Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (57)
$299.00
Reverb
5.0 (84)
$299.00 New
$199.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$299.00
Thomann
4.8 (60)
$319.00
Gear4Music
£299.00

Average Price: $289

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the versatility and dynamic range of the Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal, a powerful musical instrument that can help you craft your unique sound. With the ability to transition smoothly from a crystal-clear clean boost to a thick, modern high gain, this pedal offers unparalleled sound quality across the spectrum.

The Riverside's unique blend of analog and digital circuitry ensures that your tone is always in the sweet spot, regardless of how much gain you add. This overdrive pedal is designed to work harmoniously with any amplifier and guitar combination, making it a versatile addition to your music gear.

What sets the Riverside apart is its Class A JFET input gain stage, which mimics the response and feel of a great tube amp. It incorporates four separate gain stages that blend analog and DSP, leveraging Strymon's variable circuit tuning to ensure every point along the gain control is a sweet spot.

Key Features:

  • Wide range of tones and control, from silky clean overdrive to extreme distortion
  • Class A JFET input stage ensures uncompromising dynamics and response
  • 3-band EQ placed after the gain stages for maximum impact
  • Favorite switch recalls your preset
  • Gain and Push switches determine the overdrive's main character
  • Up to 6dB of boost available with optional footswitch
  • Noise reduction available with variable threshold
  • Expression pedal input can control any parameter or overall volume
  • True-bypass switching
  • Durable and lightweight gold anodized aluminum housing
  • Made in USA

Owner's manual

Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive User Manual

Product specs

Available since November 2016
Overdrive Yes
Distortion Yes
Fuzz No
Metal No

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive require?

The Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a center-negative polarity, consuming approximately 300mA of current.

Can the Strymon Riverside be used with both electric guitars and bass guitars?

Yes, the Strymon Riverside is designed to work well with both electric guitars and bass guitars, offering versatile overdrive and distortion tones suitable for various musical styles.

How does the Strymon Riverside differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Strymon Riverside features a multistage drive architecture with digital control, offering a wide range of overdrive and distortion tones. It includes a variable circuit topology, allowing for more precise tone shaping compared to traditional overdrive pedals.

Does the Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive have a built-in noise gate?

Yes, the Strymon Riverside includes a built-in noise gate to help eliminate unwanted noise and hum, ensuring a cleaner signal during performance or recording.

Is the Strymon Riverside suitable for live performances?

The Strymon Riverside is well-suited for live performances due to its robust construction, versatile tone options, and features like a built-in noise gate and favorite preset switch for quick access to preferred settings.

strymon

strymon

Strymon Riverside - Multistage Drive - In-Depth Demo

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside - Multistage Drive - In-Depth Demo by strymon

Strymon Riverside - Multistage Drive - In-Depth Demo

strymon

strymon

Video thumbnail for That Pedal Show – Strymon Riverside, OCD, Tube Screamer & Tumnus by That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show – Strymon Riverside, OCD, Tube Screamer & Tumnus

That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside - Multistage Drive - Audio Examples by strymon

Strymon Riverside - Multistage Drive - Audio Examples

strymon

strymon

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside Drive Pedal Demo by Guitarist

Strymon Riverside Drive Pedal Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for This Drive Pedal Is Outstanding - Strymon Riverside by The Studio Rats

This Drive Pedal Is Outstanding - Strymon Riverside

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for Strymon: RIVERSIDE multistage drive - Demo by Brett Kingman

Strymon: RIVERSIDE multistage drive - Demo

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal Review by Sweetwater

Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal Review

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside multistage drive // my most used drive pedal by Collin Littlejohn

Strymon Riverside multistage drive // my most used drive pedal

Collin Littlejohn

Collin Littlejohn

Video thumbnail for Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal by N Stuff Music

Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic, non-electronic tone with wide adjustment range

  • Stacks well with other drive pedals for versatile setups

  • Provides transparent dirt and superb tube screamer emulation

  • Quiet switching with memory function for favorite settings

  • Comprehensive tone control from mild to full-blown overdrive

  • Compatible with multi-switch for multiple gain tones and boost

  • Features a very usable gate for dynamic control

  • Emulates amplifier gain stages, feeling like an amp extension

  • Ultra-variable, covering a broad spectrum of tones

  • Can replace multiple pedals, reducing the need for a large pedalboard

CONS

  • Initial cost is high, though it holds its value well

  • Some users may find it lacks a unique character or "mojo" compared to other pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive.

Features and functionality

  • The Riverside's volume-controlled gain offers a seamless transition from light to heavy distortion.

    Source
  • The Riverside's favorite footswitch allows users to toggle between two distinct pedal settings instantly.

    Source
  • The Riverside can save up to 300 presets via MIDI, providing extensive flexibility for users with complex setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Riverside is likened to a Marshall with a bass-heavy character, while the Sunset is noted for its versatility and iconic overdrive emulation.

