Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp

^# 12

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$128.00 to $159.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (33)

1 Critic Review

6 Reviews

Find out who is using Dunlop EP101 Echoplex

12 community setups

11 wishlisted

64 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (23)

$159.99

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4.5 (6)

$159.99

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4.1 (96)

$159.99 New

$142.79 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (34)

$135.00 55 available New

$95.65 20 available Used

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5.0 (8)

$159.99

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$159.99

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4.6 (22)

$128.00

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£139.00

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Average Price: $145

Standard/Professional

$60

$151+

Price Tier

In the Boost Effects Pedals category, Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Immerse yourself in the world of legendary guitar tones with the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp, a faithful reincarnation of the iconic Echoplex EP-3. Renowned for its sweetening effect on guitar sounds, the EP-3 has graced the tracks of legendary guitarists from Jimmy Page to Eddie Van Halen and Eric Johnson. Now, you can bring that magic to your pedal board.

The Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp revives the front end magic of the EP-3, featuring a Field-effect Transistor (FET) identical to the original and adhering to the exact same signal path. Take control of your tone with the Gain setting, which allows you to augment your signal by up to +11dB. Higher settings deliver a tasteful touch of organic grit thanks to light asymmetrical clipping.

Designed for the rigors of the road, the Echoplex Preamp sports a robust Phase 90-sized housing, a replica EP-3 knob, true bypass switching, and a status LED. It runs on standard 9-volt power and boasts power management circuitry, ensuring consistent performance through the normal lifespan of a 9-volt battery. Leave your delicate vintage piece safe at home as this pedal is built to endure.

Key Features:

Faithful reproduction of the renowned Echoplex EP-3 front end
Field-effect Transistor (FET) identical to the original EP-3
Gain boost up to +11dB, with light asymmetrical clipping at higher settings
True bypass switching to preserve signal integrity
Robust Phase 90-sized housing with replica EP-3 knob
Runs on standard 9-volt power with efficient power management
Durable construction for road-ready durability

Product specs

Type	Guitar Preamp
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching	True Hardwire
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries	1 x 9V
Power Usage	12mA

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp?: The Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp is designed to recreate the legendary EP-3 preamp tone, providing a sweetened sound with up to +11dB of boost. It enhances your guitar's tone by using FET circuitry for a classic, warm sound.
Can the Dunlop Echoplex Preamp be powered by a battery?: Yes, the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp can be powered by a 9-volt battery. It can also be powered using a 9V DC power supply, such as the Dunlop ECB003 adapter, which is sold separately.
Where should I place the Dunlop Echoplex Preamp in my effects chain?: It is recommended to place the Dunlop Echoplex Preamp at the end of your effects chain. This positioning helps sweeten the overall tone and acts as a buffer for the entire signal path.
Does the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp work with both electric and acoustic guitars?: Yes, the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, enhancing the tonal quality by adding warmth and clarity to the sound.
Is the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp suitable for live performances?: Absolutely, the Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp is suitable for live performances, offering reliable true hardwire bypass switching and a compact design that fits easily into any pedalboard setup.

Videos

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Dunlop Echoplex EP101 Preamp vs Xotic EP Booster

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Jim Dunlop - Echoplex Preamp Demo at GAK

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Dunlop Echoplex Preamp demo (with Strymon El Capistan)

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Xotic EP Booster vs Dunlop Echoplex Preamp Shootout

Music Bliss Malaysia

Micro Amp vs Echoplex Preamp

Kev_k_ life

Dunlop Echoplex Preamp Demo (HQ Audio)

Jays Gear Demos

Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp

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Reviews

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PROS

Simple to use, offering straightforward operation
Transparent sound that doesn't color the original tone
Enhances both clean and distorted signals effectively
Provides a noticeable boost without altering volume dramatically
Adds warmth, fullness, and a slight grit to tone
Works well with various amp types, especially vintage or less gainy ones
Durable and lightweight design for easy portability
Can be used as an "always-on" pedal for continuous tone improvement
Offers subtle yet impactful changes to tone, adding clarity and punch

CONS

Echoplex nameplate is made of plastic, suggesting cheaper construction
Not compatible with all amplifier setups, particularly certain Bogner models
Potentiometer's range could be better optimized for usability
May remove some dynamics when placed before certain distortion/fuzz pedals
Does not include a matching delay pedal, as expected by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp.

