Amazing, versatile but simple

I was looking for a delay pedal that was simple in its sound (with no weird effects), had a great sound and was usable in many ways. I bought this pedal second hand and have used it for about a week now and I really love it.

The pedal does really great job at digitally replicating a tape delay. You can set this pedal up to have a really clean and clear repeat or you can get a really warm and "old" sounding tape delay sound by adjusting the Tape Age, Tape Bias, modulation and Tape crinkle. Strymon really cleverly made a very versatile tape machine by putting secondary functions in the pedal (which you can access by holding "Tap" and Bypass" at the same time).

I love how you can use this pedal on its own by manipulating the sound with the Time and Repeats knob, the Mode selector switch and the other knobs creating extraordinary sounds, which you can then also manipulate by running other effectpedals after it.

The build quality and feel of the pedal, switches and knobs is very nice and sturdy. The effect knobs are very smooth so you can nicely dial in your sound. The addition of an expression pedal input is also a very nice feature.

If you are looking for a versatile but simple to use pedal that replicates a tape machine accurately, I would highly recommend the Strymon El Capistan!

The first delay I've liked!

I tried digital delays and analog delays before finding my way to the el cap. I'm generally more of a reverb than delay person. Love the el cap because it has hidden reverb onboard and because the tape age and wow/flutter settings lend so much character to the repeats that it almost feels more like a reverb than a delay.

From Gear Setup

Versatile and powerful delay pedal

I got this along with my Strymon Bluesky and I have to say they make a powerful duo. Both Strymons produce a powerful that cuts through the mix no matter what I've playing though. The El Capistan is extremely versatile due to the multitude of options it offers. I use bright clean sounding delay on some songs and a dirty, worn out tape sound on others.

From Gear Setup

The modern EP-3

This is my favorite delay unit. some key features I think really set it apart are: using a combination of the tape age, and the secondary functions of the bias, and low contour you can pretty comprehensively EQ the repeats which is really nice. The tap tempo is great and using the A B C switch you can change the tap subdivision. It also has a boost or cut function, great for integrating it into different parts of a rig. And it has optional buffered bypass should you need it, and reverb! Amazing pedal.

The last delay you'll ever need... if you like tape echo

I need delay with modulation. I love how I can hold a chord and just let the warbly echos splash down around me, each one slightly different than the others. I see no purpose in using delay for any other reason than to give depth to my sound. Well, I understand that it can be used rhythmically as well, so... disregard that comment. What I mean to say is I don't ever want to not have the option of making any given sound HUGE. The El Capistan's "wow and flutter" effect adds exactly the kind of sound I want to sprinkle over everything. Out of everything on my pedal board (which isn't much), I feel like the El Cap is the one that I scarcely ever switch off. It's the perfect delay for me.

My favorite delay of all time

I've had quite a few different delays and this one just remains the best to me. The only thing that would top it would possibly be a TimeLine or the newer Universal Audio Starlight but I will likely stick with this one.

When the real deal broke, this got us thru for sure

When my Multivox tape echo broke down on tour I tried TONS of placements to get through. Nothing could really do the job but this came about as close as anything could. Great pedal, great fun. Syncopated echo with multi head emulating was rare back then & I've explored more of their pedals since then and I am always happy I did. Solid brand makin great stuff.

Super versatile Delay with Spring Reverb !

Love the delay and all the bell and whistle. Th spring reverb which is tug away as a hidden feature is a good add on too. All in all an amazing delay pedal !

From Gear Setup

Clean and Dirty

This is a do it all delay. I can dial back the effects and get a very pure repeat. On the other end of the spectrum, I can dial up the tape age and the "wow" and get some dense lush repeat. Great for ambient sound scape. The only cons are that it is difficult to get from dotted eighth to standard in a live setting. it also has no favoriting options like the Timeline does.

Best tape delay simulator I have ever played

I love the tape crinkle! If you want something without all of the drawbacks of the Boss RE-20 this will definitely do it. It's super versatile and all I can say is hands down it is definitely the best tape delay with a tap tempo.