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Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay

^# 7

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$100.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (67)

2 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Boss RV-6 Reverb

$139.79 - $166.00

4.5 (176)

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13 community setups

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The Best Boss Pedals: 50+ Years of Shaping Guitar Tone

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (57)

$100.00 32 available Used

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Average Price: $100

Budget/Beginner

$100

$276+

Price Tier

In the Reverb Effects Pedals category, Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Meet the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay, a pioneer among compact digital reverb pedals. Launched in 1994, this gear has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among many musicians. Despite its discontinuation in 2002, the RV-3 continues to be a reliable workhorse, offering more than the traditional spring reverb, with its ability to shape and drag sounds. This pedal is not only a piece of history but a testament to Boss's innovation and commitment to quality sound production.

Key Features:

Compact digital reverb pedal
Offers both reverb and delay effects
Ability to shape and drag sounds
Launched in 1994 and discontinued in 2002
Highly reliable and durable
A favorite among many musicians
Produced by the renowned Boss brand.

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay (Pink or Dark Gray Label)
Finish	Grey
Year	1994 - 2002
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	Delay Pedals, Reverb Pedals

FAQs

What are the main features of the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay pedal?: The Boss RV-3 combines digital reverb and delay effects in one compact pedal, offering options for reverb, delay, or a combination of both. It provides up to 32 seconds of delay time and includes four reverb modes, making it versatile for various musical styles.
Can the Boss RV-3 be used for both guitar and bass?: Yes, the Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is suitable for both guitar and bass, providing rich reverb and delay effects that enhance the sound of both instruments.
How does the Boss RV-3 differ from the Boss RV-5?: The Boss RV-3 offers both reverb and delay effects in one pedal, while the RV-5 focuses solely on reverb with more modern algorithms and additional modes. The RV-3 is ideal for those needing both effects in a single unit.
What power supply does the Boss RV-3 require?: The Boss RV-3 requires a 9V DC power supply, which can be provided by a standard Boss PSA adapter or a compatible 9V power source.
Is the Boss RV-3 suitable for live performance?: Yes, the Boss RV-3 is well-suited for live performance, offering robust build quality and reliable performance with versatile reverb and delay options that can enhance live soundscapes.

Videos

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intheblues

BOSS RV-3 Reverb/Delay Pedal

intheblues

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay - Mode 7 is a Place on Earth

Stompbox Breakdown

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay

Pedal of the Day

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb Delay | Demo [NO TALKING]

Dean Wingerter

BOSS RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay Pedal SOUND TONE Demo

Fritz's Guitars

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb / Delay

Pedal Sessions

BOSS RV-3 DIGITAL DELAY & REVERB

The Pedal Picassos

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay

Ovation Music and Studios Gallatin

Reviews

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PROS

Combines reverb and delay effects in one unit
Warmer sound compared to newer models like the RV-6
Unique reverb-delay settings not found in other RV models
Classic pedal with a sound that can emulate bands like Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky
Versatile, with settings allowing for a wide variety of mixes
Has become a classic, featured on many great albums and pedalboards
Compact size saves space on pedalboards

CONS

Sound cuts in/out when turning on, considered part of its "character"
Has a bass boost when activated that might interfere with desired sound
Fixed reverb in combo modes, limiting tail length customization
Lacks modern features like attenuated low-pass filter, shimmer blend, LFO, analog warmth

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay.

Features and functionality

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The RV-3 combines reverb and delay, offering a unique ambient quality that is distinct from other Boss models.
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It's noted that the RV-3's reverb has a signature tinny, metallic quality, which can be desirable for specific ambient tones.
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The RV-3 is noted for its unique knob sweep, which some users find particularly inspiring for creative sound shaping.
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Use cases and applications

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Particularly favored for post-rock and indie genres, it creates a "wall of ambience" sound that’s hard to replicate with newer models.
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Explosions in the Sky heavily utilize the RV-3, emphasizing its integral role in crafting their signature sound.
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The RV-3 is considered ideal for creating post-punk sounds akin to The Cure and Joy Division, making it a versatile choice for genre-specific tone crafting.
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Comparisons

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The RV-3 is described as more natural sounding on bass compared to other reverbs, which suits recording applications.
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The delay component of the RV-3 is noted to be brighter than the Boss DD-5, which might appeal to those seeking a more pronounced delay effect.
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The EHX Holy Grail is compared to the RV-3 for its unique, familiar sound that, while not the richest, is loved for its distinct character.
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Users found the Zoom Multistomp CDR70 can match the RV-3's sound while offering more programmability and true bypass options.
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The Noisemaker Nebula is suggested as an alternative to the RV-3, offering combined delay and reverb at a slightly higher price point.
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The RV-3 is favored for its simplicity and nostalgic sound, especially when compared to more feature-rich pedals like the Zoom MS50G/MS70CDR.
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User experience

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Some users report a slight sound cut when activating the pedal, but find it negligible in live settings.
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An owner reported the RV-3 as quiet in operation, with trails that enhance its ambient sound capabilities.
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Some owners find the reverb's "not-quite-right" metallic plate quality unexpectedly inspiring, contributing to creative sound exploration.
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Critic Reviews

Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay review on varguitar.com

varguitar.com

The Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, offering a unique cold, digital cloudiness in its reverb that's adored by some, but its age shows. While it's charmingly used by bands like Radiohead and The XX, its limitations are stark: only four reverb modes without modern favorites like spring or shimmer, and no stereo inputs. It's a relic that can inspire with its gritty, vast Plate algorithm but feels restrictive compared to modern counterparts. A solid choice for those craving classic vibes, but not for everyone.

neutral

Full Review

The Boss RV-3 Delay Reverb | guitar TONE OVERLOAD

guitartoneoverload.com

The Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay is both a relic and a gem from the '90s, offering a unique combination of digital delay and reverb in a compact pedal. While it lacks analog warmth and any spring reverb simulation, it excels in delivering pristine, metallic delays and precise reverbs, creating expansive, studio-quality tones. The pedal's versatility, with 11 modes and stereo capabilities, makes it a great find on the second-hand market. However, the inability to separately adjust delay and reverb levels may be a limitation for some. Overall, it's an underrated piece of gear worth considering for those seeking a blend of delay and reverb effects.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 67 Ratings

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the_patchman

194

about 11 years ago

Not Perfect

Awesome, but has its flaws. When activated, it has a certain bass boost to it that interferes with my standard sound. Can be countered by a well orchestrated equalizer, but I don't like equalizers on my pedboard. Has really great features that allow for a wide variety of Delay/Reverb mixes. I recommend this pedal, because you save a Boss-size space on your board instead of having both Delay and Reverb.

jimmarchi1

41029

11 years ago about 11 years ago

I would guess the bass boost problem would be alleviated by setting the effect 100% wet and putting it in the effects loop if your amp has one... but effects loops are lame so I stay away from reverb....

the_patchman

194

11 years ago about 11 years ago

I agree with you, it is just inconvenient.

jeffbpa

230

over 7 years ago