Binson Echorec EC 3 (Varispeed Mod)

Binson EC 3 disc echo for sale in good cosmetic condition and very good working order, serviced and calibrated (with minor issues – see below). It has now been modified with a new varispeed motor and replacement level meter.

Price includes VAT at 20% (for sales in UK/EU) – buyers outside the EU please contact us for tax-free price. Ex-VAT sales possible to businesses and individuals in the EU with a valid VAT Number.

This EC-3 has been serviced and modified with a new motor for varispeed operation and is in excellent working order. It is a great character effect – if you’re looking for a more crisp/classy Binson sound, then head for our super clean B2, or the astonishing Special Binson. If, however, you like your delays a little rougher round the edges and full of vibe, then this is the machine for you. It’s perfect for adding excitement to beats and excels when overdriven (see demos below). The addition of varispeed means it’s simple to sync to the rhythm – and when the speed is dialled right down (and it goes very slow indeed), the repeats degrade in gloriously dark fashion. We love this machine!

This isn’t a mint example and while everything works fine, it’s possible that you may experience occasional crackle on some knobs/switches when it’s not been used for a while – this should clear with use. One of the ‘wooden’ end cheeks (made of resin) has been repaired and there is some oxidation to some of the metalwork and knobs/buttons. The level meter has been replaced – most of the photos were taken beofre it had a total overhaul and varispeed mod – the first three were taken at the time of listing. See the Instagram demos below to hear for your self how good it sounds. More info below the demos…

Dark & Stormy… Claustrophobic, late night rhythmic experiments. Had to go back to the office to see what would emerge from the mismatched pile of boxes. Varispeed Binson still needs some work but there is moody magic in the imperfections. #techno

296 Likes, 9 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “Dark & Stormy… Claustrophobic, late night rhythmic experiments. Had to go back to the office to…”

More polyrhythmic investigations with the varispeed modded Binson (that’s the knob on the right – the other one being tweaked is the feedback on the left). Shades of vintage Plastikman? All gear that is available now or soon. @cloudshillmusic Laut valve booster continues to impress as it adds muscle to the sounds from the Elka. A touch of spring comes from the simple but effective Hawk HR-12 that is on soundgas.com now. #techno

189 Likes, 8 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “More polyrhythmic investigations with the varispeed modded Binson (that’s the knob on the right -…”

Head over heels. Sixties techno vibe from the Elka Drummer One. I knew I’d like this machine, but wasn’t prepared for the fall: totally lovestruck. Has such vibe, sounds great and is a doddle to use – my kinda gear for sure. Able support from the varispeed modded Binson EC-3, Wersi Bass Synth and @cloudshillmusic #laut pedal which are both for sale on www.soundgas.com now.

312 Likes, 11 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “Head over heels. Sixties techno vibe from the Elka Drummer One. I knew I’d like this machine, but…”

Fab analogue rig… Elka Drummer One into varispeed modded Binson EC-3. Forgive the cack-handed and wonky Wersi Bass playing – dialling in more bite with the @cloudshillmusic #laut valve booster pedal – this is fast becoming one of our go-to pieces of gear in the studio – use it on everything to add more . Nearly all this gear is for sale now on www.soundgas.com – email [email protected] if you don’t see what you’re searching for – we’ll be auctioning the Elka next week – watch out for Friday’s mailout.

236 Likes, 6 Comments – Soundgas Limited (@soundgasltd) on Instagram: “Fab analogue rig… Elka Drummer One into varispeed modded Binson EC-3. Forgive the cack-handed and…”

These rare desktop versions of the Italian disc echo units were made in the 70s around the same time as the legendary PE models. This is a solid state (transistor) model – it is extremely well made, reliable and versatile – as any head can be switched to replay or regeneration the user has access to a wide range of multiple and scatter echoes.

 It will go into self-oscillation very swiftly on certain settings if required (this can be adjusted via the internal trimpot for more subtle or extreme effects, but it’s been set-up for optimum performance) and it’s capable of all sorts of cosmic noises – Binsons do tend to encourage experimental noise-mongering. The repeats are not hifi – this is after all 50 year-old technology – if you want perfect repeats, buy a digital delay.

 

 

Please be aware that these units require looking after and that regular use and maintenance is the key to keeping this in good working order. They are very delicate: minute adjustments are made to the heads’ positions for optimum performance, so it is possible that this machine will need to be calibrated again after shipping (unlikely – most withstand shipping with careful packing, but the buyer should be prepared to have this done if required).

(Please note: it is always possible with vintage equipment that some crackly pots/sliders may develop over time when equipment has not been used – even during shipping – this can usually be easily rectified either by use or judicious application of suitable switch-cleaning spray).

Our Binson Echorecs usually sell within hours. If you are interested in getting one of these machines in excellent working order and backed by our guarantee and aftercare then please contact us now to register your interest.

Binson Echorecs are amazingly-engineered machines: where a tape echo’s (ie Copicat) input sound is recorded to tape, on a Binson it is recorded onto a circular spinning disc which has replay heads positioned around it. It is possible to select single and repeating echoes – these units have a sound all of their own. They look fantastic at night (or on a darkened stage) with the magic eye valve gowing green and the backlit plexiglass fascia.

Binsons were one of the must-have pieces of equipment for bands in the early sixties, alongside the Fender Stratocaster and Vox AC30. Famously-used and abused by Barrett, Gilmour, Waters and Wright of Pink Floyd in the 60s and early 70s (Echorec 2s are very much in evidence on Live at Pompeii and can be seen on photos from many Floyd live shows), Binsons are increasingly sought-after today by studios, mix engineers and producers for their unique sound: Michael Brauer (Stones, McCartney, Coldplay) famously has an Echorec 2 in his arsenal of vintage delays.