The Soundgas Type 636 brings the hallowed Grampian Type 636 Spring Reverb design into the 21st century; an authentic future studio classic.
Description
Hand-built in limited numbers from vintage parts, this unit features all the hairy sonic goodness of the originals with less noise and more low end in a convenient and reliable rackmount unit.
Available now and ready to ship, is the last Type 636 – the one we didn’t know we had until the others were all built and signed off and we knew the parts we had left (restored tank, spare faceplate, transistors, transformers etc) were not going to be required to get the ordered units out the door. This is in no way a “second” or runt of the litter though – from end to end it has been built to the same ridiculously high standard and sounds incredible.
========
The work involved in preparing vintage spring tanks and other components is considerable and combined with the increase in all component costs during the past year, the price of these builds has risen steeply.
To anyone reading this who has seen much cheaper versions for sale claiming they feature the Grampian ‘preamp circuit taken note for note’ we can categorically confirm that, while these units may be interesting in their own right, the circuit is certainly not an accurate recreation of the Type 636, nor do they sound at all close to either an original Grampian, or the Soundgas units. You get what you pay for. The mic transformer (one element of our design process that took a considerable amount of R&D to perfect) is not the correct value, and the circuit design means the Soviet germanium transistors are not actually being driven in any meaningful way. The overdrive/distortion these units produce is not the harmonically rich germanium distortion that is the signature sound of a Grampian Type 636 (it’s mostly the opamps in fact; no opamps in our unit at all). We have already spent a good deal of time researching whether we could build a modern unit at a much lower price point by redesigning the original circuitry but sonically it simply does not stack up.
And if you have seen a certain guitar pedal that claims to recreate the sound of the Grampian Type 636 aux circuit as used by Pete Townshend of The Who, we can confirm that what this digital processor actually does is create a slightly boosted signal with none of the harmonic richness of the mic preamp circuitry, which is what Pete actually used…
The Soundgas Type 636 Spring Reverb brings the hallowed Grampian Type 636 into the 21st century. Whether you seek the ultimate dub reverb, the meatiest distortion, or achingly beautiful organic textures, the Type 636 has it by the truckload.
These units are hand-built to order in very limited numbers using many vintage/original parts for an authentic sound.
The design is as faithful to the original as possible and delivers all the hairy sonic joy of the originals. Dr Huw’s 21st century re-imagining does not mean corners cut – far from it – the attention to detail evokes a bygone era when gear was hand-built with care. The circuit boards have been lovingly crafted and deliver all the wild tones and textures with none of the extraneous noise and hiss of a neglected original. Wherever possible, we are using period correct parts for absolute authenticity.
The Soundgas Type 636 is a Grampian with less noise, more low end and greater reliability, designed with the benefit of hindsight and decades of experience with the originals. We’ve taken the best from various eras of 636s and brought them together with a studio sensibility – accentuating exactly the flaws and foibles of the design that are so beloved of today’s users. Individual Grampian 636s all have unique sonic signatures due to age and construction and each hand-built Soundgas Type 636 will be a unique piece. We keep two Grampians in the Soundgas Studio because they have quite distinct characters (one has an original Gibbs tank, the other a later Accutronics tank, but the circuit designs are quite different also).
A true studio classic designed and built with love and attention to detail for today’s musicians and producers.
Very limited production – handbuilt using original reconditioned Gibbs tanks for authentic sound.
Condition
Brand new!
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.
Video Demos
Later demos feature production prototypes in action to show the evolution of the look and sound – there’s the test unit missing the face-plate, plus some earlier initial test-firings of the prototype (built into an old Binson face-plate!).
Grampians: some history and technical information about these superb, legendary machines. If you are looking to buy a Grampian or have one to sell in any...
We now have the first working prototype of what will be known as the Soundgas Type 636. A faithful recreation/re-imagining of the original Grampian Type 636,...
Lords Of The Springs – Tony’s Premier Guitar Article
My first piece for Premier Guitar on the subject of vintage spring reverbs, with particular emphasis on less-common units: definitely firmly in Soundgas territory.
"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
"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 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
"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
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
"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
"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
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
"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
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
"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
"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
“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
“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
"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."
Dupille Luc
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
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
“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
"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
“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
“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
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
"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
"Finally, a company that tracks down all those brilliant curiosities that bring so much character and personality to a studio."
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...
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).
