First and foremost, the Memory Boy is a cheap pedal and for the price we can't be too picky. I made the mistake of thinking I'd get fantastic value for my money - well, I got good value but hardly fantastic. Having used it for a bit, I've decided to move on and buy something bigger and better.
The bits worth noting:
- Sound: weird. It might be just me but there is something metallic about it. Brighter than a "typical" analog delay but not as warm, either.
- Expression pedal control - this was the selling point for me. However, tweaking the parameters in real time (by means of an expression pedal or just by rolling the knobs) creates some weird, unpredictable noises that failed to charm me. A matter of personal taste, I guess - others may fall in love with them. Bear in mind I love all sorts of noise, especially guitar noises; also bear in mind I wanted a delay effect with an expression pedal so I could add "take off" noises to one or two songs - you know, when you fiddle with the delay time while the feedback is on. Well, the Memory Boy does something... else.
- Vibrato - that's actually surprisingly good. I don't suppose it is anything like a really good Rotovibe unit, although I haven't tried one. Sadly, I had no intention of buying a vibrato. All I wanted was a delay that would allow me to tweak some parameters with my foot (see previous point).
All said, I can't really recommend it. However, it might be just the thing for people who:
- want a simple delay effect with its own signature sound (a bit unorthodox, to say the least) and a few extra bits.
- want a cheap but really decent vibrato unit
- love awkward noises
- like the typical EHX metal housing that shouts at you: "I'll still be around when the grandchildren of your great-grandchildren are one foot in the grave."
