Roland RE-200 Space Echo

Very rare – the earliest incarnation of what we all know as the mighty RE-201. In exceptional condition for the age, and of course fully serviced by our experienced tape tech to our high standard.

This can in fact be thought of as an RE-201 in with an RE-200 face. The first RE-100 and 200 machines made had a different tape transport using the (now almost impossible to find) Sony endless tape. But there are transitional units around – of which this is one -where the RE-200 face is on a machine with an RE-201 tape transport. So, aside from looks, in terms of sound and functioning the RE-200 is essentially identical to an early RE-201. The one difference is the presence of a standby switch on the 200 which allows you to turn off the tape while still passing signal through the machine (and using the reverb).

Sounds superb; excellent working order following a full service by our tape echo specialist with various new parts as required, including new tape.

Condition is excellent overall with only minor signs of age and use on the face. The tolex case has minor scuffs and dings to the finish, but nothing major. Internal surfaces are in good order. Overall a pretty exceptional example of this rare machine. Click on the photos to zoom in and see more shots.

100v machine. See below for more info on voltage.

We’re tape and disc echo specialists and always have a good selection of vintage machines. Check out our Tape & Disc Echo page for fully-serviced Binsons, Copicats, Echoplexes and Roland Space/Chorus Echoes.

We can supply spare tapes and provide information on the care and maintenance of your machine.

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 (outside the UK) with a valid VAT Number.

Guaranteed to give reliable service. Heads in excellent condition showing low wear.

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

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 together with a great spring reverb adds up to 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.

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.

• 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.

Tape echoes and spring reverbs are more relevant today than ever: musicians, engineers and producers harness the unmistakable sound of analogue delay/reverb in current productions. The spring reverb sound of a Space Echo is all over Alabama Shakes’ stunning album, Boys & Girls, and top mix engineers such as Tom Elmhirst (Adele) use spring reverb and tape echo – the texture, tone and warmth sit beautifully in the mix.

From subtle sweetening with a subtle dusting of echo and spring reverb, to full on dubtastic self-oscillating madness, this machine is capable of a wide range of effects. The combination of echo, chorus and spring sound fabulous on guitar, piano, synth etc – there is a warm sense of familiarity as a result of these units’ classic status whether you’re recording or playing live. The repeats are not perfect – this is after all 30-plus year-old tape-based technology – if you want perfect repeats, buy a digital delay. The Sound On Sound feature sounds great and I’ve just spent an hour noodling away happily – throw in a bit of Chorus and Reverb and you’ve got a complete sound for your guitar, keys, synths etc…

Please be aware that it is a vintage unit and may not take kindly to being shipped. It will be well-packed, but if it’s not behaving as it should on receipt, please get in touch. Please be aware that to own a machine such as this, you must be prepared to have it regularly checked over and maintained by a competent technician: it should withstand being shipped, but some calibration may be necessary.