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Average Price: $2,000

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$100

$501+

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Description

Introducing the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo, a hallmark in the world of tape delay and chorus effects. Originating from the highly acclaimed Space Echo series, this beauty is highly sought after, its popularity akin to the renowned RE-501 unit. A timeless piece of music history, the RE-301 brings an iconic sound, crafted between 1977 and 1985, that continues to resonate through modern productions.

Key Features:

  • Part of the respected Space Echo series
  • Iconic tape delay and chorus effects
  • Produced between 1977 and 1985
  • Comparable in desirability to the RE-501 unit

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model RE-301 Chorus Echo
Finish Black
Year 1970s
Made In Japan
Categories Delay Pedals

FAQs

What are the main features of the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo?

The Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo combines tape delay, chorus, and reverb effects in a single unit. It offers multiple playback heads for varied delay patterns, a built-in chorus effect for added depth, and a spring reverb for classic ambiance.

How does the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo differ from the RE-201?

The RE-301 adds a chorus effect and offers improved sound quality with reduced noise compared to the RE-201. It also features a third playback head, providing more delay options and tonal variety.

Is the Roland RE-301 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland RE-301 is suitable for live performances, offering versatile delay, chorus, and reverb effects that can enhance live soundscapes. Its robust design and intuitive controls make it a reliable choice for stage use.

How do you maintain the tape in the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo?

Regularly check and clean the tape path to reduce wear and ensure optimal performance. Replace the tape loop periodically to maintain sound quality and prevent degradation over time.

Can the Roland RE-301 be used with modern digital setups?

Yes, the Roland RE-301 can be integrated into modern digital setups. It can be connected to digital audio interfaces or mixers, allowing its classic analog effects to be used alongside digital equipment.

Rhythmicons

Rhythmicons

Maestro Echoplex EP-4 vs Roland RE-301

Video thumbnail for Maestro Echoplex EP-4 vs Roland RE-301 by Rhythmicons

Maestro Echoplex EP-4 vs Roland RE-301

Rhythmicons

Rhythmicons

Video thumbnail for Roland RE-301 Tape Chorus Echo.mov by AudioCentralMagazine

Roland RE-301 Tape Chorus Echo.mov

AudioCentralMagazine

AudioCentralMagazine

Video thumbnail for Vintage Roland Tape Delay - The RE-301 Chorus Echo by Soulsound

Vintage Roland Tape Delay - The RE-301 Chorus Echo

Soulsound

Soulsound

Video thumbnail for Minibrute through a Roland RE 301 + sound on sound by Miguel d'Oliveira

Minibrute through a Roland RE 301 + sound on sound

Miguel d'Oliveira

Miguel d'Oliveira

Video thumbnail for Roland RE-301 720P by Holger Lange

Roland RE-301 720P

Holger Lange

Holger Lange

Video thumbnail for Roland RE-301 Demo by Oscillate Music

Roland RE-301 Demo

Oscillate Music

Oscillate Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior to the RE-201 with more features, including chorus and stereo outputs

  • Offers unique sound characteristics distinct from other models in the series

  • Simple repair process enhances longevity

  • Versatile usage, from tape delay to tape saturator with no effects

  • CV port allows for creative control over motor speed and sound texture

  • Excellent for a wide range of instruments including vocals, guitars, and piano

  • Rare and highly valued, indicating high quality and desirability

CONS

  • Lacks motor start/stop feature found in other models like the RE-200

  • Price may increase due to rarity and high demand

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo.

Setup and maintenance

  • Mode 3's self-oscillation may falter due to older tape; replacing it could resolve the issue as it affects the high-end reproduction.

    Source
  • Lubricating the pinch roller is crucial; it can cause the tape to stop and prevent echo and chorus functions from working.

    Source
  • The RE-301 can start to produce a noticeable wow and flutter after only an hour or two of use, likely due to tape wear.

    Source
  • Replacing bearings and felts can be part of a thorough maintenance routine to enhance performance and longevity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Mode 3 is the longest tape mode, which operates at a slower speed and produces a darker sound, especially noticeable with older tape.

    Source
  • The RE-301 includes echo, reverb, and chorus, distinguishing it from models like the 150, which lacks reverb, and the 201, which only has echo and reverb.

