The Fender Delay is a delay pedal made by Fender, launched as part of the company's Competition series of effects1. It creates echo effects that Fender described as ranging from short slap-back rockabilly sounds to longer repeating echoes, and it also works with other electronic instruments such as keyboards2. MusicRadar's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, found it aimed to rival entry-level delay pedals1.
Sound and delay time
The maximum delay time is 300ms. MusicRadar's reviewer noted that this is not massive compared with some pedals on the market, but that it is broadly on a par with vintage analog delays such as the Boss DM-21. At shorter settings, the reviewer found the pedal covered effects from bathtub reverb through 50s slapback to longer multiple repeats, and described the result as a pleasantly warm sound that blends in nicely with your guitar tone1.
"this still provides a pleasantly warm sound that blends in nicely with your guitar tone"
Controls
The pedal keeps things simple with three dedicated knobs2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Delay time | Sets the length of the delay, up to a 300ms maximum12 |
| Feedback | Sets how many repeats build up2 |
| Level | Sets the effect level2 |
| Mix | Gradually turns up the level of the repeats to their maximum, which is equal to the dry signal volume1 |
Guitar World summed up the layout this way: "Dedicated delay time, feedback and level controls give you complete command of your sound's spatial characteristics."2
Outputs and stereo use
The Delay operates in mono or with stereo outputs for two-amplifier setups3. With a single jack connected, the mono output delivers the dry signal and the repeats together. If you connect another jack, you get the dry signal at the mono output with the repeats delivered from the stereo output, which is what makes the two-amp arrangement possible1.
Size and where it sits in Fender's range
MusicRadar described the Competition series as board-friendly with a similar footprint to Boss compacts, so the Delay takes up about the same room on a pedalboard as a standard Boss stompbox1. Fender has since released other delays, including the Hammertone Space Delay, the Mirror Image Delay and the Reflecting Pool Delay and Reverb.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's verdict was that the pedal has no extras, but that its simplicity and practicality are its strength1.
"No extras but its simplicity and practicality are this pedal's strength."
Questions
How long is the Fender Delay's maximum delay time?
The maximum delay time is 300ms. MusicRadar's reviewer noted that this is not massive compared with some pedals on the market, but that it is broadly on a par with vintage analogue delays such as the Boss DM-2. Shorter settings cover everything from 50s-style slapback to longer multiple repeats.
Does the Fender Delay have a stereo output?
Yes. The pedal operates in mono or with stereo outputs for two-amplifier setups. In practice, the mono output delivers the dry signal and repeats, but if you connect a second jack you get the dry signal at the mono output with the repeats delivered from the stereo output.
Which series is the Fender Delay part of?
The Fender Delay was launched as part of Fender's Competition series of effect pedals, a range that MusicRadar described as board-friendly with a similar footprint to Boss compact pedals.
How big is the Fender Delay pedal compared with a Boss compact?
According to MusicRadar's review, the Competition series is board-friendly with a similar footprint to Boss compact pedals, so it should sit on a pedalboard in much the same way as a standard Boss stompbox.
Sources (3)
- Fender Delay Pedal review, MusicRadar, 2013-08-22
- Fender Introduces Competition Series Effect Pedals, Guitar World, 2013-01-07
- Fender Releases Competition Series Effects Pedals, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2013-01-08
