Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post.
Reverb is the effect that makes a guitar sound like it is in a room, a hall or an old surf record. For a lot of players, the first reverb pedal they buy is a Holy Grail. The Electro Harmonix Holy Grail Neo packs three classic reverb types into a small box with one knob, which makes it one of the simplest ways to add space to your sound. Here is what the Holy Grail Neo is, what its three modes do, who it is for and where to buy one.
What it is
The Holy Grail Neo is a compact digital reverb pedal from Electro Harmonix, the pedal maker also behind the Big Muff. The company describes it as an update to its popular compact digital reverb, the original Holy Grail, built for an ultra pedalboard friendly footprint. It was released in 2015.
Inside are three reverb algorithms: Spring, Hall and Plate. Electro Harmonix says all three were designed and tailored for electric guitar, but they work equally well on most instruments and voices.
The three modes explained
Spring
The Spring setting recreates the classic spring reverbs found in many guitar amplifiers. Real spring reverb sends the signal through metal springs inside the amp, which gives it a bouncy, slightly drippy character. It is a natural fit for surf and vintage styles.
Hall
The Hall setting simulates the reverberations heard in large spaces such as a concert hall or cathedral. It is the most open and spacious of the three, great for ambient parts, slow chords and anything that needs to feel big.
Plate
The Plate setting emulates a metal plate reverb, the kind commonly found in high end recording studios during the 1960s and 70s. Electro Harmonix calls it very smooth and tonally balanced, and says it sounds great on many instruments, especially vocals. On guitar, it adds a polished, studio sheen without the bounce of spring or the size of hall.
Controls and features
The Holy Grail Neo keeps things simple:
- Reverb knob. Controls the wet and dry mix, from 100 percent dry to 100 percent wet.
- Toggle switch. Picks between the three reverb algorithms.
- Footswitch. Turns the effect on and off.
- True bypass. When the pedal is off, Electro Harmonix says your tone will not be affected.
- Mono input and output on standard quarter inch jacks.
- Power adapter included. It runs on the 9.6 volt direct current (DC) supply in the box, rated at 200 milliamps, and draws 75 milliamps.
The chassis is compact and rugged, measuring 4.5 by 2.75 by 2.1 inches, so it slips onto a crowded board.
How to use it
Reverb usually goes near the end of a pedal chain, after drive and modulation pedals, so it adds space to your whole sound rather than getting distorted itself. A few starting points:
- Classic amp tone: Spring mode with the knob low, around a quarter of the way up.
- Surf: Spring mode turned up high for that wet, splashy drip.
- Ambient swells: Hall mode with the knob well past noon.
- Clean studio polish: Plate mode at a modest setting for leads or vocals.
If you are still sorting out the drive side of your board, read our guide to overdrive vs distortion vs fuzz.
Why it is cool
Most reverb pedals now come loaded with presets, menus and a dozen knobs. The Holy Grail Neo goes the other way. One knob, three sounds, done. That simplicity makes it easy to dial in a good tone in seconds, and it keeps you playing instead of tweaking. For many players, three well chosen reverbs are all they will ever need.
Who should buy it
Buy the Holy Grail Neo if you want your first reverb pedal, if your amp has no reverb or if you want a small, simple reverb that saves board space. It is also a good choice for singers and keyboard players who want a simple plate or hall sound.
If you want deeper control and more sounds, step up to something like the Strymon BigSky or the Walrus Audio Slö. New to pedals? Start with our best guitar pedals for beginners.
Where to buy
For more gear for your rig, browse our home studio section.
