Is the Strymon Volante Still Relevant? Here's Why I Think So

Is the Strymon Volante still relevant in a world of menu-heavy mega-delays? After putting it back onto the pedalboard and using it heavily over the last few months, I think it absolutely is — and in this video I'll show you exactly why. Get it here: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/EKKKAK I've had the Strymon Volante since it released in 2019, and with so many deep, do-everything delays out now, it's a fair question: does a magnetic echo machine like this still earn its place on an ambient board in 2026? Drum, tape, and studio delay types , multi playback and feedback head complex rhythmns, four seconds of delay time, true stereo, sound-on-sound looping that most people completely underestimate. Here's what I walk through: • The Volante is a single-minded simplicity pedal. • It has three machine types: Drum, Tape, and Studio. • Each machine type has playback and feedback heads for rhythmic echoes. • The delay time can be up to 4 seconds. • The pedal can be used for ambient washes and true stereo. • It can be stacked with another delay pedal for depth. • Sound-on-sound (SOS) allows for looping, freezing, degrading, and reversing for drones and Frippertronics-style beds. • The used price of the Volante makes it an attractive option for those who play ambient, textural, or cinematic guitar. if you play ambient, textural, or cinematic guitar, the Volante is well worth considering. ⏱️ CHAPTERS Is the Strymon Volante still worth it in 2026? I'm breaking down why this iconic unit remains essential for my ambient guitar rig. It has been years since the Strymon Volante was released, yet it continues to find a home on my board. When looking at modern guitar pedals, it is easy to get caught up in the latest releases, but this unit offers a sound quality that feels timeless. As a dedicated delay pedal, the tape echo emulation provides textures that few other devices can replicate. Whether you are building complex soundscapes or just looking for subtle movement, the control this device offers is still unmatched. Subscribe for weekly Ambient Guitar videos, and let me know in the comments if you are still using this on your board. 0:00 Is the Volante still relevant? 0:19 Volante's refreshing simplicity 0:45 The 3 machine types: Drum / Tape / Studio 1:31 Playback & feedback heads 2:51 Repeat spacing options 3:49 4 seconds of delay time in all delay modes 5:09 Stacking with other delay pedals 5:49 Sound-on-sound (SOS): creating the loop 6:28 Sound-on-sound: freezing the loop 8:45 Sound-on-sound: reversing the loop 8:30 Frippertronics-style drones 10:07 Volante new & used pricing 10:40 Still relevant? Follow Chords of Orion Music here: Spotify: https://goo.gl/LeHwJx Apple iTunes/Music: https://itun.es/us/iPqNQ Bandcamp: https://chordsoforion.bandcamp.com/music Pedals in order of the signal chain: (Sweetwater Affiliate links, see disclaimers below): Levy's guitar strap: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LXaq7Y Kiesel Neo OM Guitar TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini Tuner: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/q444Ag Strymon Compadre Compressor: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/LXP9dM Strymon Iridium Amp Modeler: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/5gb402 Walrus Audio Canvas Expression: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rEW7vv Strymon DIG Dual Digital Delay: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/2111QA Strymon Volante Delay: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/EKKKAK Pedaltrain Classic Pro Pedalboard: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rQQQ2D Strymon Zuma Power Supply: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QyLXmA Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar is life Bill Vencil - Guitars Web: http://chordsoforion.com Facebook:   / chordsoforion   Instagram:   / chordsoforion   Affiliate Disclosure: Chords of Orion is a participant in the Sweetwater Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for Chords of Orion to earn fees by linking to sweetwater.com.