ROLAND RE-501

Soundgas are pleased to offer for sale this superb example of Roland’s classic RE-501 Chorus Echo. It has just been serviced and PAT-tested for electrical safety, is in perfect working order and sounds fantastic.

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, a good spring reverb, Roland chorus and the Sound On Sound feature all add up to a classic piece of studio gear.

This one sounds great and is in superb order: the echoes are good and clear, the chorus and spring reverb sound lush and have that evocative sound you’ve heard on countless records. It’s in excellent condition and has been looked-after and well-maintained (see detailed photos below to assess condition for yourself). The fascia, case, and internal parts are very clean indeed with only minor nicks/scuffs/marks to the tolex case and light scuffs/scratches to the fascia; the heads are in excellent condition. This machine has just been serviced by our tape echo specialist and has been fitted with a new tape.

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

This was originally a Japanese 100v model, but we’ve fitted a correct Roland UK transformer so it now operates at 240v mains; it will require a step-up transformer for operation in countries with 110-117v mains supplies. The plug will be removed prior to shipping to countries with 240v mains supplies, unless otherwise requested.

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…