Features and functionality

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The Dunlop EP101 adds a unique character to clean channels, enhancing breakup and tone subtly, with a slightly fizzy effect in dirty channels.
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The Dunlop EP101 can be used as a volume cut to achieve a dirty crunch, functioning similarly to a reverse distortion pedal for certain song sections.
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Use cases and applications

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It serves well as an "always-on" pedal at the front of the chain to improve overall guitar tone or as a boost after dirt pedals.
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Users report the EP101 enhances articulation and attack, akin to a compressor, but without added sustain, making it suitable for clear, defined tones.
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When used with lipstick pickups, the EP101 effectively boosts the signal to emulate humbucker territory, offering a broader tonal palette.
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Comparisons

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Compared to Chase Tone Secret Preamp or Clinch EP-Pre, the Dunlop EP101 offers higher output, making it versatile for placement either before or after dirt in the signal chain.
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Unlike the EP Booster, the EP101 can lower your signal, making it versatile for dynamic volume changes during high-gain performances.
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User experience

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Users find that placing the Echoplex at the end of the signal chain can add extra "grunt" to an amp, even through a dirty channel.
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The EP101 is noted for its bright LED, which some users find distracting, leading them to cover it with masking tape to reduce glare.
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Critic Reviews

Dunlop Echoplex Preamp review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Dunlop EP101 Echoplex Preamp is a solid choice for those seeking to enhance their guitar tone with a touch of vintage magic. It faithfully replicates the classic Echoplex preamp tones beloved by legends like Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen, offering a noticeable improvement in tonal clarity and presence. As an always-on pedal, it excels in sweetening your sound, although its boost capabilities are modest compared to other pedals. However, its slightly larger size than competitors like Xotic's EP Booster and limited dB boost might not appeal to all. Overall, a great addition for those prioritizing tone enhancement over sheer power.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

jacob_clark

about 10 years ago

Turn it on, smile, and wave

If you want to use this pedal correctly, here's how: turn it up all the way and leave it on all the time. The Echoplex is one of those pedals that I've ended up using as a verb (not reverb, but an action word) because it does some indescribable things to my tone. It's really hard to explain all the tonal things that happen to my tone when I play it; it just makes me sound better. The Echoplex is one of those things that you can't screw up even if you try. It's tone makes me smile every time I turn it on.

nathan_whited

343

over 7 years ago

Perfect for me

Doesn't get ridiculous loud but gets loud enough for me. I like having to option to turn down as well. No tone loss, adds touch of clarity.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Alternative rock Psychedelic rock Garage rock

skylinerr

5339

about 7 years ago

echoplex

i always wanted an ep 2 or wp 3 but there too expensive so i got the pre and delay when i could afford them

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

jimmarchi1

41029

7 years ago about 7 years ago

unfortunately its really not so right, the voltage is too low and I'm sure there's other weirdness.... like the EP boost from xotic it tries to approximate the vibe of the ep3 preamp at 18v with a charge pump and a jfet that sounds right to the designers like 4 to 6 volts shy on its supply line... the pre in the belle epoch deluxe gets closer and there's a guy who makes one off copies or you can make one yourself but Iw as too alzy to source the parts and bought one...anyway, I'm rambling…. also, the ep2 is a tube unit and the tube preamp and recovery electronics have a different sound again. Its a really good sounding preamp. The fulltone TTE sounds like a well serviced one. Not sure if tis a 1 to 1 copy, but it sounds like a well cared for ep1 or 2. Defintiely its own thing and super cool.

skylinerr

5339

7 years ago about 7 years ago

i know but it gets here i might mod it a little

skylinerr

5339

7 years ago about 7 years ago

my dad has an origonal ep 2 and its allot different but for my needs this will do