Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$299.00
Amazon
4.6 (19)
$379.00
Reverb
5.0 (96)
$398.26 New
$333.63 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$299.00
Thomann
4.8 (88)
$309.00

Average Price: $336

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker is more than just a guitar pedal, it's a time machine that transports you back to the golden age of music. This versatile gear offers a unique, high-quality sound that is reminiscent of '50s and '60s recording studios. The Deco is not just a mere replication of the vintage tape effects, but a rebirth of the forgotten art of manipulating those reel-to-reel tape machines, right at your feet. The Tape Saturation feature offers a smooth tape compression and saturation, fattening your tone with a subtle, transparent overdrive. The Doubletracker introduces a new dimension to your sound, enabling you to create everything from syrupy slapback tape echoes to psychedelic tape flanging and stunning tape chorus sounds with ease.

Key Features:

  • Tape Saturation, Tape Echo, Tape Chorus, Tape Flanger
  • Controller for saturation, volume, blend, lag time and wobble
  • Minitoggle switch: Sum, Invert and Bounce
  • Tape Saturation Bypass
  • Double Track Bypass
  • 24 bit / 96 kHz A / DD / A converters
  • Metal housing
  • True bypass
  • Includes 9V power supply
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Effects chorus, delay, flanger
Power 9V
Bypass true bypass, buffered bypass
Analog/Digital digital
Current Draw 250ma
ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Video thumbnail for Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker by ProGuitarShopDemos

Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Strymon Deco - Tape Saturation and Doubletracker pedal by strymon

Strymon Deco - Tape Saturation and Doubletracker pedal

strymon

strymon

Video thumbnail for Strymon Deco - Tape Saturation audio examples by strymon

Strymon Deco - Tape Saturation audio examples

strymon

strymon

Video thumbnail for Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds harmonic richness and subtle texture to tone

  • Excellent for tape doubling, enhancing studio and live sound

  • Quality tape saturation, chorus, flange, and delay effects

  • Versatile, works well with various instruments including vocals and synths

  • Stereo input option for broader soundscapes

  • Can replace multiple pedals, saving space and setup complexity

  • Warmth and analog character, particularly on bass and guitar

  • Durable and high-quality build, as expected from Strymon

  • Inspires creativity with extensive tonal possibilities

CONS

  • Pricey, might be considered expensive for its subtle effects

  • Some users find the effects bland compared to cheaper alternatives

  • Limited stereo input requires adapters for optimal use

  • Saturation may not significantly outperform good amp/guitar tweaking

  • Tape echo considered inferior to other dedicated Strymon delays

  • Sound can be dull and washy for guitar in live settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker.

User experience

  • Owners note that the Deco's saturation complements a clean pedal platform, creating a faint 'glow' in the tone when using guitar volume knob adjustments.

    Source
  • Owners using the Deco standalone find it optimally versatile, fulfilling multiple roles like overdrive and modulation without overwhelming options.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its high price, the Deco is appreciated for its ability to replace multiple pedals, enhancing compact setups for touring musicians.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Deco difficult to justify buying due to its price, yet easy to justify owning after experiencing its effects on their sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Deco's saturation is likened to the Fairfield Barbershop and Red Llama, offering a natural tube-like breakup without excessive tone coloration.

    Source
  • Users have compared the Deco's saturation favorably to other pedals like the JPTR Jive and Dreamcoat, highlighting its unique tape reel saturation sound.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the Deco's classic mode for guitar over cassette mode, which is more compressed and may suit synths or drums better.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Deco excels in stereo mode, especially through two amps or stereo IR Sims like the Iridium, enhancing live performance setups.

    Source
  • The Deco is effectively used as a stereo splitter in live setups, enhancing the sound when running dual amps physically spread apart.

    Source
  • The Deco excels in stereo setups, providing lush chorus and flanger effects, and shines as a "sonic enhancer" with its always-on tape saturation feature.

    Source
  • The Deco is often used in studio settings as outboard gear for mixing, enhancing tonal richness and taming highs in guitar chains.

    Source
  • The Deco effectively simulates tape deck nuances on a master bus, providing warmth and texture to mixes, and is particularly powerful when paired with a JHS ColourBox.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Deco's EQ curve can significantly darken the sound when placed at the end of the chain, smoothing harsh highs and fizz.

    Source
  • The Deco's saturation side is praised for its ability to enhance touch responsiveness when combined with pedals like the Greer Lightspeed at 18v.

    Source
  • The pedal's modulation effects, based on tape machines, offer a broad but less tweakable range, serving as a versatile tool rather than a dedicated modulation solution.

    Source
  • The lag time knob allows for a range of modulation effects, from tape flange to chorus to slapback echo, adding versatility to the pedal's functionality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider using a matrix loop switcher like the ES-8 to easily change the Deco's position in your signal chain for optimal sound variation.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Strymon's Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker offers stunningly realistic tape emulation in a compact pedal, perfect for vintage tape echo, slapback, and flanging aficionados. Its standout feature is its ability to deliver tape-style effects with precision, rivaling high-end software plugins. The Deco excels in its tonal authenticity, making it a must-have for those seeking genuine tape warmth and character. However, its focus on authenticity means it provides a limited range of effects, lacking feedback controls and with a max delay time of 500 ms. For purists who value quality over quantity, this pedal is a gem, though those seeking a versatile all-in-one delay/modulation solution might look elsewhere.

positive

Strymon Deco

soundonsound.com

The Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker is a standout pedal that impressively captures the essence of dual tape machines, delivering authentic tape-based effects like saturation, flanging, and double-tracking. With its high-quality audio, it’s perfect for guitarists seeking vintage warmth and character. While its commitment to authenticity limits the range compared to other pedals, it excels in offering realistic, tape-inspired sounds. However, its higher price point may deter those who only need a single effect type. Overall, the Deco is a unique and high-caliber choice for those embracing its full vintage allure.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 55 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ralphkj

Decent, but has missed potential

Its a great idea for a guitar pedal, and it does many things well. But wasn’t quite as good as I was expecting as a former tape operator. Having the option to switch between different tape speeds (IPS) would have made this alot more realistic and versatile, could have been a small switch somewhere.

