Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,000
High-end/Boutique
$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
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What are the main features of the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo?
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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.
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How does the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo differ from the RE-201?
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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.
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Is the Roland RE-301 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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How do you maintain the tape in the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo?
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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.
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Can the Roland RE-301 be used with modern digital setups?
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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.
Videos
Rhythmicons
Maestro Echoplex EP-4 vs Roland RE-301
Maestro Echoplex EP-4 vs Roland RE-301
Rhythmicons
Roland RE-301 Tape Chorus Echo.mov
AudioCentralMagazine
Vintage Roland Tape Delay - The RE-301 Chorus Echo
Soulsound
Minibrute through a Roland RE 301 + sound on sound
Miguel d'Oliveira
Roland RE-301 720P
Holger Lange
Roland RE-301 Demo
Oscillate Music
Reviews
PROS
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Superior to the RE-201 with more features, including chorus and stereo outputs
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Offers unique sound characteristics distinct from other models in the series
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Simple repair process enhances longevity
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Versatile usage, from tape delay to tape saturator with no effects
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CV port allows for creative control over motor speed and sound texture
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Excellent for a wide range of instruments including vocals, guitars, and piano
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Rare and highly valued, indicating high quality and desirability
CONS
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Lacks motor start/stop feature found in other models like the RE-200
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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
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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.
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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.
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Replacing bearings and felts can be part of a thorough maintenance routine to enhance performance and longevity.
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Features and functionality
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Mode 3 is the longest tape mode, which operates at a slower speed and produces a darker sound, especially noticeable with older tape.
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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
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Regular maintenance, including cleaning tape heads and changing tape, is essential for optimal performance of the RE-301.
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The RE-301 is praised as the best Space Echo model by some owners, highlighting its value and performance.
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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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a 1993 interview featured in Muzines, Meat Beat Manifesto is mentioned using the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo.
The Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo is listed on the Space Machine album Cosmos From Diode Ladder Filter and can be seen in a studio photo on the Masonna website
In the YouTube video titled "Tamaryn - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)," Rex Shelverton can be seen using the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo at the 1:20 mark. This performance was recorded on September 1, 2013, and is provided by KEXP.
Seen on 4:10 at the video, he said Space Echo but it's a Chorus Echo.
Paco Huidobro is confirmed to use the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo in his home studio, as evidenced by an Instagram post from his account @huidobropacorro.
You can see the RE-301 2:34 minute mark on top of the 201 on the attached video tour of his studio.
At 48:03 in the video "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025" by Anthony Marinelli Music on YouTube, the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo is clearly displayed as part of Anthony Marinelli's studio setup.
Paul used a Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo as a preamp for one of his Marshall amps on the 2nd Loverboy album, and he seems to have used this sound on other songs as well.
Excript from Interview provided as proof below.
What about the raspy sound on "Take Me To The Top"?
On that I used a guitar that was one of the first prototypes to my Dean Machine; it's got Seymour Duncan Vintage Staggered Strat Pick-ups. I used a Marshall amp with the preamp taken out and replaced with a Roland Chorus Echo.
In the Sound on Sound article titled "Classic Tracks: The Only Ones: 'Another Girl, Another Planet'," it is mentioned that John Perry used the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo during the recording of the track.
A Roland RE-301 Space Echo can be seen in Matt's studio in the Andrew Masters' Matt Mahaffey Studio Tour youtube video at 25:03.
Pictured in lower left corner of photo on the rear sleeve for their first LP.
" Roland RE-301! As you could already notice, I work in-box almost exclusively and don’t rely on hardware gear, and the moment when I first heard the liveliness and authenticity of the real analogue tape echo was a revelation for me. You can put anything into it and it will start to be alive – how cool is that! But actually now I try not to overuse it, so it works as a bedside table now! "
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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