An original early preamp machine. Serviced and sounding superb. 12 month warranty. 120 or 240v.
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Many of our Roland echoes sell on pre-order, especially the exceptional machines! Some are listed here, but if you don’t see what you need get in touch now.
An original early preamp machine in good condition. 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 (the oldest out there) that have these but that can also be brought back to a high level of performance however this one was clearly well looked after.
This machine has been given our “standard” full overhaul which, in addition to the basic service, recapping and set up, 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 low head make-up gain so you have the maximum amount of headroom available. Read more about that here.
Motor refurbished or rebuilt as needed.
Set up for 120 or 240v as required.
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
Very good overall. Has some signs of age including marks on the face and knobs, light oxidation spotting inside and on metalwork, some marks on the tolex. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition.
Lead Time
This unit will be set up for your voltage before we ship, plus put through final testing. Shipping estimate is 10 working days.
Voltage Information
Will be set up for either 120 or 240v operation before shipping (originally a 100v machine).
Tax
For sales in UK the price will include 20% VAT. Buyers elsewhere may incur VAT or other local taxes on import.
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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?
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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!
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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
"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
“The Space Echo made its way to me - it looks and sounds beyond dreams, thanks guys for your great service and communication.”
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Eric Cullen
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.
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"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."
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"Packed with love and care. A stampede couldn't have crushed this thing. Works great and sounds like a dream. I love you Soundgas."
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When buying more than one item you only pay the shipping on the item with the highest shipping cost. Calculated automatically at checkout.
NEED HELP?
Get in touch via the contact page. We know & love our gear and we want to ensure you get something that matches your needs (that, and we just like talking gear).
