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Average Price: $799
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Description
Introducing the Maestro Echoplex EP-3, a vintage tape delay that effortlessly captures the authentic sound of the '70s. This is not just an echo machine; it's a piece of history, featuring the innovative solid state technology developed by the legendary Mike Battle. This gear is renowned for its durability and affordability, setting it apart from its tube-wielding ancestors. The EP-3 is also notable for introducing the FET preamp that has been widely used by musicians, as Tom Verlaine put it, to "goose it up."
Key Features:
- Authentic vintage tape delay, capturing the distinctive '70s sound
- Utilizes solid state technology for increased durability and affordability
- Features the FET preamp, often used by musicians for its distinct quality
- Designed by Mike Battle, a notable figure in music gear history
- Recognized for its unique echo effect
Product specs
| Brand | Maestro |
| Model | Echoplex EP-3 Solid State |
| Finish | Grey |
| Year | 1970 - 1991 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Delay Pedals |
FAQs
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What makes the Maestro Echoplex EP-3 unique compared to other delay units?
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The Maestro Echoplex EP-3 is renowned for its solid-state design, which provides a distinct preamp coloration that enhances the tonal quality of the signal, offering a warm, analog delay sound with bright echo repeats.
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How does the preamp in the Echoplex EP-3 affect guitar tone?
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The EP-3's preamp subtly rolls off some bass while enhancing upper-midrange presence, resulting in a clearer, more defined tone that many guitarists find enhances their overall sound.
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Is the Maestro Echoplex EP-3 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the EP-3 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and the ability to add rich, analog delay effects that can be easily adjusted on stage.
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What type of delay does the Maestro Echoplex EP-3 produce?
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The EP-3 produces a tape delay effect, characterized by its warm, natural-sounding echoes that can create anything from subtle ambiance to dramatic, rhythmic repeats.
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Can the Echoplex EP-3 be used with instruments other than guitar?
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While the EP-3 is popular among guitarists, it can also be used with other instruments, such as keyboards and vocals, to add depth and character to the sound with its tape delay effect.
Videos
Reverb
Maestro Echoplex EP-3 Solid State Tape Delay: Andy's Vintage Picks | Reverb Tone Report
Reviews
PROS
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Masterpiece in tape delay with unparalleled sound quality
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Requires and rewards meticulous maintenance for optimal performance
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Exceptionally clean and quiet operation suitable for recording
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Unique self-oscillation and warmth in its Solid State version
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Versatile: enhances guitars, synths, and even vocal tracks with dub style effects
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Legendary, near-mythical reputation for its audio experience
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Analog sound superiority, especially for delay effects
CONS
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Requires time-consuming bridge and head alignment for best sound
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Needs regular cleaning to maintain performance and quality
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Matching record level to instrument can be challenging
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maestro Echoplex EP-3.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
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A JFET-based overdrive or boost can effectively replicate the EP-3 preamp when paired with the El Capistan.
Source
User experience
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The Hermida Audio EPH-103 is praised for its authentic EP-3 emulation, with owners wishing for a version with tap tempo.
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Many users find the Belle Epoch Deluxe's sound and response to closely mimic the EP-3, particularly appreciating the control over low end roll off and repeat warble.
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Some users report the unique degradation of an EP-3 over time adds a specific charm, despite maintenance challenges.
Source
Setup and maintenance
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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Kurt Cobain, the renowned guitarist and singer, explicitly mentioned owning and utilizing an Echoplex in an interview hosted by Nardwuar the Human Serviette, which took place on January 4, 1994. During this discussion, at a specific timestamp (1:01), Cobain can be heard talking about owning and using an Echoplex. This information is further substantiated by additional confirmation from a dedicated gear website: https://whatgear.com/pro/kurt-cobain/maestro-echoplex
Jimmy has been using the echoplex from the 1972 US tour to present-day. He has used 2 echoplexes over the years, one for his guitar, and one for his theremin.
In this photo EVH can clearly be seen with 2 Maestro EP3 Echoplex tape delays. Eddie was known to favor the EP3 for delay throughout the 70s and into the 80s.
By January 1976 Brian May was using 9 X AC30 amps on stage and the same 2 Echoplex EP3 Delays (see photo 9 X AC30 + EP3s) – this required an enlarged Routing System which I designed and built. Despite the large number of Vox AC30's then in use my system successfully eliminated all Ground Loop hum and noise.
Bruce used an EP-3 Echoplex unit during the Born to Run, Darkness tours and No Nukes concert. In the attached image from the No Nukes concert, you can see the Echoplex to the left of his Tweed amplifiers.
An EP-3 Echoplex would also be used during the recording of Nebraska, being applied as an effect to the original cassette tape.
George changes equipment like underwear. On his 2004 tour, I personally carried his Echoplex EP3 back to his tour bus after a gig. He also has an Echoplex tube EP2 that he has used.
In this video, the interviewer is lucky enough to be invited into Adrian Utley's private studio and compare his real Echoplex EP3 with the Jim Dunlop EP 101 EP3 preamp emulator. We also get Ade's thoughts on tape echo what to use live.
In this Facebook post Philip posted a picture of his pedalboard with the Maestro EP-3 Tape Echo.
All of the reverbs were a natural reverb from a hallway. So if there's ever a reverb, it's from a hallway. We just put a speaker in the hallway. We had an old (Echoplex) EP-3, so Eddie was using that, the producer was using that in the room. And when I would take a solo, if you ever hear Delays, it's literally him with an EP-3, moving it.
Guitarist Steve Cropper confirmed the use of the Maestro Echoplex EP-3 on some tracks of the "One More" album with Booker T, stating, "Back in the 70’s when we did that 'One More' album we were trying to get cute and I used an Echoplex on some of the Booker T songs. And everybody liked it, but I got tired of carrying it on the road." This information is sourced from an interview on Guy Guitars.
"Signal chain: Custom shop Tele > Lava and Planet Waves cables > Peterson Stomp Classic Strobe Tuner > Wampler Ego Compressor > Way Huge Pork Loin > Electro Harmonix Soul Food > MXR Echoplex Preamp to a Mooer Ana Echo to a Hardwire DL-8 >1967 Fender Pro Reverb with Weber Speakers. I also use an EP-3 Echoplex most nights!"
Album Usage
The Maestro Echoplex EP-3 has been featured on the following albums:
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - The Legendary 1979 No Nukes Concerts
Bruce Springsteen (2021)
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Live 1975-85
Bruce Springsteen (1986)
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen (1982)
Darkness On the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen (1978)
The Song Remains the Same (Remaster)
Led Zeppelin (1976)
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen (1975)
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 Maestro Echoplex EP-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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For those looking to use the EP-3 Echoplex for its preamp, the Secret Preamp by Chase Tone is a faithful reproduction favored by various professionals.
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One of the most fully featured and realistic EP-3 emulations, the Belle Epoch Deluxe also offers expression pedal functionality.
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A widely popular, pedal reproduction of the EP-3 preamp.
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The Belle Epoch is based on the EP-3 Echoplex. From Catalinbread:
The Belle Epoch features everything you love about the EP-3 in a small, maintenance free pedal format. They share almost identical input and output circuit topologies, including the passive unbuffered mixer circuit of the EP-3. However, we tuned it to have a lower output impedance than the EP-3 to not load down the output as much while still retaining the open non-buffered output interface.
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A licensed reissue of the EP-3's legendary preamp.
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