MELOS DISK ECHO EM-200
In superb condition, serviced and in great working order. These machines are fairly rare (in good working order) because of the unique technology they use to generate the echoes - heads positioned above a spinning magnetic disk...Read more
Description
Crazy, obsolete 80s technology alert! It's a Melos Disk Echo for sale in superb condition, serviced and in good working order.
Scroll down for a couple of quick instagram demos.
Soundgas are vintage echo experts - we specialise in Binsons, Copicats, Rolands, and Echoplexes.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR CURRENT STOCK OF VINTAGE ECHO UNITS
These machines are fairly rare (in good working order) because of the unique method they use to generate the echoes - heads positioned above a spinning magnetic disk, not unlike an old computer floppy disk. The idea was to make a machine where changing the recording surface was easy and did not necessitate re-aligning the heads, but unfortunately since they stopped making the machines the replacement disks have become pretty much impossible to find, so we were pleased to find one in this condition. They were produced around the beginning of the 80s and can also be found in various colours badged Echolette, JBX, Monacor and Univox.
Sonically they are like no other echo - we've had one in the studio for some years and we haven't found anything that sounds quite like it. Clear, bright echoes are produced without as much wow and flutter as tape, but inevitably given the age of the disc, it's not perfect - but then if you're interested in this, you probably don't need perfect. It's brighter than tape, but exhibits similar characteristics when abused: switching the coarse speed control from fastest through to slowest when repeats are self-oscillating yields some impressive divebombs that are reminiscent of dub yet unmistakably different ('space age' dub anyone?). There are some low-level but audible clicks/pops at slower speed settings - probably from the ageing disc - but I don't find them a problem. This machine has enough character to make its idiosyncrasies bearable.
The two-knob speed control comprises a six-speed switched pot together with a rotary fine tuning control which work well for tempo-matching or echo-abusing.
More info below, but first here are two quick instagram demos we made featuring this unit for sale plus a rumba beat courtesy of a nice Maestro MRK-2 (also currently available):
The Melos Disk Echo page on Estecho.com is also a useful resource, and this video demo of the Univox badged Disk Echo will tell you more (with thanks to the uploader).
Very clean condition with just a few very minor scuffs to the tolex.
Price includes VAT at 20% (for sales in UK/EU) - buyers outside the EU please contact us for tax-free prices. VAT-free sales possible to businesses and individuals in the EU with a valid VAT Number.
It is a 100v Japanese model and will run fine on North American mains 115/120v without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use.
A step-down transformer is required in the UK/EU.
We do not recommend using cheap generic Chinese mains transformers and can supply a high quality UK-made unit if required.
Tax (VAT)
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.
SHIPPING
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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