Just weeks after expanding their Eurorack line-up with a new Karplus-Strong synthesis module, Strymon have shifted their attention back to the world of guitar pedals. Inspired by the Tel-Ray units of the late 1950s, the Olivera promises to deliver the “vintage syrupy warble of a true ‘oil can’ echo”.
Introduced by Tel-Ray in 1959, the ‘oil can’ echos produced delay repeats by writing a static charge to a small rotating disk housed inside of a can, with oil being used as a lubricating dielectric. The approach delivered results that differ significantly from tape-based delay effects, with its band-limited delay tails sounding significantly ‘darker’, and subject to continuously evolving modulation. Strymon say that the sheer number of variables presented by the design made it challenging to create an authentic emulation, and that the research process led to the creation of an all-new algorithm.
While the sound of the Olivera focuses on vintage authenticity, Strymon have taken their usual approach to the operational side of things, creating a comprehensive set of controls that offer a wealth of modern functionality. a true stereo signal path allows for independent processing of the left and right inputs, while MIDI integration (via quarter-inch TRS or USB-C) offers patch recall and CC control over the pedal’s top-panel functions. Specs and build quality are as you’d expect from Strymon, with the pedal employing high-quality components throughout — including Class-A JFET input circuitry — and coming housed in a rugged enclosure.
Pricing & Availability
The Olivera is available now, priced at $259£259.99 including VAT.
