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Top Delay Pedals list
For many, the a delay pedal is the most essential stompbox. It’s the type of effect you can’t squeeze out of amp, unlike distortion, and you often need it close for adjustments and action, so having it on a rack is a bit harder.
It also takes a special skill to bring out the best out of a delay pedal. That is why we compiled a list of the top delay pedals according to actual use by Rock’s top guitarists. Because application matters.
On to the top delay pedals!
Top delay pedals (Analog) – Way Huge Aqua-Puss Delay
Used by: John Mayer, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age
Way Huge isn’t a brand we see often come up often, but when it does, it’s because of this pedal. It is the most cited analog delay of the top delay pedals. Let the reputation of the artists using it speak for its quality.

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top delay pedals (Digital) – BOSS DD-3 Digital Delay
Used by: Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam
There can’t be a list of top guitar pedals without a BOSS pedal. There are many reasons for this, but above quality, it could also be a case of “popularity breeds popularity”. Everyone knows the sound that comes out of these pedals, so they know what they are getting. Regardless of the reasons, we do see a good number of artists with BOSS delay pedals. While the analog DM-3 is popular, the model we do see the most is the digital delay, mostly the DD-3.

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The most used of the top delay pedals – Line 6 DL4
Used by: Chris Shifflet of Foo Fighters, Johnny Buckland of Coldplay, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam, Noel Gallagher of Oasis
This pedal has gained a lot of traction in recent years, and is now the top of top delay pedals. You’ll notice some repeated names on the user list; that’s because these artists switched out their other delay pedals to use this one. The real estate this pedal takes up is made up with its versatility. Add in an expression pedal, and you’ll bet some incredible sounds.

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