An original early preamp machine. Serviced and sounding superb. 12 month warranty. 120 or 240v.
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PRICE: £2,500.00 EX VAT (£3,000.00 INC VAT)
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
An original early preamp machine. Serviced and sounding superb. 12 month warranty. 120 or 240v.
We’re tape and disc echo specialists with many years’ experience working with and restoring these machines. Our team of engineers headed by BBC-trained Doctor Huw bring 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.
We’ve serviced and supplied machines for many artists and bands including Hannah Peel, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys,Hainbach andSunn O))).
Description
EARLY PREAMPS? These are only found in some very early Space Echoes. These clip more evenly and more musically. They also do so at a lower signal strength which gives a little more control; they sound particularly good with guitar. It’s rare to find one of these machines from the very start of the 201 production that have these, and can still be brought back to a high level of performance however this one was clearly well looked after.
Working superbly following a thorough service by our tape echo specialists with various new parts as required. Our precise head alignment and calibration regime allows us to push these beyond factory spec in terms of how good they sound. Work done includes:
One of our pinch rollers (more info to come about these, but essentially it’s an original pinch roller with a new bearing and new rubber – time consuming to produce, but only the best will give the best long term performance)
Heads re-lapped to bring performance to better-than Roland factory spec – they are now more even and performing as to their full potential. Read more about that here.
Motor refurbished or rebuilt as needed.
Switchable voltage transformer fitted.
Every machine is also tested by a musician (test equipment: their ears!) before shipping. Every one supplied with 12 months warranty and ongoing service support.
Note that we may have machines in a range of conditions (and prices) coming through – check our other listings or get in touch if this unit here isn’t the right one for you.
REPLACEMENT TAPES: Fitting any tapes other than those from us or Echo Fix will invalidate the warranty on our machines. We have sourced unused and dry-stored tape stock which is as close to original RT-1L tape formulation as possible (without conclusive confirmation from Roland themselves we cannot describe it as being an exact match) for their original RT-1L replacement loops and limited stocks of our replacement loops are available now. We’ve written a bit about our journeys in tape, which replacement loops to use in your Roland echo, not to mention the misinformation and poor quality tapes that seem to fill the internet. 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.
Condition
In stunning near mint cosmetic condition with minimal signs of age or wear. Internally, this unit is superb with only the most minor oxidation to the metal surfaces. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition.
Voltage Information
Switchable voltage for use anywhere in the world - it will be set up ready for you to use before we ship.
Tax
For sales in UK the price will include 20% VAT. Buyers elsewhere may incur VAT or other local taxes on import.
Featured Videos
Goes well with
Soundgas Roland Echo replacement tape loop (RT-1L)
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 add up to a classic and incredibly versatile piece of studio gear, the sound of which you’ve heard on countless records.
Visit our in-depth Roland tape echo information pages now for everything you need to know about these machines.
Some of the nuggets of wisdom we've picked up as we've overhauled, tested & sold hundreds of tape echoes, as well as using them in our studio for many years, not to mention swapping tips with top musicians and producers around world.
What do we mean when we say a Roland Space Echo has “Zero Head Gain” and why is that so special? A short delve into the world of tape echo restoration and servicing...
(Spoiler: Yes, but...)
We often get asked if Roland Space and Chorus Echoes are reliable: a perfectly reasonable question, given that they're 30 to 40 (or more) years old.
All tape is not equal. Many (most?) tapes available online do not perform well in Roland echoes... Based on our experience working on hundreds of tape echoes and trying many tapes, this is the answer to the question: Which is the best tape loop for my Roland (or Korg!) tape echo?
“I’ve bought a number of items from Soundgas recently, and have been really impressed with their service. It takes the stress out of buying vintage gear to know it’s been properly (and faithfully) serviced or restored. Their after-sales service has also been exemplary. Highly recommended.”
David Wrench
"Just received my Roland RS 505 Paraphonic! Thanks so much - arrived very promptly, well packaged, in great condition and sounds amazing! Best seller."
Koko Hiras
"When you are spending big money of vintage gear it's nice to have the confidence of impeccable service, sales and support... some of the best in the industry! Impeccable people, incredible equipment… my poor poor fiancé"
James DLR - Sofa Sound/Metalheadz
“If not a new language, then at least a very challenging, old dialect that will take me some time to assimilate. I’ve been waiting a long time for the challenge. Thank you @soundgasltd, she’s a beaut...and nobody prepares and packs like you fine folks.”
Justin Meldal-Johnsen
"Soundgas offer a great service, sourcing esoteric gear that works great."
Tom Rowlands - Chemical Brothers
Grabbed a Roland RE-201 (early edition killer pre-amp) and Roland DC-50. Absolutely STUNNING. These guys truly live up to the hype. They are meticulous in caring for the gear. Also, I have a few guitar pedal and plug-in emulations of tape-echo sounds and after plugging in the real unit I can't tell you how insane the difference is. It is incredible. Especially that tone from the early pre-amp! I am totally amazed. I am in heaven :) They made it safely to Nashville from the UK and were packed really really well! Thank you so much!! Worth every penny.
