Space Echo Special: meet the whole family

Autumn is definitely here in the Derbyshire Dales but the sun is out, the countryside looks stunning and the great gear keeps flowing in. This month's blog was going to focus on synths and tape echoes as we've currently got some excellent examples just landed in superb condition. However, it rapidly became apparent that there's just too much gear - so much of each category that we've decided to split this into two posts this month. So, this is part one, concentrating on tape echoes. Scroll down to see the gear and some words on why you should buy your echo from us, and also on why we like some of the more unusual items.

CLICK HERE FOR A PDF OF OUR CURRENT
FULL LIST OF VINTAGE GEAR

 And just before the echoes here's a sneak peek of what is coming in the synth blog next week - this Juno-60 will be there (and no, that's not a shot from a product brochure - that's the actual unit for sale) as well as near mint examples of several other analogue gems.

Roland aren't the only game in town... here are some of our other favourite tape echoes - all recently listed - click on the images for more information.

OK, so technically the ACE-TONE EC-20 above is a Roland - Ace Tone is the company founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi who went on to found the Roland Corporation. These are very nice units with great build quality, and capable of much of what a Space Echo can do (and at a much lower price).

We've also managed to get another KORG STAGE ECHO. Is it heresy to suggest that this is better than a Space Echo? There are compelling arguments as to why these rarer machines are more desirable. The quality is every bit as good, if not better than a Space Echo, and the creative options are on hand to treat/mix the repeats and reverb make them even more versatile.

As a break from the Japanese gear here's some German engineering (the kind that doesn't fake its performance data...), a DYNACORD ECHOCORD SUPER 76. Dynacords were used by Kraftwerk and many other influential bands. Bags of character and great fun to 'play' with the slider and repeat knob. Love the reverb on these...

And this is quite simply our favourite-sounding echo from the USA: the valve (tube) MAESTRO ECHOPLEX EP-2. Mike Battle really got it right with the valve Echoplex - the tone and quality of repeats is stunning. If you're studio-based like me, then this is the one - I immediately swapped my Fulltone TTE for an EP2 when we found a good one. For gigging musicians, then the Fulltone is a superb machine (we have one for sale on the site). This Echoplex is in superb condition and sounds magical - a great example - uncommon in this condition.

A rare beast for sure, this is a MAESTRO ECHOPLEX EM-1 GROUPMASTER - a multi-input mixer version of the classic US tape echo. Solid state tape echo with Sound On Sound facility - this one has had some minor mods and sounds excellent - driving the inputs yields great results. Hard to find and uncommon in this condition - minor niggles are that it's not eager to self-oscillate, and the reloaded tape cartridge supplied could be better (slows a little when the splice passes over the heads).
**not currently listed - get in touch if you need to know more** 

And finally... some echoes without tape.

No Soundgas blog would be complete without a Binson and the one below has literally landed back from service yesterday. We also have a couple of digital delay units, and also of course the new limited Echosex pedal which has been getting rave reviews: they have been selling as fast as we can get stock.

This BINSON ECHOREC P.E.603-T came to us still boxed in its original polystyrene packaging. Cosmetically in pristine condition externally, but a mess of corroded wiring inside. Fully-rewired and modified, it now sounds as beautiful as it looks, featuring varispeed motor control and the 'Soundgas Special' switchable second record head for amazing long repeats. These solid state machines sound great when driven and generally abused - video demo coming soon!

We have stock of the new ECHOSEX 2º LTD, an update of Gurus Binson Echorec pedal, and about which Gilmourish.com said: “The Echosex is no doubt the best sounding echo pedal I’ve ever tried. And I’ve tried a few. You can really hear the dedication, knowledge and love that went into designing and producing this thing.”Our customers certainly agree - these are selling out fast.
See the full Gilmourish Echosex 2 LTD review & demo here.



We also landed one of the great digital delays, a TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay & Effects Control Processor. Now discontinued these are still at the core of many pro studio set ups and are well on the way to achieving full "legendary" status.

And finally... this is a RAMSA ECHO MACHINE. It's a rare (very rare?) Japanese pro-audio BBD echo machine launched by Panasonic in 1979. Our engineer was amazed at the spec - click on the image to read more - the sound quality is exceptional with ultra-clean (for BBD) repeats.

=========

And don't forget - when we say something is serviced and working we mean it; and we guarantee it. We do this because we understand what we want as buyers: no disappointments. If things do go wrong - which we all know can and will happen on occasion with old gear (in spite of top-notch servicing, thorough testing and careful packing) - we guarantee to make it right with a minimum of fuss and disruption. But usually that won't happen as our BBC-trained tape echo engineer has more than 20 years experience working on a diverse range of gear - and travelling the world maintaining the equipment for top artists on tour.

And we don't just guarantee the servicing and operational status of our machines (bearing in mind they are now 30-40 years old) but also that you will love the sound - or your money back - our calibration is second to none and the tape stock we're using is the result of much testing. When you buy a Roland tape echo from us, it's not just a great example of a historic piece, but far more importantly it is serviced to be as close as possible to factory spec, and sometimes beyond. In 'improving' RE-501 and SRE-555 Roland sent them from the factory unable to self-oscillate - thus removing our favourite feature of any tape echo - ours are all set up to echo into infinity when required (if you don't want this, simply don't dial in as much feedback).

If you want to know the precise differences and which one is right for you, there's a good deal of information online about these machines. However, if you'd rather not trawl the internet then just call Tony - he's more than happy to discuss your requirements and talk echoes.

=======

 And (with no apology for the repetition, because we hate the thought of people not getting the gear they want), whether it's echo units, or any other classic gear we sell, please remember many of these items are in short supply and good examples can move very quickly - sometimes sold before they even make the stock list, let alone the mail-out or website. If you see something you want that’s gone, get in touch and register your interest: you get first refusal on the next one we find - no obligation. Some items on the list are awaiting a service so don't have a final price; you can contact us for a ballpark figure and reserve until they're available.