Pioneer SR-202W - 120v 1/4" Jack Modded
Studio-ready, modified unit: Input and output on the rear converted to 1/4" jack. Re-capped & transistors replaced for quieter operation and more gain on reverb. Knobs on the front disabled except for power and reverb adjustment....Read more
Studio-ready, modified unit - see below for information on the work done. Modded 240v units also usually available - check our store or get in touch.
Note: photos are of a similar unit. The current one is in very good condition with minor signs of age. If you purchase this item we can send photos before shipping if required.
A fabulous dark and characterful spring reverb unit, this is the secret weapon used by Tom Elmhirst for Adele, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson. Scroll down for a demo and more information about these effects.
For sales in UK/EU the price will include VAT. VAT-free sales are possible to businesses and individuals in the EU (outside the UK) with a valid VAT Number - please get in touch if you wish to buy this way.
Studio-ready, modified unit:
- Input and output on the rear converted to 1/4" jack.
- Re-capped & transistors replaced for quieter operation and more gain on reverb.
- Knobs on the front disabled except for power and reverb adjustment.
In very good overall condition with some scuffs/dings/signs of age but nothing major.
Tested, checked for electrical safety and fitted with a three core earthed mains cable.
(Note that some crackle may happen when adjusting the pots if it's not been in regular use, but it's currently fine.)
MORE INFORMATION ON THE PIONEER SR-202W
As the original Pioneer advert (see in the product photos) says: the SR202W is "a solid state reverberation amplifier that adds natural depth, extra brilliance and sound realism to all stereo tapes and sound recordings."
If you want more information on which spring is best for you then check out our detailed spring reverb blog and "Springathon" demo (13 springs head-to-head). You can also see our full current stock of vintage studio signal processors here, but if you have any questions please get in touch as we have many years experience with these machines.
Tom Elmhirst interviewed about mixing Rolling In The Deep by Adele (Sound On Sound, Sept 2011): "...the Pioneer on 55‑56 is an old ‘70s‑’80s spring reverb that was made for the domestic market." ...and on mixing Mark Ronson's Record Collection album (Electronic Musician Sept 2010): “I used a lot of external reverbs: a Fairchild 670, old spring reverbs, and a couple 1970s Pioneer Reverberation Amplifier Model SR-202s. They’re old home hi-fi units; they’re not normal! I am not a fan of digital reverb, so I have a few springs I really like... Spring reverb was a big part of the Winehouse record, and it’s in Mark’s sound as well. I use two or three different springs on a track and even on the vocal."
This unit has a darker sound that can work wonders in a mix. Spring reverbs are a great 'secret weapon' to have in the studio arsenal - not just for the 'boingy' effect as used by dub and reggae pioneers such as Lee 'Scratch' Perry, but also for adding that unmistakable classic shimmery vibe to electric guitars. It's a sound that lends itself well to modern production: the perfect treatment for overly-sterile digital delays and reverbs and it can be heard all over today's music. Whether it's cutting-edge dubstep from Rusko, or a top pop mix engineer like Tom Elmhirst, the sound of springs is everywhere.
Try using a little tape delay before sending to a spring reverb, or use a digital/plug-in reverb and send the wet output from that to the spring to add character.
Check out the YouTube demo below to get an idea of what these units sound like - the demo is not this actual unit (with thanks to the uploader):
Some of our gear will have VAT at 20% added in the UK/EU, but a lot of it won't. This should hopefully clarify the situation but if you have any questions then please get in touch.
ITEMS WITH VAT:
- These items will have two prices visible: with and without the tax.
- If you are buying in the UK/EU you will receive an invoice showing the tax component.
- If you are buying these items outside the EU when you get to the check out and enter your shipping location you will be charged the ex-VAT price.
- VAT-free sales are also possible to businesses within the EU with a valid VAT number. You will need to contact us in order to buy via this means.
ITEMS WITHOUT VAT:
- Much of what we sell is classified as "Second Hand Goods" and so while we still pay some tax, there is no recoverable/deductible component for sales to any part of the world.
- So, the price you see is the price you pay wherever you are.
ALSO NOTE:
- Shipping charges are also subject to VAT at 20% within the UK/EU - this is included within the prices you see for shipping to those areas - it is not shown separately in the cart but will be shown on the VAT invoice you receive with your goods.
We are very experienced at packing and shipping valuable and sensitive gear worldwide. Binson Echorecs, large valve amps, vintage synths, rare racks, and even a CS-80 or two - you name it, we've sent it and it has arrived in one piece and ready to play.
SHIPPING DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE ITEMS:
We keep it simple: if you buy more than one item you only pay the shipping on the item that has the highest shipping cost. This is the same no matter how many items you buy together (so the more you buy together, the bigger your shipping discount). If you check all the items out all together this will be calculated automatically at checkout. However, if you make an order and then wish to add to it before it ships please get in touch and we will refund the shipping on the item(s) that are cheaper to ship.
Note that this also allows you to purchase add on items such as transformers and other accessories, and also t-shirts and other merch, without paying any extra shipping on them.
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CAN I COLLECT MY GEAR (and save on shipping?)
Yes! If you want to use this option either get in touch before you purchase, or contact us afterwards and we will just refund you the shipping. Note that collection is by appointment only and only during weekday office hours.
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MORE SHIPPING INFO:
The shipping prices for our gear vary considerably depending on the type of gear, value and destination. To see shipping costs put the item you are interested in the cart and then either use the shipping estimator or go into the check out process. Or just contact us and we'll tell you what you need to know.
It is a fact that, with vintage items, there are going to be times when gear arrives in need of some adjustment or calibration, and some times a piece of gear that was working 100% just chooses the day after arriving for a new fault to develop. However, having been working with sensitive vintage gear for many years, we are very experienced at dealing with these occurrences and will always work with you and get the problem solved as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Note that we have have not entered automatic shipping for every country. The countries we ship to most often will have shipping rates and we are in the process of adding more shipping fees to the check out process. But if you are looking at an item that doesn't have the fee information you need then please use the contact page or call on +44 1773 856475.
Which carriers do we use?
We usually use Royal Mail, UPS and DPD/Interlink - it depends on the item and destination as to which is the most economical. If you have a preference then we should be able to accommodate it (but we may need to pass on any additional costs) - just let us know what you need.
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