    Source

User experience

  • Regular maintenance, including cleaning tape heads and changing tape, is essential for optimal performance of the RE-301.

    Source
  • The RE-301 is praised as the best Space Echo model by some owners, highlighting its value and performance.

    Source
  • Some users note that the RE-301 can be easy to service, with tasks such as demagnetizing and cleaning chrome parts with brasso polish being manageable for owners.

    Source

Build quality

  • The vinyl tolex, while durable, can fade over time, but using black boot shoe polisher can restore its original look.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
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3emesexe

God echo and spring reverb

God echo and spring reverb , useful for tracking vocals , guitars , piano, etc

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Lifeson uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Alex and his backline (said to be during the Hemispheres 1979 tour), you can see what is more than likely, two Roland RE-301s (heir and a spare) on top of his other equipment.

See how Jamie xx uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Jamie xx

Drummer, Music Producer

The xx

...
Verified via Archive

Used for xx, as mentioned by mixing engineer Rodiadh McDonald in this June 2011 Sound on Sound article.

"Jamie was there for most of the time but when we'd be recording, he'd stay overnight and work on the beats and things like that,” says Rodaidh. "While we might be doing vocals, he'd be in the meeting room with his laptop, Logic and his MPC, sometimes going through a Boss DD3, a Boss overdrive pedal and a Roland Space Echo RE301, which he used quite a lot. He also used a lot of Logic plug‑ins. We'd use a rough version of the beat for the track but, throughout the recordings and afterwards, he'd take that away and he'd work really hard on making it all sound good and making it work together.”

See how The Alchemist uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

The Alchemist

Rapper, Music Producer

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video at minute 34:10 The Alchemist it's seen making an interview in front of his desk with the rack behind him. Here you can see the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo under the Avalon 737.

See how Mick Jones uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Mick Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Muzines

In the basement of Mick's house is a small eight-track demo studio/rehearsal room simply equipped with a Fostex A-8 tape machine, a Fostex 350 mixer, a Roland 301 echo unit and a few dynamic mikes.

See how Adrian Utley uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Adrian Utley

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Portishead

...
Verified via YouTube

You can the the Roland @ the 1:05 mark of the attached video.

See how Brian Setzer uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Brian Setzer

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Rig Rundown, Brian Setzer’s guitar tech, Tyler Sweet, discusses Setzer’s settings for the Roland RE-301. At 18:35, he says “Once in a while, he uses some chorus for couple of tunes. More reverb, less reverb type thing. For the most part it just stays the same. If he feels that he’s not getting enough something, he’ll go over and play with it.”

See how Stewart Copeland uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Stewart Copeland

Singer, Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via YouTube

At 13:41 Copeland mentions buying a Roland Space Echo at the store "Manny's".

See how Richard Barbieri uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Richard Barbieri

Keyboardist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via Lifeintokyo

Richard Barbieri used a "Chorus Echo 301," according to this article.

See how Uli Jon Roth uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Uli Jon Roth

Guitarist

Scorpions

...
Verified via Ultimate Guitar

In an interview featured in the Ultimate Guitar article "Forgotten Guitar Gear Uli Jon Roth Used During His Scorpions Era," Uli Jon Roth specifically mentions his use of the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo.

See how David Sylvian uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

David Sylvian

Singer, Guitarist

Japan

...
Verified via Lifeintokyo

David Sylvian used a "Chorus Echo 301," according to this article.

See how Takaaki Mino uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Takaaki Mino

Guitarist, Composer

toe

...
Verified via YouTube

After he did use the Roland Space Echo RE-201 He did use the Roland Chorus-Echo RE-301on a Live Performance in Kofu, Japan Can been seen on Youtube toe @ SAKURAZA IN KOFU, YAMANASHI OCT 8, 2018 Time 2:21 on the left side on his Orange Head sits a Roland Chorus-Echo RE-301 on Top https://youtu.be/07Dk-RdsPoI?t=141

See how Noel Hogan uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Noel Hogan

Guitarist

The Cranberries

...
Verified via Cranberriesworld

Mentioned on page 32 of the June 1999 issue of Guitar Player, erroneously listed as a "Roland CE-301 Chorus Echo".

Album Usage

The Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo 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 Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland RE-201 Space Echo

$700.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

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