Strymon BigSky VS BlueSky (direct comparison)

In this comparison article we're looking at the differences between two major reverb pedals by Strymon:

The BigSky and the BlueSky.

While the BigSky is physically larger and the more expensive of the two, the BlueSky is still able to offer a lot of sounds, modes, and flexibility. But does it do enough to compete with the BigSky? Does the price of the BlueSky drop enough to make it a higher value option?

We'll find out, starting with a direct comparison of the features in both pedals, via the table below:

Strymon BigSky VS BlueSky Comparison Tool

A simple feature comparison shows us that the BigSky's primary "leg up" over the BlueSky is its banking system - with over 300 presets - and the fact that it's MIDI controllable, providing a significant amount of control that's missing from the BlueSky. 

But which one does a better job justifying its respective price tag?

We'll look at the details of both reverb pedals to find out.

Strymon BigSky Details

Aside from the 300 presets and MIDI control, the BigSky also has 12 total reverb algorithms compared to the BlueSky's three. While the tone quality is similar, there's certainly value in the BigSky for those seeking more control and more versatility from their reverb pedal.

Even if you don't use a MIDI controller, the BigSky's banking system allows you to cycle through effects and explore presets easily.

So it's not as much an issue of sound quality as it is an issue of functionality and usability. Because the BigSky doesn't sound better than the BlueSky, rather it lets you do a lot more and makes navigating around the effects much easier.

It's almost like a little ambience-generating computer.

Strymon BlueSky Details

In the BlueSky you have a much smaller interface with a bypass switch and a secondary "favorite" preset switch. This is more ideal if you use reverb sparingly, and if you're the type of guitar player to set your pedal in one mode and use it all the time. 

You'll also have less modes to work with, with only three types of reverb and then three additional variations for each one.

This definitely gives you room to work, but isn't nearly as comprehensive as the BigSky.

Again, we like the sound quality of both, as Strymon seems to always put together rich-sounding digital algorithms that don't make us miss analog circuits.

If you like the simpler control scheme and you don't need all the presets that come with the BigSky, the BlueSky is a decent alternative.

Summary and Questions

At the same time, the BlueSky doesn't really knock as much cost off as we'd like to see. With the BigSky at $470, the BlueSky holds steady around $300, which is still really expensive for a reverb pedal.

We'd probably recommend the BlueSky if it dropped the price closer to $200.

But since it doesn't really save you a ton of money, we'd recommend going the distance and grabbing the BigSky with all its modes, presets, and flexibility. 

All told it's one of the best reverb pedals ever created, so we don't mind putting up the extra $170 to bring it home.

If you disagree or have questions about these pedals, leave it in the comments section below and we'll help out as best we can.

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