Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Amazon
4.5 (4)
$209.99
Reverb
5.0 (92)
$209.99 New
$119.00 Used
Thomann
4.7 (9)
$233.00 $232.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $193

Standard/Professional

$100

$251+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Catalinbread Belle Epoch". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began May 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the power of pure sonic nostalgia with the Catalinbread Belle Epoch. Designed to replicate the renowned Echoplex EP-3, this pedal brings the vintage charm of tape reel delay right at your feet. From dreamy shoegaze to rhythmic riffs, it offers 80 to 800 milliseconds of customizable delay. Loved by celebrated bands like Wilco and Brand New, it's more than just an effect pedal - it's your ticket to a time machine that shapes tone beautifully.

Key Features:

  • Echoes the classic Echoplex EP-3 tape delay sound
  • Provides 80 to 800 milliseconds of adjustable delay
  • Perfect for diverse musical genres from shoegaze to rock
  • Highly sought after and used by renowned bands like Brand New and Wilco
  • Offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern control

Product specs

Available since January 2022
Analogico No
Delay Time 800 ms
tap feature No
Battery Operation No
PSU included No

FAQs

Is the Catalinbread Belle Epoch a digital or analog delay pedal?

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch is a digital delay pedal designed to emulate the sound of the vintage Maestro Echoplex EP-3 tape delay, offering a warm, tape-like echo effect.

What is the maximum delay time of the Catalinbread Belle Epoch?

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch offers a maximum delay time of 800 milliseconds, allowing for a wide range of echo effects suitable for various musical styles.

Does the Catalinbread Belle Epoch have a tap tempo feature?

No, the Catalinbread Belle Epoch does not include a tap tempo feature. It is designed to replicate the classic tape delay sound with fixed delay times.

Can the Catalinbread Belle Epoch be powered by a battery?

No, the Catalinbread Belle Epoch does not support battery operation and must be powered using a 9V DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal.

Is the Catalinbread Belle Epoch suitable for use with bass guitar?

Yes, the Catalinbread Belle Epoch can be used with a bass guitar, providing rich and warm tape echo effects that complement the tonal range of the instrument.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Demo

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch Demo by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Demo

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Belle Epoch

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch (plus vs. Echoplex EP-3 & Strymon El Capistan) by Brendan Mowat-Smith

Catalinbread Belle Epoch (plus vs. Echoplex EP-3 & Strymon El Capistan)

Brendan Mowat-Smith

Brendan Mowat-Smith

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe Demo by The Pedal Zone

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe Demo

The Pedal Zone

The Pedal Zone

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch EP3 Tape Echo Emulation | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Catalinbread Belle Epoch EP3 Tape Echo Emulation | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Catalinbread Belle Epoch - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Echo | N Stuff Music Product Review by N Stuff Music

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Echo | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Echo - 10 Sound Clips by Antoine Michaud

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Echo - 10 Sound Clips

Antoine Michaud

Antoine Michaud

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Belle Epoch by Jack Fossett

Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates Echoplex sound closely, offering fantastic tape delay emulation

  • Well-built with durable design and intuitive, tall knobs

  • Internal controls allow for customizable sound, including adjustable gain

  • Provides a unique moody modulation option for added versatility

  • Can achieve a wide range of sounds, from subtle to dramatic

  • Versatile enough for both studio use and live performance

  • Preamp coloration adds a distinctive character to the sound

  • Compatible with various instruments, including synths

  • Bamboo version available for aesthetic preference

  • Compact and less complicated compared to other models

CONS

  • Controls can be overly sensitive, making it easy to overdo effects

  • Lacks modern features like tap-tempo and stereo output

  • May require internal adjustment, especially if bought used

  • Preamp being part of the buffer bypass may affect dynamics negatively for some

  • Learning curve to find the "sweet spots" due to sensitivity of controls

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Catalinbread Belle Epoch.

Use cases and applications

  • The original Belle Epoch can be powered at 18 volts for dirtier repeats, favored by users aiming for distinct tape delay sounds.

    Source
  • The Belle Epoch excels in creating atmospheric delays with aggressive presence, especially effective when placed before dirt pedals for smeared repeats.

    Source
  • Users seeking Neil Young-inspired tones find the original Belle Epoch sufficient without needing the additional features of the Deluxe.

    Source
  • The Belle Epoch is noted for its ability to add warmth and 'meat' to the tone, making it suitable for continuous use with the mix dialed down.

    Source
  • Many users find the Belle Epoch's slightly darker delay tone enhances their playing, making it a staple on their pedalboards for its lush and organic sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pedal's oscillation is described as abrupt, rapidly escalating from 6 repeats to chaotic oscillation, requiring careful adjustment for desired effects.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Easter egg mode provides fast vibrato controlled by the Mod knob, activated by powering the pedal with the Mod knob at maximum.

    Source
  • The pedal's modulation offers warbly repeats, and at higher levels, produces a chorus-like effect with slapback echo.

    Source
  • The Record Level knob varies from light, high-passed repeats to aggressive, distorted trails, interacting with echo sustain for complex tone shaping.

    Source
  • The Belle Epoch includes a preamp with an internal trim pot and switch to adjust its engagement, offering a nuanced control over the pedal's tone.

    Source
  • The Belle Epoch Deluxe internally boosts its voltage from 9 to 22 volts, enhancing its performance and tone quality.

    Source
  • The Belle Epoch allows for creative tone shaping, such as using the preamp with mix down for fuzz effects or exploring modulation settings for unique sounds.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Cranking the internal preamp gain and setting it to buffered mode via an internal switch creates a fuzzy drive tone that cleans up with guitar volume adjustments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The original Belle Epoch allows preamp control without engaging the pedal, unlike the Deluxe which has a set preamp at unity gain.

