Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

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B2D

SDUGF Riffologist Supremö
Hey all. I have an issue that's been bugging me for a few days and I thought I'd share and get some perspective on it.

I'm thinking of getting rid of my Strymon TimeLine pedal. At first glance, you might think I'm crazy for doing so, and that's OK, but hear me out.

I'm just not sure if I'm using the pedal to anywhere near it's maximum potential. The thing has 99 presets on it. I use maybe 4 or 5 of them a lot and a few for specific tunes. I do use the looper when I'm jamming by myself. I don't often get into the deep editing features of it because it's just so much work and knob twisting and a/b'ing that it seems like it takes away from the task at hand of playing guitar; I spend more time tweaking and less time playing and I'm not sure that I like that.

I was thinking that I could use some of the more esoteric effects, like the Ice mode, Tremolo modes, LFO delays, etc as textural stuff or songwriting tools. But in a hard rock band context, those effects are always very subtle and don't stick out unless we're playing a quiet passage or I'm playing by myself.

I'm basically using it as a "normal" delay pedal when in fact it is so much more. Granted, the sounds themselves are gorgeous and the sound quality is second to none, but how often to I really use all those sounds?

I'm thinking of going back to the DD20 I was using... I had 4 presets plus a manual mode and I used them all, and I used all of the modes and features on the pedal at some time or another. The sound quality was pretty decent, and now that I've got a better power supply setup that will help too. Plus those are at most half the price of a TimeLine. I've got a lot of money tied up in the TimeLine that I could put towards other pedals I've been jonesing for.

On the other hand I really wonder if I should be taking such a step backwards like that. I had a plan eventually to nab one of those new Mobius pedals Strymon has coming out and run it in tandem with the TimeLine, and then control both of them with a larger MIDI controller. The Mobius is something that I really could see myself using to potential, as I like to use a variety of modulation effects, but not all at once. Plus having one pedal for every effect takes up real estate and if there's anyone I trust to do a world-class Multi pedal it's Strymon.

...it just occurred to me that I could always get a DD20 and use it as my primary delay pedal and then pull out the Strymon for really special needs, but then again there's still that nagging fact that I've got $400 tied up in one pedal.

I dunno guys... any advice?
 
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Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

I reckon that if it's not working out for you then move it on...It seems daft to have something with capabilities that you're not likely to use...I use a Deja Vu and I don't get the max out of that!! :D

I'm sure if you sell it on, you'll be able to use the funds to purchase stuff that you're happy and comfortable using, and that fit in with what you're doing.

That being said, send it my way and you'll never have to see it again! ;)
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

I say keep it unless there's something less spendy that will meet your needs just as well. You bought it for a reason and seem pleased with the results. Unless you're looking to put the money you have in the Strymon into a more compelling piece of gear (or have other financial needs), why downgrade? Who cares if you're not using all of its features? How often do you take advantage of all the volume your amp can put out?

Fortunately, if you sell the Strymon it wouldn't be terribly difficult to replace but I'd hazard a guess that you'll be GASsing for one within months of getting rid of it.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

Thanks for the perspective, guys. I'll think it over and spend some time playing with it.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

I have both the Timeline and the Mobius. While I may only use 4 presets, I need all of the flexibilty and fidelity of the Timeline to get those 4 the way that I want them. Are you using an expression pedal? The ability to fade the delay level up and down on the fly, for example, will make you love that thing all over again.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

I have both the Timeline and the Mobius. While I may only use 4 presets, I need all of the flexibilty and fidelity of the Timeline to get those 4 the way that I want them. Are you using an expression pedal? The ability to fade the delay level up and down on the fly, for example, will make you love that thing all over again.

How do you have a Mobius? I thought they were still only available for preorder? Did you get one of the very early ones?

I'm not currently using an expression pedal to alter the effect level. Which one are you using?
 
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Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

My dilemma is not that I'm not sure if I like it. I do.

Thing is... I get the feeling that for what I'm doing it's like using a Bugatti Veyron to go to the grocery store for milk, you know?

I'm about to sit down with it and play with it for as long as I feel like it. We'll see what happens.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

How do you have a Mobius? I thought they were still only available for preorder? Did you get one of the very early ones?

I happened to be on Strymon's site late on an early December Friday afternoon when they put the page up announcing the release of the Mobius, so I went immediately to my local dealer's site to preorder. Each dealer received an initial order of 6 pedals sometime around the 20th and I got one of those.

I'm not currently using an expression pedal to alter the effect level. Which one are you using?

I recommend the Pigtronix because it has two outputs so that you can connect and control both the Timeline and the Mobius. Both of the outputs are also on the same side of the pedal which makes it a little easier to locate it on a board.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

Well after playing with the pedal and going through it thoroughly for about 3 hours today, I've made the decision to let it go. It's an incredible delay pedal but I just don't use enough of what it offers to really take advantage of it. I've thought about it - I'm OK with going "back" a notch. This isn't the first time I've done something like this - I had a Bogner Ecstasy and sold it because I found a 14-year old Mesa I liked better. I just gotta be honest with myself.

In related news, the TimeLine is for sale for $400 shipped w.in CONUS. 9/10 condition, includes the box, quickstart guide, and the power supply. ;)
 
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Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

Use this time as an opportunity to try going delay-less for a month or so (long enough to get over withdrawal symptoms)and see what you come up with - you might find you can be creative in other ways.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

Use this time as an opportunity to try going delay-less for a month or so (long enough to get over withdrawal symptoms)and see what you come up with - you might find you can be creative in other ways.

Good suggestion - but I've gone effects-less or just straight acoustic before, sometimes for a few months at a time.

Looking back, I can never really get into what I would call advanced effects pedals - most rack gear is a lost cause with me. I'm just happiest with simpler things.
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

Hey, forget the rest of the furor members, I buy it for ½ price.

What a deal!
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

I like my Mobius so much I'm thinking of replacing my DD-20 with a Timeline. I'll trade you straight up ;)
 
Re: Should I get rid of my TimeLine?

It's already gone, bruthas... assuming the guy whos buying it from me off CL shows up tonight. Thanks for the advice.
 
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