The Anasounds La Grotte is a spring reverb pedal built by Anasounds in collaboration with Jack White's Third Man Hardware. Its defining feature is that it packs three mechanical springs into a single enclosure, which the maker and press describe as delivering a rich, immersive reverb tone with an extra-long decay12. Anasounds says La Grotte is "the new spring reverb from Anasounds"3, and MusicRadar reported it as "a deluxe reverb pedal designed in collaboration with Anasounds"2.
Three mechanical springs in a pedal
True spring reverb usually means an outboard tank, so fitting three springs into a pedal is the headline here. gearnews.com describes the pedal as featuring "three mechanical springs, providing a rich, immersive reverb tone"1, and MusicRadar says it "packs an incredible three springs into its enclosure for super-authentic spring reverb with an extra-long decay"2. MusicRadar also notes that more than 200 components are needed to build each pedal2.
A viewport in the enclosure lets you see the springs at work. Guitar Pedal X's reviewer, Stefan Karlsson, described "a cool viewport into the springs - which also reveals that there is a third spring in the mix for more complex vibrations"4.
The outer controls are Dry, Wet, Low and High, giving a wet/dry blend plus two-band EQ over the reverb signal4. The onboard preamp is inspired by the Tampco Tone Oven and, per gearnews.com, "offers two-band EQ and ample headroom"1.
La Grotte is not limited to guitar: MusicRadar reports it "can be used with electric guitar, bass guitar, electronic keyboards. or as a studio tool"2.
Where it came from
The pedal is a collaboration between Anasounds and Third Man Records, released under the name Anasounds x Jack White La Grotte. The unit stands 144mm tall4, and at announcement both versions were available to preorder, with both due at the end of September4.
"then this would be the most appealing solution for me - both in terms of feature set - but also in terms of format and aesthetics - would inspire joy just to have that on the board - a really well designed device!"
Standard and yellow limited editions
The pedal shipped in two versions. gearnews.com reported a standard version and "a limited edition yellow version"1. Pricing as reported:
| Edition | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $300 USD (Dec 2024) | Guitar Pedal X4 |
| Standard | GBP 300 MSRP | gearnews.com1 |
| Limited edition yellow | GBP 350 MSRP | gearnews.com1 |
| Either edition | EUR 349 asking price | MusicRadar2 |
As of September 2024, both versions were available to preorder and due at the end of September, per gearnews.com1. The pedal stands 144mm tall, so check your board clearance accordingly4.
Videos
Reverb
Tone Factory
60 Cycle Hum
Questions
How much does the La Grotte reverb pedal cost?
Guitar Pedal X listed the standard edition at $300 USD as of December 2024. European pricing varied by source: gearnews.com gave an MSRP of GBP 300 for the standard and GBP 350 for the limited edition yellow version, while MusicRadar reported an asking price of EUR 349. The two editions carry different prices in the UK figures, with the yellow limited edition the dearer of the pair.
Who made the La Grotte reverb pedal?
La Grotte is a collaboration between Anasounds, the French pedal maker, and Third Man Hardware, Jack White's gear company. Anasounds built the pedal, and the design grew out of the company's Element spring reverb after Jack White bought one in 2021 and approached the maker about working together.
What is the Tampco Tone Oven?
The Tampco Tone Oven is the unit that inspired the preamp inside La Grotte. According to gearnews.com, the onboard preamp in the pedal takes its cue from the Tampco Tone Oven and offers two-band EQ along with ample headroom, sitting alongside the pedal's three-spring reverb circuit.
Does the La Grotte have a window to see the springs?
Yes. Guitar Pedal X's review describes a viewport into the springs, and notes that looking through it reveals a third spring in the mix, which the reviewer says gives more complex vibrations than a two-spring design.
How is La Grotte different from the Anasounds Element?
La Grotte is based on the Anasounds Element, which was originally a two-box combination of a spring tank and a separate controller. La Grotte folds that idea into a single enclosure and adds a third spring for more complex vibrations, whereas the Element worked with external tanks such as Le Bon, La Brute and Le Truand.
Sources (4)
- Guitar Gear Gems: La Grotte Jack White spring reverb, gearnews.com, 2024-09-03
- “It's been a lifetime of searching for a small spring reverb effect unit that could be used as a stompbox onstage or in the studio”: Third Man Hardware and Anasounds unveil La Grotte, a Jack White reverb pedal with real springs in the tank, MusicRadar, 2024-08-30
- La Grotte, Anasounds, 2024-08-28
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-12-12
