Strymon Sunset VS Riverside (Comparison)
Our pick: The Strymon Sunset
Though both pedals have a similar roster of features, we like the dual overdrive mode and the tone of the Sunset better than the Riverside. If you prefer the "Favorite" switch (as opposed to the dual controls), the Riverside might be a better fit.
What are the main differences between the Strymon Sunset and the Strymon Riverside?
They're both fairly popular and advanced overdrive pedals by Strymon, but which one is right for you? How do they sound and what kind of situations are they primarily designed for?
On this page we'll compare the two side-by-side to help you decide which overdrive pedal is going to be more ideal for you. Note that the Sunset is a dual overdrive pedal (two pedal circuits in one) and the Riverside is a single-mode/multi-stage drive pedal with a preset option.
Before we get into the details of each stompbox, you can use our comparison tables below for quick reference.
Strymon Sunset VS Riverside Comparison Section
Use the Compare buttons for a quick look at pricing, specs, and tone demo videos from Sweetwater. You can also browse these pedals via the Sweetwater buttons in this table, which help support our work at no extra cost to you.
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive | n/a | |
 | Strymon Riverside Multi-stage Drive | n/a |
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Detailed Specs Side-by-Side
We can see from this table some significant differences in terms of how each pedal is set up. The dual overdrive takes a simple level/drive/tone control and mirrors it across two circuits while providing more modes and functionality. The multi-stage drive is a bit simpler but allows you to save a preset and gives you a fuller tone-control scheme (bass, treble, middle).
Header | Sunset | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Dual Overdrive | Overdrive |
Analog/Digital | Analog gain stage with DSP algorithms | Analog gain stage with DSP algorithms |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Additional i/o | 1 x 1/4" (expression), 1 x 1/4" (Fav preset switching) | 1 x 1/4" (boost), 1 x 1/4" (expression) |
Modes | Six total | Four total |
Presets | Only via external switch (not included) | One (favorite) |
True bypass | Yes, Switchable to Buffered | Yes, Switchable to Buffered |
Height | 1.75" | 1.75" |
Width | 4" | 4" |
Depth | 4.5" | 4.5" |
Weight | Not listed | Not listed |
The Strymon Sunset VS Riverside: Which one is right for you?
Strymon Sunset Details
Two pedals in one with three modes and a level/tone/drive control setup.
The Strymon Sunset is two individual pedal circuits that can be used on their own or blended. Switchable modes on each side are digitally modeled, though sound the part of a warm tube amp and give you some variety to work with.
Note that the level/drive/tone controls will also change depending on which mode you're using, so the control isn't as uniform as it looks.
We thought the tone of the Sunset was a bit warmer, and less gritty than the riverside.
We'd also argue that the Sunset is the more versatile of the two pedals, given the wide variety of modes. You can get a lot of subtlety and even some heavier, more saturating sounds if you're willing to explore the modes and work with the settings.
Strymon Riverside Details
An overdrive pedal with multiple gain stages and a three-band EQ.
The Riverside functions more like an amplifier, with multiple gain modes and a three band EQ on top of the expected drive/level controls. It's not quite as versatile as the Sunset, and seems to be more comfortable as a vintage-flavored drive pedal.
Even on the high gain settings, it's not something we'd consider heavy or modern.
Yet it does give you a couple notable things that the Sunset does not. Primarily the following:
- Preset switch (favorite)
- Three-band EQ
These are big features that are missing in the Sunset, which might give the Riverside some more appeal if you want a singular sound with more control.
Comparison Conclusion
While there are similarities between the tones of these two overdrive pedals, they function very differently. For us, it came down to a preference of having the dual circuits with multiple modes in the Sunset over the more narrow focus of the Riverside.
We also just noticed more warmth and richness in the Sunset's tone when compared to the Riverside.
However, both are great pedals that retail for the exact same price.
If it's a decision between the two of them, we'd recommend the Sunset, but you really can't go wrong with either one.
Questions and Comments
Do you have questions about the Strymon Sunset or Riverside?
Better yet, have you used one or both of these pedals and want to share your experience?
If so, drop us a line in the comments section so we can chat about it.
Hopefully we'll see you there.
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Written by Bobby on Pedals and Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Comparisons
I’m debating between these 2 pedals right now. I like the eq controls on the Riverside but the Sunset does have more features. I play a Telecaster with single coils so I’m thinking the bass knob on the Riverside might help fatten it up more. I’ll have to keep watching vids before I make my final decision. Already have the DIG and the FLINT and I like Strymon for their quality and features. After using analog for so long these Strymon digital pedals are excellent sound and build wise. Can’t wait to get an overdrive. Tough decision.
Thanks for the excellent review.
Take good care
Thanks, Brian. Strymon is one of the most impressive manufacturers right now. Both are great pedals. FWIW it’s worth, I think you can get some good warmth out of both.