Strymon El Capistan
A tape delay pedal that emulates analog tape echo units
Overview
The Strymon El Capistan is a digital tape delay pedal built to copy the sound of vintage tape echo machines. It came out in a V1 version, and guitarists took to it for the tape emulation and the simple control set. Its official name is the "El Capistan dTape Echo," and it is marketed as a tape delay pedal. It has tap tempo, looping, and variable tape bandwidth to shape the tone over time. The original V1 has a strong following, and users praise its sound quality and reliability.
Specifications
| Max Delay Time | 1500ms |
| Looping Time | 20 seconds |
| Tap Tempo | Yes |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (mono/stereo) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Dimensions | 4.5" D x 4" W x 1.75" H |
| Weight | 600 Grams |
| Manufacturer Part Number | Z120-ELC2-1 |
Reception & Use
Users have praised the El Capistan widely. One calls it "more or less perfect," and others predict it will stay significant for years to come. It gets the natural warmth and quirks of real tape delay without the upkeep of a mechanical tape machine. Some users like its compact, handy footprint on a pedalboard. It is often mentioned alongside the Strymon Timeline, which has a MIDI interface where the El Capistan has none.
Market
No official MSRP is confirmed. The original price is mentioned anecdotally as approximately $50 higher than one user's purchase price. In recent listings, used V1 units have sold for around $208, and new prices start at $249.00.
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