Chance Allen
“The perfect place to hear, learn about and then buy your most wanted piece of vintage music gear! I've not only managed to buy a rare piece of equipment I really wanted, but I have the guarantee it's been serviced, and I got it from people who are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about what they do, as well as super friendly and responsive by email. Thoroughly recommended!”
Colleen / Cécile Schott
Just wanted to say thank you so much for your pinch roller and echo tape. I've had a space echo for years, been sent to a shop in NYC and it never worked quite right. After installing the roller and tape, my echo works like a dream. Really incredible expertise you all have! Thank you.
Andrew Potter
"Yes, sure, you can find a Space Echo on eBay, but you won’t find one like this — that’s certain. I am so pleased with my decision to buy from Soundgas, and suggest you stop your search now and just send them a message. You will undoubtedly find yourself writing an ecstatic review about yours in short time."
Ben Evolo
"Excellent equipment, wonderful service. I fully recommend Soundgas to anyone in the vintage gear market and I will definitely be a return customer. The gear itself was exactly as advertised and in great condition."
Hallam Kite
I have been buying vintage stuff for a long time from resellers/stores/techs. I've never been so surprised and pleased after opening! Just received a Roland RE-201 and VX55 mixer, they look and sound amazing! Thanks to Tony/Declan for the service and the Soundgas team will be back!
Dong Yun Seok
"DREAM. COME. TRUE. My music has taken me around the world a few times...and if you are like me and absolutely adore vintage gear...Soundgas is the stuff of LEGENDS. It's the shop that people like us search for our whole lives- fantastic and rare selections, and the technical know-how to repair and or mod these vintage items to get them into shape to flow with your modern setup."
Tom Gossin
Fantastic. From initial contact to the product landing at my door the service provided was outstanding. Safe and secure shipping, quality serviced product.
Tom Johnston
“I have bought two Moog synths from Soundgas over the past year, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about their selection of vintage products, the level of service, diligent responses to email, and expedient shipping with copious protective packaging. Soundgas is an impressive operation. My synths also sound amazing! These folks have made my vintage keyboard dreams come true in short order!”
J Yates
“Imagine the perfect eBay.... with everything you never knew you wanted… and you can rest assured that your vintage and rare wobbly sound device will turn up on time and in one piece and possibly in even better condition that when it left the workshop. Soundgas - literally amazing."
Josh Lloyd-Watson & Tom McFarland - Jungle
“The Space Echo made its way to me - it looks and sounds beyond dreams, thanks guys for your great service and communication.”
Julius Bonson
“If you are a vintage audio gear head then this is the place you have been looking for all your life. Pretty much any piece of classic or obscure kit that you are after is available here... But the clincher for me is that the gear they sell has been restored by their top techs (unless otherwise noted) which is really very important when dealing with, for example, synths from 30 years ago.”
Lincoln Barrett / High Contrast
"The packing job to get it over to the US was superb, and the sound and performance of my Space Echo exceeds all of my expectations. I hope to do business with Soundgas again in the future. Many thanks!”
Rhett Daily
"808 is up and running. It’s hard to stop playing it. Like even to eat. Extending testing is quality control and the quality of your stuff combined with customer service is one of the reasons Soundgas is so successful in my opinion."
Brett R
“I purchased a completely overhauled vintage valve Binson Echorec 2 T7E modified with varispeed, wet-only output, and a new paint job from Soundgas in early 2018. Tony and his team did an amazing job during every step of the purchase”
Matt Morton
"Still in shock! Can not believe how good the seller is. This product was inspected, and shipped from the UK to the USA quicker than orders from my home state. Highly recommend these guys."
Thomas Tedesco
As good as it gets. Tony, Dec and team have been incredible, prompt communication, great advice and outstanding service. It really felt like my Polysix came from a loving home.
Ben Parm
"Engaging with old gear can sometimes be filled with a lot of uncertainty, and I can't imagine what more could be done to reduce this aspect of it on top of the service you provide. Really phenomenal and I couldn't be happier."
Stephen Voinea
Purchased a Juno-60 and it works beautifully. Having gotten one teched before, I knew it was worth paying a premium to get it future proofed and Soundgas does just that. Shipped professionally from the UK to USA. Appreciate their expertise and professional demeanor!
Eric Cullen
"Finally, a company that tracks down all those brilliant curiosities that bring so much character and personality to a studio."
Matthew Herbert
"Soundgas has an unbelievable selection of the cool, old stuff that’s hard to find. Tony knows his stuff and goes out of his way to make sure the transaction is a smooth one. Thanks guys!"
Tucker Martine - Flora Recording
"Packed with love and care. A stampede couldn't have crushed this thing. Works great and sounds like a dream. I love you Soundgas."
Ben Van Vlissingen
"Soundgas provided the absolutely top service in terms of item quality as well as service and communication. Shipping was fast, packing was top notch. These people deserve the best reputation they already have. Many many thanks, guys."
We can't stop here, this is bat country! Our next auction (November 22nd) features some head-turning, show-stopping synths, however we also wanted to put the spotlight...
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