effects units?
I have generally not been a fan of effects, but recently have decided that there are some tones that probably aren't going to be found any other way. I have had an Ibanez AD9 analog delay for some time, but have never been thrilled with it. I know David likes the Dan E echo and others mention the Lone Wolf. What makes one stand out over another? Any input would be appreciated - I hate to buy another toy that ends up in the unused pile.
If it makes any difference, I have a Harp King 6x10 (Rod says don't use any effects ) , a bassman reissue, and have access to a Smith which has reverb and can be hooked up to bassman for the combination of a 12in and the 4x10.
I agree with Chris on this one. The Boss DM-2 is the best delay pedal. If you can find a good one then buy it. You certainly won't regret it.
I also like the MXR Carbon Copy and the BBE Two Timer.
I have been have good results with the cheapest of the cheap Behringer Vintage Delay pedal. Now I havent compared it to the others mentioned here but at the price there is little risk so why not try it.
I don't like the lone wolf delay. It's ok but doesn't compare to the Boss DM-2
The DM-2 is the best one if you can find and afford it. Whenever I find one under $150 I snap it up.
Aside from that, I like the EHX delay pedals. A lot of the EHX stuff works really well for the harmonica, I can't say the same about most other manufactures. The BBE two timer is nice too. I have only tested one for awhile but I've talked to Jason Ricci about it and he loves it. I personally like the EHX delay pedals better so perhaps you should try them both.
In my current, effects set up, I run the Boss DM-2 all the time and then have a Line 6 Echo Park. I'm not a huge fan of the sound the Echo Park creates but I like the various delay effects that come with it. I don't use it to fatten the tone like I do with the DM-2, I use it for delay effects. I used to have the EHX memory man but it broke and at the time, the memory toy/boy were not around and I needed something with a smaller footprint so I replaced it with the echo park.
Here's a clip with both delays running at the same time. Listen at 4:17-ish and again around 4:30ish. That sound is something I can only get with the Echo Park delay and that's the sole reason I keep it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dfizyBLhoQ
http://www.ehx.com/products/memory-toy
http://www.ehx.com/products/memory-boy1
http://www.ehx.com/products/deluxe-memory-boy
http://www.ehx.com/products/deluxe-memory-man