[pisser]

I just got a roland space echo RE-201 off ebay. Reverb and the delay work but I noticed the bass and the treble knobs when turned don't do anything. Also the switch between low, mid, and high output also does nothing when switched. Would anyone know what might be the problem or how to fix it.

[spooky]

Problem is it's not a Nocturne.. ROFLMFAO..

[rcboals]

PM Tavo I think he knows those machines inside and out. Real nice busy man but he probably will help you if he can.

[TV the Wired Turtle]

Originally Posted by pisser

I just got a roland space echo RE-201 off ebay. Reverb and the delay work but I noticed the bass and the treble knobs when turned don't do anything. Also the switch between low, mid, and high output also does nothing when switched. Would anyone know what might be the problem or how to fix it.

The bass and treble knobs are not part of the pre-amp and rather only work on the actual reverb and tape delay. (the more wet the mix, the more you will hear their eq effect on those FX.. otherwise dry gets nothin)

The lack of function with the low, med, and high switch could be as simple as oxidation in the connectors (which happens often) or malfunction of the switch.

One main thing overlooked in these units is that use cheap parts and all the electrolytic caps start dry out over 20 some yrs. All the E-type caps should be replaced.

If you are handy with basic repair stuff its fairly easy to separate the chassis from the cab. You will have to remove the reverb cable so its a good Idea to mark with a sharpie the in and out or you wont have any verb (and look for the sticker on the tank that sez "made by beautiful women" as the tank is american) one apart you need a can of contact cleaner and carefully clean ALL the pots and all the contacts.. Do not try to spray contact cleaner in the tape motor as it is brushless and the contact cleaner will jack it. It will take an hour or so just to clean it and another few for replacing the caps on power section and you will need both a good solder sucker as well as desolder braid with a quality soldering iron.

Most all Space echos are constant trouble and will betray you on a whim I have sold off most of my space echos but the one RE301 I have left decides when it wants to run proper (needs a new motor and they stopped making them in the early 80s). I've serviced mine with new switches and caps as well as resistors that were shoddy, but too often I'm left with only its preamp, reverb and chorus working with the tape echo going insane or doing nothing.

This is why I own the Strymon El Capistan Dtape echo. the RE301 stays in the living room on the old blonde bassman.

There is a service company on the west coast but its very very costly for them to work on it.

ps. thanks RC!

[pisser]

Thanks Tavo. You are the man. I will try that. I used to have a re-201 i sold so I'm trying to borrow it back to compare the two.
I will try what you said. I have a dyno brain and a new Roland/Boss RE-20. Should I be worried about putting the dynobrain in front of the RE-20 cause of it being digital?

[TV the Wired Turtle]

Originally Posted by pisser

Thanks Tavo. You are the man. I will try that. I used to have a re-201 i sold so I'm trying to borrow it back to compare the two.
I will try what you said. I have a dyno brain and a new Roland/Boss RE-20. Should I be worried about putting the dynobrain in front of the RE-20 cause of it being digital?

RE-20 is an emulator of the ENTIRE RE-201 space echo including its inherent preamp color and response. There is no reason why you cant use digital and analog pedals together. I personally am only a fan of the RE301 but I've heard the re301 preamp style of the Brain with the RE-20 , sounds good.

here's a vid with the original Brain Seltzer and RE-20

You Tube