Product
Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo
Roland's "hifi" echo. Excellent example. Serviced, guaranteed and sounding pretty spectacular.
Many of our Roland echoes sell on pre-order. Some are listed here, but if you don’t see what you need get in touch now.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Peak Roland tape echo. Serviced, guaranteed and sounding pretty spectacular.
We’re tape and disc echo specialists with many years’ experience working with and restoring these machines. Our BBC-trained engineer brings 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 supplied Roland and Boss with Space Echoes for exhibitions and shows.
- Dan and Mick of That Pedal Show chose one of our RE-201s for their own studio collection.
- The BBC hired six of our RE-201s for the Proms’ television performance of Daphne Oram’s ‘Still Point’.
- We’ve serviced and supplied machines for many top artists and bands including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arctic Monkeys and Sunn O))).
Description
Serviced and awaiting final tests and adjustments. It will ship in 10 working days from purchase.
The 501 was the pinnacle of Roland’s tape echo tech – high fidelity with fantastic chorus and sound on sound – read more about the different Roland models here. Sounding as good as they get and working very well following a full service by our tape echo specialist with various new parts as required, including new tape. Set up to factory spec but tweaked for self-oscillation (Roland removed it from this model).
Heads in excellent condition showing low wear.
REPLACEMENT TAPES: Limited stocks of our replacement loops are available now. 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). 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.
Some crackle is always possible from pots/switches when not used for a while – this can be cleared with use.
Condition
Has some oxidation patches across the face, but is otherwise in good condition. The case is clean with only minor wear. Internally, this unit is superb with minimal oxidation or signs of age. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition.
Voltage Information
Will be set up for either 120 or 240v operation before shipping (originally a 100v machine).
Tax
For sales in UK/EU the price will include 20% VAT. If you have an EU VAT number (outside the UK) you can enter it at check out to have VAT removed.
MORE INFO
Roland Space and Chorus Echoes are amazing machines and the RE-501 is the high-fidelity pinnacle of Roland’s tape echo design prowess.
Visit our in-depth Roland tape echo information pages now for everything you need to know about these machines.
DIG DEEPER...
Events
Gear History
When Soundgas met Roland
The story of how we sold Space Echoes to Roland, our trip to London to bring the vintage gear noise to the Boss exhibition launch and...
PUBLISHED: 12th Sep 2017
Artist Feature
Nils Frahm Live Rig Tour
In which Tony meets Nils Frahm and his Junos and RE-501s, and Nils meets a Soundgas Binson, and The Magic Typewriter...
PUBLISHED: 12th Dec 2018
USEFUL RESOURCES
Gear Info
Our Service
Video
Are Roland Tape Echoes Reliable?
(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.
Gear Info
Korg Stage Echo or Roland Space Echo?
This page follows on from our introduction to Korg Stage Echoes and also our Roland echo pages. It will help you decide between which Roland or Korg tape delay model will be best for you.
Manuals
Roland Tape Echo Operator's Manuals
Links below for manuals for all models of Roland tape echo available to use and download.
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We stand behind our gear with a guarantee of your satisfaction - see the FAQ section above for full details and buy with complete confidence.
SHIPPING DISCOUNTS
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).