History and Description of This Unit

I have taken the liberty of providing a short history including the provenance of this Chorus Echo unit because It is relevant to any prospective Buyer.

The vintage RE-501 (S/No.186870) offered here was bought new from a large music store in Singapore in late 1980 on one of my business trips and brought back home to Sydney.

Its S/No. indicates that it was one of the earlier RE-501’s produced by Roland between 1982 - 1984, following and significantly improving on the design of their previous RE-301 Chorus Echo.

The unit has never been used on stage but only at home for rehearsing and recording. (I was a semi-pro guitarist in my younger days). However because of my profession as a Project Engineer and working overseas for many years, I’ve had very little opportunity to use my music gear.  The unit therefore remained unused and stored in our family home in Sydney, until my retirement and return to Australia permanently in 2017.

As it had not been used for many years, on my return I had the unit fully checked and serviced by Echo Fix, who are recognized worldwide as probably one of the foremost specialists for Tape Echo units. Apart from servicing tape echoes, Echo Fix have designed, engineered and produce their own line of sophisticated Chorus Echo units which they export internationally (e.g. USA).

Just prior to advertising my RE-501, I have had Echo Fix re-check  and service the unit 2 weeks ago. This included cleaning all surfaces in the path of the tape (e.g.pinch-roller, heads and tension springs), checking all operating functions, and replacing the tape loop.

This RE-501 is in mint condition.  It looks new, sounds new, and operates very quietly (perfect for recording).  Also included with the unit is a spare replacement tape, as well as the original small cleaning kit and tape installation schematic. In the attached pictures are a couple showing how I've had the unit set up at home.

It would be extremely difficult to find one in such condition.