H

single pedal pedalboard? maybe

The tape saturation side is so satisfying, almost an always on kind of thing. Just works so well with so much. Tape flange is excellent. Slapback is great. It is the sound from the past that is stuck in my head. Worth the cost and I'm not even touching the stereo options and most of the secondary functions of the controls.

the_last_factory

I have the Deco v2 and it's so much better.

I love the Deco so much. It's really helped with warming up my signal chain and having the v2 has really improved things with the tone knob and the stereo input switch on the back instead of inside the pedal.

gary_morrison

Avaerage

Of 1-10 (10 being best) I can only give this pedal a 6. All the hype about stellar sound was absent when I first plugged it in. Al though the tube sat. warmth is a nice feature I feel like its over rated. Same with the mod side and echo. It just feels sort of gimmiky to me. With a good amp and some patient tweaking of your guitar pots and other driv pedals you can achieve some very warm saturated sounds that (in my opinion) are very close to waht this pedal does. Does the tape echo hold up against Timefactor? Nope ... not even close.

ronni_laybourn

Best slapback ever made!

Best slapback ever made! Saturation is a bit too bassy for humbuckers, but works well with a Fender amp and a guitar with singlecoils.

jimmarchi1

have you used it to double through 2 amps?

ronni_laybourn

Yes, I have played around with a stereo setup. It works well for subtle doubling effect. Also, phaser and delay effects sound killer with two amps!

freezeetch

Amazing tone machine

It does subtle analog saturated warmth and drive, but also wild and crazy stereo flange/chorus/delay effects. And it's Strymon, so very high quality!

J

It's just so much fun

This one pedal will take you ages to find just one tone to love it is awesome!!

rothhandlestudios

Super cool!

We did a entire synth album with our band Necromonkey and used this to fatten up weaker mono synths.

Genres:
From Gear Setup
siriusc

Great Saturation Machine

Tape saturator and effector with stereo input and great sound.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

This photograph comes from MixOnline's article about recording Noel Gallagher's "Who Built The Moon". Judging by the many pedals already known to be in Gallagher's possession (Catalinbread Echorec, Strymon el Capistan) and the mention in the article that he owns over 300 pedals, we can certainly conclude that those were his pedals. One of the pedals that can be seen in the batch is the Strymon Deco.

See how Billy Corgan uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Billy Corgan is shown using the Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker, highlighting its role in his effects setup.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
See how Chris Shiflett uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Chris Shiflett

Guitarist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, you see Chris Shiflett using a Strymon Deco pedal.

See how Tycho uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Twitter

In this video posted to Twitter, Scott is adjusting effects as a sequence plays. At the 13 second mark, he pulls his hand away from the Tonal Recall pedal and the Deco unit can be seen sitting to its right.

See how Toro y Moi uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Toro y Moi

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:20 of this video of Toro y Moi performing live, a Strymon Deco Tape Simulator pedal can be seen on Chaz's pedalboard, identified by it's silver colour, small square shape and 5 black knobs.

See how Tom Misch uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Tom Misch

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen next to his Nano Pog in the background here

See how Taylor York uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via Photo

Among pedals in Taylors insta photo the Deco can be seen

See how Rabea Massaad uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Rabea Massaad

Guitarist

Vower

...
Verified via YouTube

He reviewed this pedal in this video.

See how Yvette Young uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Yvette Young

Singer, Guitarist

Covet

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, featuring Yvette Young and the pedals she used for her latest album, the Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker can be spotted on her board.

See how Myles Kennedy uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Myles Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

In a 2023 Rig Rundown with Premier Guitar, Myles Kennedy discusses using the Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker as part of his guitar effects setup.

See how Ben Howard uses Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker

Ben Howard

Singer, Guitarist

A Blaze of Feather

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video you can see it on the bottom right of Ben Howard's pedalboard (from his perspective - left from the camera's perspective).

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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15
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12
Strymon blueSky Reverberator
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7
Electro-Harmonix Nano POG
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6
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6
Strymon Lex
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5
Strymon Iridium Amp & IR Cab
Strymon Iridium Amp & IR Cab Amp & Cabinet Simulators
5

Community setups

Show yours
13thfloorcowboy

13thfloorcowboy

Gear IQ 3956

lloydys

lloydys

Gear IQ 1262

chavaraujo

chavaraujo

Gear IQ 265

steve_yancey

steve_yancey

Gear IQ 59

rothhandlestudios

rothhandlestudios

Gear IQ 1963

timwasem

timwasem

Gear IQ 1097

ivica

ivica

Gear IQ 110

13thfloorcowboy

13thfloorcowboy

Gear IQ 3956

lloydys

lloydys

Gear IQ 1262

T

txbz

Gear IQ 48

zachary_wheeler38

zachary_wheeler38

Gear IQ 272

folpon

folpon

Gear IQ 119

dimitris_stasinos

dimitris_stasinos

Gear IQ 213

2 alternative and related items for Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker, curated by the Equipboard community.

Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe

 

cheaper alternative

One of the few dual function tape saturation pedals on the market, that seems to have a similar appeal to the Strymon Deco.

Strymon Deco Tape Saturation and Doubletracker Delay Pedal V2

$333.50 - $379.00

newer similar sound mod

A newer, revised version of the Deco, with the addition of midi functionality and updated controls, such as a tone control on the saturation side.

More Strymon Multi Effects Pedals

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