Roland RE-201 Space Echo 240v

Superb 240v example of the mighty Space Echo, for sale serviced and in full working order and sounding fantastic. 

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 minimal signs of age and use to the face. The tolex case is in excellent condition aside from a few minor dings and usual signs of wear – overall, this is in exceptionally clean condition for a European 201. Internal surfaces are in very good order. There is very little of the usual oxidation to metal parts and no evidence of smoke damage – this machine has had an easy life and been very well cared-for; a great example of this classic machine. Click on the photos to zoom in and see more shots.

This one is a 220v European unit that has been set for 240v UK use.

Note that if you want one of our excellent/near mint machines or a cheaper example please check our other listings or get in touch; we usually have several different units nearing completion.

We can supply replacement instructions for all Roland echoes and tried and tested replacement Roland tape loops.

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.

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.

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.