Hawk HE-2150A Open Reel Tape Echo

Stunning-looking Japanese open reel echo with a great sound that matches the looks (as used by Neil Young among others).

NOTE: Photos are of the item for sale. This unit is currently being serviced and will be available to ship once it's ready.

We've sold several of these machines now and have since had rave reviews from those who bought them - one customer liked his so much he came back to buy a second one!

Mid-seventies Japanese manufacturer Hawk Technical Works Co Ltd put out a range of tape echoes and spring reverbs branded Hawk/Mirano which were aimed squarely at domestic home recordists. We were immediately intrigued on first sighting one of these open reel tape echoes: even if it sounded bad, it was easily one of the coolest tape echoes we’d seen. Classic clean seventies hifi styling and backlit vu meter together with twin aluminium spools spinning behind the translucent smoked (aubergine!) plastic dust-cover - this is a machine with real presence that can add a dose of classic Bond villain lair to any studio…

However, it doesn’t just look cool: serviced and fitted with a new custom tape loop, this five head echo sounds as good as it looks. With three switchable replay heads - Off, Super-Repeat (at 0db), Repeat & Swell (at -6db) - and controls for tape speed, input level (for echo and dry signal), echo level/repeat/tone and master output - this is a full-featured tape echo. The sound is somewhat classier than the contemporary Ace Tone EC-20 - with which it shares a similar feature set - especially when driven into self-oscillation; this is yet another distinct flavour of tape echo - flexible and with a very pleasing sound quality indeed.

CONDITION: The condition is excellent with very few signs of wear or age across the machine, see photos for details.

• It is a 100v Japanese model and will run fine on North American mains 115/120v without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use.
• A step-down transformer is required in the UK/EU.
• We do not recommend using cheap generic Chinese mains transformers and can supply a high quality UK-made unit if required.

VAT: If you are in the EU then the price of this item should be displayed including VAT at 20%. VAT-free sales are possible to businesses or individuals outside the UK with a valid VAT number. Please contact us or make an offer and we will let you know how to proceed.

Reverb customers please note:

We are based in the UK and have many years’ experience sourcing, servicing and shipping delicate vintage gear worldwide. You can rely on us to pack your item with care, and deliver swiftly by international courier with full tracking and insurance.

We offer a professional satisfaction-guaranteed service: customer care and attention to detail are paramount. Please message us if you have any questions or feedback. Tony