Echoplex Restoration Story

[frenchie]

ok guys … so when the fuck is someone gonna propose an echoplex kit ( pcb , tape cartridges , weird values pots etc ...) ??
the full tone tube tape echo is too damn expensive !

this ought to happen !

[Haze13]

Electronics not the problem at all, but mechanical parts is another story.

[frenchie]

Electronics not the problem at all, but mechanical parts is another story.

hence the need for a company kit , i can make a parts list for boards for myself no problem ,but the mechanical parts and the case are a company matter ...

[Xplorer]

indeed, this would be a great idea, although it'd need a lot of funds to start such business.
or .... a forum echoplex kit, group buy .... but i think it would cost more than a used echoplex on eBay.

re building the mechanics is too complex i think.
finding enough stock of the right heads is too complicate and expensive.
same for the motor, plate, Wheel, etc ...

forget the TTE ! buy a used echoplex for cheap and restor it. it's Worth it.

i provided the traces for each board, and it's possible to find most components.

[rgorke]

So, update on my "restoration". Mine was functional, but not perfect. After hearing Eric's after he got it serviced from Tony at Orbitz, I decided to improve mine. So, a couple of discoveries:

1) The bias trim on the far right board (where the record/erase head connects) is critical for perfect clean repeats. And, for complete erase.
2) I was getting a lot of floor noise with the volume pot (not record level underneath) barely past 1 or 2. So, I replaced the A500k pot and THAT made a huge difference in noise. The unit is not perfectly quiet, especially with the gain dimed on a plexi but it is drastically better.
3) I also changed the spec I had to an earlier model. I will try and find the link to what the guy I copied did. He edited the schematic. It goes back to what we talked about here about building the EP preamp pedal.

So, a couple more tips in case folks are trying to dial in their EP3. I'll try and post a clip or two. Very fun to play with...echos almost like a digital delay, but better!!!

[vanhalen5150]

1969 receipt from Manny's in NYC.

Amongst other things Hendrix bought an Echoplex for $200.

[rgorke]

1969 receipt from Manny's in NYC.

Amongst other things Hendrix bought an Echoplex for $200.

And a Les Paul for $670!!!

[vanhalen5150]

Yeah but I'm sure in todays dollars that total bill is pretty huge. What type of Echoplex was around in 69 though?

[rgorke]

Yeah but I'm sure in todays dollars that total bill is pretty huge. What type of Echoplex was around in 69 though?

EP1 or EP2, the tube based ones??

[Froumy]

Has anyone used a replacement head from the link posted?

http://www.jrfmagnetics.com/index.html? ... heads.html

Any other options? (my preamp is fine, suspect heads)


Great thread. Looks like I'll have to bust out my EP3 repair project, again. Thanks!

[rgorke]

Has anyone used a replacement head from the link posted?

http://www.jrfmagnetics.com/index.html? ... heads.html

Any other options? (my preamp is fine, suspect heads)


Great thread. Looks like I'll have to bust out my EP3 repair project, again. Thanks!

You can "test" the head to see if you have continuity from the head to the me of the lead.

And yes, that is THE guy. But don't tell anyone. I dont want him to run out in case I need another head!

[Froumy]

You the man!

Can you clarify from the head to the me of the lead? (Which connection,etc). Thanks again!

[rgorke]

You the man!

Can you clarify from the head to the me of the lead? (Which connection,etc). Thanks again!

Do you mean the color of the lead? Can't recall off the top of my head which is record or erase. They attach by the Nortronics black box.

To check to make sure your wires are not bad, stick the wires with needles right right wear the wires go into the head and re-check the continuity test..

[redozzman]

My echoplex is making a clicking noise only when engaged, Its not a mechanical noise, it comes through the amp when the unit is engaged it, starts out slow and gradually gets faster. I have changed tapes, it must be a bad component any ideas where to look?

[rgorke]

Have you cleaned and demagnetized the heads? Did this just start?