Okay, let’s be real for a second: you’ve probably got a bunch of pedals already, right? Maybe a delay, some overdrive, possibly even a fuzz you barely use.
But reverb? If you’re not giving reverb the love it deserves, the Strymon Big Sky is about to blow your mind.
Seriously, this thing is AWESOME. And here’s why I think so.
TL;DR – 5 Reasons You’ll Want This Pedal:
- It’s got 12 high-end reverb types to cover every vibe you can dream of.
- 300 presets mean you’ll never lose your favorite tones again.
- MIDI + expression pedal control gives you crazy flexibility.
- Freeze and sustain? Instant ambient bliss, my friend.
- Solid build quality (this baby can take a beating).
Five Reasons Why Your Pedalboard Needs Strymon Big Sky
1. 12 Studio-Grade Reverb Machines – Because Variety Is the Spice of Life
I’m not exaggerating when I say this pedal can cover every reverb situation. Twelve reverb types. You’ve got rooms, plates, springs… and then stuff like shimmer and cloud. Yeah, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
If you’re a fan of the classic stuff, you’ve got your traditional reverb sounds locked down. You want to get all spacey and weird? Shimmer reverb’s there for you. 🌌 You want a springy, surfy feel? Boom, done. Something dreamy for worship music? Big Sky is actually one of the best worship pedals out there!
If you want to learn more about different types of reverbs, you can read our in-depth reverb guide.
I like to think of this pedal as a one-stop-shop. You could spend forever tweaking settings or just set it and forget it, knowing it’ll sound pro every time. You don’t have to be a sound engineer to get studio-level tones out of this thing.
Listen to this sound demo.
2. 300 Programmable Presets – You Heard That Right. 300.
I’m pretty sure half the fun of owning pedals is just messing around with them, finding cool sounds, and then immediately forgetting how you got there. 😅 Well, 300 presets solves that problem. You can save a sound for every mood, every genre, every gig. It’s like having a whole library of tones just a footswitch away.
Let me break it down for you: there’s no way you’ll ever use all 300 presets. But does that stop me from trying? Nope. It’s the kind of feature that lets you push your creativity without worrying about losing your favorite patches.
So, yeah, you can create one perfect sound for your band and another for your bedroom practice and never have to worry about losing either. Or, if you’re like me, maybe just spend a weekend programming reverb tones for fun.
3. MIDI + Expression Pedal Control – Total Domination Over Your Reverb
Now, this is where things get next-level. MIDI control is huge if you’re running a complex setup or just want to make live performances smoother. You can change settings without bending down like an idiot, trying to tweak knobs mid-song. Plus, with an expression pedal, you can control your reverb in real-time, which feels super slick.
Imagine you’re playing a song and want to add a bit more decay for drama. You don’t have to stop and fiddle with anything; just rock the expression pedal, and boom, instant magic. 🙌 This pedal seriously lets you own your tone in real-time. It’s like having an extra set of hands… but for reverb.
For all the tech-averse out there, don’t worry. The MIDI stuff is totally optional. You can use the pedal on its own without touching a single MIDI cable. But if you are into all that, the Big Sky is a dream.
4. Freeze & Sustain – Want to Hold That Chord Forever? Go Ahead.
I’m not gonna lie, the Freeze and Sustain functions are borderline addictive. Want to hold a note or chord forever while you play something else over it? Just hit the Freeze button, and you’ve got endless reverb tails. It’s like creating a sonic backdrop for whatever you’re playing next.
You can even build entire songs around this feature. I’ve definitely gotten lost in it for hours—laying down big, ambient soundscapes and letting them float into eternity. It’s hard to describe the satisfaction you get when you’re in the zone, and your sound just keeps going without breaking.
These soundscapes are extremely good for ambient, post-rock and shoegaze music. IMO it’s actually one of the best shoegaze pedals of all time!
Also, let’s be real: it’s just fun. It feels like you’ve got a superpower in your foot, holding your sound in mid-air for as long as you want. For those ambient guitar nerds out there, this is pure gold. ⚡
5. Built Like a Tank – You Could Probably Kick This Thing Across the Stage
Have you ever owned a pedal that broke after a few gigs or after someone „accidentally” spilled a beer on it? Yeah, that’s not gonna happen here. The Big Sky is built like a tank. It’s sturdy, durable, and can take the kind of abuse only musicians know how to dish out.
Made in the USA, the build quality is off the charts. It just feels solid. And you won’t have to worry about noise or interference because it has ultra-low noise 24-bit 96 kHz conversion. That’s fancy talk for “it sounds pristine, even when you crank everything up.”
In short, this thing can survive anything you throw at it—stomps, drops, and probably even a few angry drummers (not that I’m saying you should throw it at anyone, of course).
Disadvantages
It’s tough to talk about the cons of that thing. It’s so versatile!
But… some may complain about its price. It’s not a cheap pedal, but for those who can’t afford it – have a look on our list of best reverb pedals under $100.
Otherwise, there’s not too much to complain about.
Beginners may find it difficult to use – mainly because of so many available options – but let’s be real, total noobs don’t usually buy this kind of stuff 😉
My Experience With Strymon Effects
The Big Sky was a total game-changer for my setup. I used it on everything: practice, gigs, even just noodling around. It became my go-to for reverb.
If you’ve ever heard me talk about gear on Strefa Gitar or Best Guitars Now (shameless plug), you’ll know I’m obsessed with it.
Honestly, there’s no going back once you’ve played through a Big Sky. It’s just that good 😉
IMO it’s fantastic for alt-rock and indie. I actually included it on my list of best pedals for indie rock!
FAQs
Will the Big Sky Work With My Amp?
Yep, it’s pretty versatile. Whether you’ve got a tube amp or a solid-state setup, this pedal fits right in. You can run it through the effects loop or straight in front of your amp, and it’ll sound awesome either way.
Is It Really Worth the Price?
Good question. Yes, it’s not the cheapest pedal, but you’re paying for top-tier sound quality and versatility. If you’re serious about your reverb, it’s a no-brainer. If you want budget gear, this isn’t for you—but if you want the best reverb pedal, Big Sky’s got you.
Can I Use It With Other Pedals?
Absolutely. It plays nice with other pedals. Whether it’s delay, overdrive, or something weird like a ring modulator, the Big Sky integrates perfectly. It’s like the ultimate team player on your pedalboard.
Do I Need To Know MIDI To Use This Pedal?
Nope! MIDI is totally optional. You can get all the killer reverb tones without touching the MIDI controls. But if you’re into that, it’ll give you insane control over your sound.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: the Strymon Big Sky is worth every penny. It’s packed with features, delivers studio-quality reverb, and has enough versatility to fit into any style of playing. Plus, it’s built to last.
So if you’re still on the fence, let me save you the trouble: just get it. Your sound—and your audience—will thank you for it. 🎸
