's also the Mojoverb which taps into your speaker outputs, but I have no idea if it's a good unit.. I've never heard of anyone using it.