History of the Space echo

[scanners]

I was on the Roland site and spotted this I thought was interesting www.rolandcorp.com.au/blog/evolution-of-the-roland-space-echo
Matthew

[sheendigs]

Hi Matthew
Very interesting..gives a nice quick resume article on all those echos.
Thanks for sharing.
SHeendigs

[peterbower]

Thanks for that scanners, I have a RE-301 same model Hank used for quite a few years, I have tried many echo machines over the years but for general gigging, they are pretty much spot on, that's if you don't mind carting the extra weight along with your heavy amp. I was closely involved with Roland UK and their lab technicians, who told me that Roland were thinking about re issuing a Space Echo but fitted with Dolby ( not sure about that one ) but it never happened as the digital age over took tape. However, there are numerous well known bands still using the Roland tape echo machines both for live gigs and recording. I still manufacture tape loops for the Roland's and Korg Stage echo's for that matter, but sales are dwindling due to people converting to digital. I still think tape is a great echo sound and long may it continue.

[rogera]

After the RE301 Roland brought out the RE501 which did incorporate Dolby noise reduction.

[peterbower]

Yes, correct, forgot that one, but it never did as well, vocalists liked it for its cleaner sound,

[garyallen]

Hi Peter,have you ever recorded anything on the 301? regards gary

[scanners]

Yes Hank used them for about 10 years I think before he went to Charlie's EFTP. Brian Setzer still uses them he collects them I believe
Matthew

[peterbower]

Hi Gary, never recorded with the 301 but used it a few times down the pub and at my local Shads club. Some of the bands still using the Roland space echos who I supply tape loops to are: New Model Army, Radiohead, Kaiser Chiefs, Simple minds, to name just a few, some solo artists, Chris Rea, Gary Moor when he was alive and a few moor. The Rolands and Korgs are now fetching big bucks and have become a very sort after collectable. Bryants music in Charing Cross London when he was still trading was selling tatty 301 for £400, and mint ones above £600, and I supplied tape loops for his shop, he did take the pee some what charging my £7 tapes loops at £20, but people payed it.
The digital models that followed were in my opinion, pretty good, especially the digital space echo and RE-3


All the Roland RE-301 settings on EFTP were taken from my 301 which I lent Charlie for over a year to play with.

Peter