Roland RE-100 Space Echo

Rare example of the first Space Echo model ever made. Not many of these machines were made by Roland in the 70s and the number left still in good working order cannot be very high.

Converted to 240v operation by us.

Sounding superb and working very well after a full overhaul by our engineer. We guarantee this machine will not disappoint.

Note that this unit has been modified by us so it uses the tape transport from an RE-201. These were originally made to use the Sony RE4 Endless Tape, but as this made the machine neither practical (the tapes are very expensive) nor reliable we did the work to make it a usable unit – definitely worth doing as the sound of an early Space Echo can be particularly good.

This unit is similar but not identical to an RE-101. Like the 101 it lacks the spring reverb, but it is unusual as it still has the EQ that is normally only present on a 201 and Chorus Echoes. It also has a standby switch to turn off the tape while the unit still passes signal.

And this machine is also famous! We supplied a number of units to Roland for the Boss ‘Cause And Effects’ show celebrating 40 years of Boss pedals; most we sold to them but this one was on loan from our studio collection at the time – see it the show below and read more about the Boss show here.

CONDITION: Excellent overall – remarkable for its age – with only very minor dings and signs of age on the face. There is some additional scratching to the top of the face and a minor dent above the power indicator. Tolex is also very good with just the usual minor signs of age. See detailed photos for more information.

Heads in excellent condition showing low wear.

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.

We’re tape and disc echo specialists with many years’ experience working with and restoring these machines. Our BBC-trained engineer brings our tape delays up to (or better than) factory spec and our testing ensures machines that have superb reliability and – most important – that they sound incredible. Guaranteed to give reliable service and sound superb.

Roland Space and Chorus Echoes are amazing machines – if you’re only going to have one tape echo, then this is the one (IMHO): the multi-head echo combinations make a classic piece of studio gear, the sound of which you’ve heard on countless records. It could be said that this machine is the sound of dub.

OTHER USEFUL INFO:

REPLACEMENT TAPES: We could (and we will) write a lot about our journeys in tape and the misinformation and poor quality tapes that seem to fill the internet. But for now you can buy tried and tested replacement Roland tape loops from us (they are supplied by Echofix). These are the only tapes We may also have a very limited supply of sealed original NOS RT1-L tapes – see our store or get in touch.

There are currently no operational issues with this machine, but please be aware that these units require looking after and that regular use and maintenance are key to keeping this in good working order.

Some crackle is always possible from pots/switches when not used for a while – this can be cleared with use.