    Source
  • Users find the Riverside's digital components outperform many full analog pedals in clarity and tone quality when integrated with digital rigs like the HX Stomp.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the Riverside's volume/level knob to be extremely sensitive, making precise volume adjustments challenging without additional gear.

    Source
  • The pedal's active EQ is complex yet rewarding, allowing users to tailor their tone to suit various styles, though it requires some learning curve.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the suggested settings in the manual for their effectiveness, making initial setup and tone dialing more straightforward.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • In lower gain settings, the Riverside functions effectively as a preamp, taking boosts and overdrives well for a natural tone.

    Source
  • The Riverside excels in low gain mode, effectively integrating with additional overdrives, though some find high-gain performance less natural at louder volumes.

    Source

Other

  • The Midnight Edition appeals to users aesthetically, fitting better with darker-themed pedalboards compared to the original gold version.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Strymon Riverside Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Strymon's Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal impresses with its hybrid JFET/DSP design, offering a wide range of gain sounds that can satisfy both analog purists and digital enthusiasts. The expression pedal feature expands its creative potential, allowing for dynamic tone shifts mid-play. However, accessing its full capabilities requires diving into the manual due to some non-intuitive controls. While the $299 price tag might seem steep for a drive pedal, the innovative features and sound versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those willing to explore its depths.

positive

Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Review

guitar.com

Strymon's Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal impresses with its versatility and touch-sensitivity, offering a range of tones from sweetly furry to aggressive saturation. While it excels in clarity and maintaining a natural sound at low gain, its digital nature can't fully mimic the warmth of classic analogue drives at high gain. The pedal's numerous features, including a three-band EQ and multiple gain modes, cater well to classic-rock and 80s metal enthusiasts. However, those seeking a smoother, analogue-like tone might find its high-gain settings less satisfying.

positive

Strymon Riverside review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal impresses with its wide range of quality sounds and potent EQ, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's setup. Its blend of analogue and digital technology offers dynamic interaction and nuanced control, making it appealing even to analogue purists. High- and low-gain modes, along with a switchable noise gate, provide flexibility, while features like the Favorite footswitch and expression pedal options enhance usability. However, it demands 250mA of current, which is higher than most dirt pedals. Overall, it’s a highly flexible and dynamic pedal that delivers excellent sound.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dglvt

Too digital for me.,,

You have to read the instructions of this pedal, Strymon pedals are overall good and highly produced, but sometimes to digital. I gave that pedal back to my friend and still use my Warmaudio Centavo.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jason Richardson uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Photo

In this post jason can be seen using a strymon riverside. he states that this is the main sorce of his distortion tone in this video

See how Paul Kalkbrenner uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Paul Kalkbrenner

Music Producer

Paul & Fritz Kalkbrenner

...
Verified via YouTube

He is using this Pedal at Tomorrowland 2016.

See how Tyler Larson uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Tyler Larson

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

Shown up close at 1:53.

See how Armistead Burwell Smith IV uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Armistead Burwell Smith IV

Bassist, Composer

Pinback

...
Verified via Photo

Picture of Pedalboard from show 2017 Instagram post by Otisserie (guitar tech for J Mascis and others).

See how James Walbourne uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

James Walbourne

Guitarist

Son Volt

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

When it comes to pedals, James tries to use as few as possible. “I need something that breaks the sound up a little bit, a distortion maybe,” he says. “I really like the Z.Vex Box Of Rock. Then for something that makes it maybe one louder than that, I’ve got the Strymon Riverside. What I like about Strymons is that you can program it all in there, and every night it’s the same sound. Other than that, I use just a subtle bit of delay on some stuff.”

See how Scott McMicken uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Scott McMicken

Guitarist

Dr. Dog

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar "Rig Rundown" video for Dr. Dog, Scott McMicken discusses his use of the Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive Pedal, which he custom-painted silver, at the 28:50 mark.

See how Lewis Watson uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Lewis Watson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:12 Lewis' Riverside can be seen

See how Richard On uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Richard On

Guitarist

Of a Revolution

...
Verified via Photo

In this pedalboard photo posted by On on his Instagram account, one of the pedals on the board is the Strymon Riverside.

See how Benjamin Nerheim uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Benjamin Nerheim

Guitarist

Heave Blood and Die

...
Verified via Photo

Benjamin Nerheim, guitarist of Heave Blood & Die, is confirmed to use the Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive pedal. This is evidenced by a photograph posted on Instagram by Heave Blood & Die on September 28, 2020, which tags him and prominently displays the pedal on his board.

See how Andrea Benz uses Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive

Andrea Benz

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:11 in this video, Andrea Benz discusses her Strymon Riverside overdrive. She says:

Then, as an overdrive, I have the Riverside by Strymon. I'm super picky with overdrives, but I really dig that one.

Album Usage

The Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive has been featured on the following albums:

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 Riverside Multistage Drive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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1 alternative for Strymon Riverside Multistage Drive, curated by the Equipboard community.

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