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Tracklisting & More Information
Brief History
The Roland RE-201 Space Echo was a combination tape echo effect and built-in spring reverb, with different sound variations selectable via 12 different operating modes.
The device records incoming audio to a loop of magnetic tape, then replays the audio over a series of several playback heads before it is erased again by new incoming audio, with infinite possibilities in sound. Measuring 11.5" in length, 15.5" in width & 6.5" deep, it comes with multiple instrument & mic inputs with EQ settings, tape speed variables & volume levels - this is one fancy Dr. Who looking piece of kit that will have you inspired for hours on end!
It was not just Curved Air that pioneered this legendary echo/delay unit. It helped Pink Floyd take their music into the stratosphere likewise, it helped Robert Fripp/Brian Eno realise their dreams, Conny Plank or any German Prog/Psych band of the period you can bet had one of these, Radiohead used it extensively on OK Computer [that noise loop at the end of Karma Police]... its legacy continues to reverberate through the music business to this day, with Boss recently re-packaging the device as a foot pedal.
The case is in vintage Rock N Roll condition, with light signs of scuffing around the edges from handling on the road back in the day. It has not toured since the seventies & remains in full working order, with the UK mains lead tucked inside the box & the silver serial number sticker on the back. The front plate & knobs are near 'as new' & the original instruction sheet remains pasted on the inside lid.
Lifting the hinged lid on top exposes the heart of the machine, its tape transport system. Inside there is a record head, three separate playback heads, and a variable speed motor. The single tape loop spools freely into a tape chamber, with a plastic cover over the top to protect the tape in full working order.
The letter is signed & dated by Curved Air's drummer, Florian Pilkington-Miksa, acknowledging:
“This Roland Space Echo RE-201 was used by Francis Monkman on the Curved Air Live album first released by BTM Records in 1975.”
Francis Monkman was a founding member of Curved Air. He played on the first three albums, leaving after the release of Phantasmagoria (1972) and returning briefly for the tour which resulted in the release of the wonderful album Live (1975). The Live album is where the RE-201, fresh from its '74 release, gets its debut airing.
Both the picture sleeve & vinyl for the "Live" LP remain in Excellent condition, with few signs of wear or play. The album showcases Francis' early experiments with the device in a live band setting, much of which is pulled off with aplomb. After the album, Francis went on to work with Elton John, Sky, Al Stewart, Renaissance, as well as Phil Manzanera & Brian Eno on the project 801. In 1978, he switched instruments & played all keyboards on Brian Bennett's cosmic masterpiece, Voyage (A Journey Into Discoid Funk)! But the echo unit has remained with Florian ever since.
We cannot recommend this item highly enough, not only as an astonishing & creative tool for anyone interested in sound, but for its impeccable history as part of the musical punch & “Progressive” elements that were such a vital part of the Curved Air sound of the mid seventies. Here was a group forever pushing the envelope & breaking new ground & this device was one of the secret weapons in their artillery. A treasure to behold, this is one of the all-time must own devices for any guitar cosmonaut or right-minded producer looking to create classic Space Echo sci-fi sound effects on the fly. Beam me up scotty, indeed!
MEMORABILIA
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