    Source
  • Users are replacing larger pedals like the Alter Ego x4 with the Belle Epoch for its smaller size and focused functionality, emphasizing its practicality for board space.

    Source
  • The Belle Epoch Deluxe offers additional delay algorithms and expression control, differentiating it from the non-deluxe version which digitally models analog record/playback amplifiers.

    Source
  • The Deluxe's DMM modes are highlighted as a significant advantage over the original, offering expanded sonic possibilities.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal is praised for its versatility, with users discovering unique features like a secret vibrato mode and the ability to mimic tones from "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

    Source

Critic Reviews

Catalinbread Topanga & Belle Epoch review

guitar.com

Catalinbread's Belle Epoch and Topanga pedals offer a nostalgic nod to vintage echoes and reverbs, with a modern twist. The Belle Epoch authentically captures the warm, modulating charm of a Maestro Echoplex EP3, while the Topanga delivers the unmistakable splash of a Fender 6G15 spring reverb. Both pedals excel in emulating these iconic sounds, though they may not suit those seeking more contemporary effects. The Belle Epoch's mod control adds delightful randomness, and the Topanga provides a range from subtle to surfy. While some tones might be niche, the overall versatility and quality make them standout choices for vintage sound enthusiasts.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 31 Ratings

5 star
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I

Wow! Great sounding delay!

I usually struggle to get a good delay sound, especially in front of an amp, but this tape echo sounds fantastic! I really am happy with all of the sounds and tweakable parameters!

keoni_boyer

Delay favorite

I have a ton of delays (in fact I just sold a couple on Reverb) and I place this one near the top. First of all I got the babmboo version which looks awesome and it sounds even better. Great controls and versatile from short to long delays and rad modulation. Catalinbred hit it out of the park with this one.

jack_kenney

Good for oscillation

Most commonly used with my moog mother, it does much better with synth sounds than noisy guitar pickups.

kirill_kudryavcev

Perfect delay for me

Very nice tape delay effect. Only on thing is needed - external control

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Gilbert uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Mr. Big

...
Verified via YouTube

Discussed in this interview with Andertons Music Co. First visible at 47:01.

"What I've discovered is, recently, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and they're, they're [the owners of Catalinbread] my neighbors! They're like, two miles away from my house. So I went and visited the factory a couple o' weeks ago and they had this Belle Epoch, like, Echoplex copy. And, I think it sounds good, but I saw it on Eric Johnson's pedalboard and I'm like 'If he's usin' one, I gotta get one o' these.' So, it's got that little bit o' slap, hopefully they don't even notice, but it just sort of makes it easier to... It's not quite so dry. And, y'know, when you do your... (proceeds to play the riff to "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love" by Van Halen) See, it has that little bit of... slap that Eddie gets on the first album."

See how Eric Johnson uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Eric Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Photo

This is one of my main electric boards you've been asking about

See how Joe Perry uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Joe Perry

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Catalinbread

Listed on Joe's official Catalinbread page.

See how Misha Mansoor uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

pedals that have made it onto the album

See how Andy Summers uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the Premier Guitar's interview, one of the pedals Summers is using is the Catalinbread Belle Epoch.

See how Yvette Young uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Yvette Young

Singer, Guitarist

Covet

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, featuring Yvette Young and the pedals she used for her latest album, the Catalinbread Belle Epoch can be spotted on her board.

See how Mk.gee uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Mk.gee

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 10:50: In the middle of the picture in the middle of the pedals there's the Catalinbread Belle Epoch.

See how Robin Finck uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Robin Finck

Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Effects Bay

Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails uses a Catalinbread Belle Epoch according to this photo posted to Effects Bay's website.

See how Unknown Mortal Orchestra uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this interview with Reverb.com the Catalinbread Belle Epoch dealy is shown on the pedalboard at the 2:30 mark

See how Ruban Nielson uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Ruban Nielson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from Catalinbread's instagram you can see a Belle Epoch on Ruban's board.

See how Mark Arm uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Mark Arm

Guitarist, Singer

Mudhoney

...
Verified via Photo

I saw mud honey in Cleveland last month and I saw mark using some new pedals since I saw them in 2019 and saw the earthquaker devices life v3 on his board and 3 catalinbread pedals and a new super fuzz

See how Carrie Brownstein uses Catalinbread Belle Epoch

Carrie Brownstein

Guitarist

Sleater-Kinney

...
Verified via Photo

Thank you @catalinbread for these beautiful effects pedals! Excited to try them out. #madeinoregon

Album Usage

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Catalinbread Belle Epoch, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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3

Community setups

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spaceshipsovrglasgow

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skilesp

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Gear IQ 1498

rolf_martin_haldorsen

rolf_martin_haldorsen

Gear IQ 167

alexjb

alexjb

Gear IQ 352

spaceshipsovrglasgow

spaceshipsovrglasgow

Gear IQ 230

lexistorm

lexistorm

Gear IQ 111

challicenoise

challicenoise

Gear IQ 90

3 alternative and related items for Catalinbread Belle Epoch, curated by the Equipboard community.

Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe

$359.99 - $385.00

high-end alternative similar sound mod

The Belle Epoch Deluxe is an expanded version, featuring an footswitch for echo oscillation, tape age options, and a jack for external tap tempo.

Maestro Echoplex EP-3

$175.00

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative similar sound
Catalinbread Belle Epoch + Tape Echo

$203.99 - $279.00

newer similar sound mod

The Belle Epoch + is a new for 2025, evolution of the original, featuring tap tempo and a 3 mode switch to simulate tape age.

More Catalinbread Delay Effects Pedals

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

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    hugo4711

    Gear IQ 747