The Electro-Harmonix MEL9 Tape Replay Machine is one of EHX’s most instantly inspiring 9 Series pedals, turning your guitar, bass, or keyboard into a lush, vintage tape-keyboard machine without MIDI, special pickups, or complicated setup. Plug in like a normal pedal and access nine classic Mellotron-style voices: Orchestra, Cello, Strings, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Brass, Low Choir, and High Choir.

What makes the MEL9 special is how quickly it transforms a simple part into something cinematic, psychedelic, and orchestral. It is perfect for ambient swells, Beatles/King Crimson/Moody Blues-style textures, lo-fi tape-keyboard pads, dramatic intros, layered loops, and studio overdubs. The pedal tracks single notes and chords, and it responds to expressive guitar techniques like bends, slides, and whammy dives, making it feel much more playable than a basic sample trigger.

The control layout is simple but powerful. Dry Vol blends in your unaffected instrument signal at the effect output, while Effect Vol controls the level of the selected MEL9 voice. Attack adjusts how quickly the sound fades in, from immediate response to slow volume swells, and Sustain controls how long the sound trails after you stop playing. The Preset knob selects the voice, and separate Effect and Dry outputs let you run blended mono, wet-only/dry-only routing, or creative two-amp/studio setups.

A unique, musical pedal for players who want vintage tape-replay character without hauling around a keyboard rig. Great for guitarists, bassists, synth players, loopers, ambient musicians, recording projects, and anyone looking to add instant orchestral weirdness and classic Mellotron flavor to their board.

The unit for sale is in impeccable condition—no functional or cosmetic issues to mention. It would easily grade as mint without the Velcro on the back, which is simple to remove and clean (we can take care of that for you if you want—just ask and it’ll arrive Velcro-free).

Please see the photos for a visual description of the pedal’s condition. Additional pics available upon request.

This pedal is sold as-described—meaning, returns aren’t accepted unless it arrives in a condition that significantly differs from the description and photos in this listing.

We typically ship orders received on weekdays either same-day or within 24 hours. Orders received on the weekend will ship the following Monday. 

We ship via USPS and signature is required on delivery as per Reverb’s purchase protection policy. For the smoothest possible shipping experience, we offer a friendly reminder to monitor the tracking page to coordinate signing for your package or picking it up from your local post office.

Freebies! We also conduct unannounced giveaways at random: free prototypes and b-stock from our workshop, including effect pedals, synth gear, instruments like our Sunthesizer Tape Synth, and various experimental devices we’re developing. Additionally, all orders come with free toys and limited edition stickers that we design in-house. 

Holler if you have any questions or want to talk shop. We love to chat and get to know our customers—you guys are the best!