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Average Price: $2,000

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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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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1 star
3emesexe

God echo and spring reverb

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

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Weval uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Weval

...
Verified via Photo

You can see Merijn (one half of the duo) tweaking knobs on a RE-301 Chorus Echo.

See how Daniel Avery uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Daniel Avery

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

per this April 5, 2018 feature for Future Music a photo from Avery's studio reveals an Roland RE-301 Space Echo.

See how Greg Hawkes uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Greg Hawkes

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cars

...
Verified via Google Books

According to the article in Google Books that I linked to, Greg also used a Roland Chorus Echo on Candy-O in some places.

See how Dave Fielding uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Dave Fielding

Guitarist

The Chameleons

...
Verified via Photo

For the most part of the Chameleons career Dave used a Roland RE-301, it can be seen on top of his amps in various videos and photos of the band Live. This unit had a built into Chorus circuit based around the CE-1 Chorus which Dave also used extensively. According to an interview on The Reegs website, Dave started with an RE-101, then used the 301 and eventually a 501 as well.

See how John Foxx uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Tumblr

"I wanted to explore these new instruments to find out what they could do. Try to make a new language for them. I’d been working at home with the synth and drum machine. Began in 1978 with an Arp Odyssey, an Elka string machine, a Roland 301 Space Echo and a Roland CR78 drum machine and a four track. "

"CM: 'Can we have a list of your gear?'

JF: 'I couldn’t possibly list all of Benge’s gear but if I work alone then sometimes I record the CR78 and then work on top of this with both analogue and digital synths and effects. I mainly use the Aryp Odyssey and the Roland Vocoder. I believe in using a limited palette of sounds - with just one or two in real focus for the track. The star sounds. This allows for consistency and some innovation at the same time. Arp Odyssey Arp Sequencer Roland Vocoder Plus Elka Strings Moog Minimoog Roland Juno 60 Roland CR78 Roland 909 Outboard: Roland Space Echo 301 MXR Phaser - orange footwitch type Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger."

  • Interview, John Foxx - Computer Music Magazine (unknown issue)
See how Ruben Block uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Ruben Block

Singer, Guitarist

Triggerfinger

...
Verified via Musicmaker.nl

In this article the studio is discussed; a Roland RE-301 is seen

See how Chris Cheney uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Chris Cheney

Guitarist

The Living End

...
Verified via Photo

During Nashville studio sessions with the Living End, Cheney briefly used the Roland RE-301 chorus echo.

See how Chris Joannou uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Chris Joannou

Bassist

Silverchair

...
Verified via Music Feeds

Chris Joannou, bassist of Silverchair, owns a Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo, as mentioned in an article by Tom Williams on Music Feeds about Joannou selling items from his personal gear collection.

See how Mika Häkki (Monolord) uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Mika Häkki (Monolord)

Bassist

Monolord

...
Verified via Photo

"I found a new friend... #roland #chorusecho #re301 #chorusechore301 #rolandchorusecho"

See how Marty Willson-Piper uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Marty Willson-Piper

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Marty Willson-Piper
See how Audion uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Audion

Music Producer

...
Unverified
See how Taylor McFerrin uses Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

Taylor McFerrin

Music Producer

R+R=NOW

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured in Taylor's "current studio set-up"

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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Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal
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2
Boss OC-2 Octaver
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2
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
2
Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo
Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo Effects Processors
2
Boss PH-1R Phaser
Boss PH-1R Phaser Phaser Effects Pedals
2
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
2

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

Roland RE-201 Space Echo

$1,100.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

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