{"product_id":"2005-fulltone-tube-tape-echo-00941","title":"2005 Fulltone Tube Tape Echo","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLes Paul is softened credited as the first to use reel-to-reel tape recording to produce echo effects. In the late '40s, Paul discovered that a recorded signal could be played back a fraction of a second after it was recorded, creating a controllable echo. In the following decades, brands like\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Echoplex built dedicated tape echo machines that added depth and dimension to many famous recordings. The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo brought that lineage directly into the modern era, drawing heavily from the legendary tube-driven Echoplex EP-2 while addressing many of the noise, transport, and reliability issues that came with the originals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduced in 2004, the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo isn't simply a recreation of an old Echoplex. In the design, Mike Fuller dove deep into the mechanical side, rebuilding the tape path, head assemblies, cartridge, roller system, motor, chassis, and other components. The TTE is a substantial, all-tube tape echo built around the same basic principles as the classic machines, but designed to be quieter and considerably more reliable. The TTE uses separate 12AX7 tubes for the record and playback stages and a 12AU7 in the erase section, along with a hand-wired audio path and a two-speed tape transport. It produces a wide range of highly usable tape echo tones, but just like the original Echoplex, it also functions very well as an additional preamp. On many classic recordings, the tube preamp of a tape echo machine was the secret weapon for guitar tone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Tube Tape Echo is dated to August of 2005, and it's an early serial number: #941. It shows some scuffs and signs of use (see photos), and it includes its original bag and manual. The tape has been replaced, and it is fully functional with minimal noise. Two tape speeds provide everything from quick slap back to longer, more spacious echoes, while the Echo Tone control allows the repeats to be shaped independently of the dry signal. The tube-driven preamp add the harmonic character and slight compression associated with the Echoplex family and can be used when the echo itself is off. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn a guitar rig, tape echo does more than simply repeat the notes—it becomes part of the sound. The repeats naturally lose highs and definition as they decay, which creates a very cool musical texture different from a delay pedal. The tape, tubes, and playback heads subtly add compression, saturation, and pitch movement. At shorter settings, this 2005 TTE delivers the thick slapback heard on early rock 'n' roll and country recordings. On longer delay settings with more feedback, it moves into the spacious,  echoes that became a staple of psychedelic and experimental guitar. Used with the echo turned down or off, the tube preamp adds another layer of warmth and character to the front of an amp, making the TTE useful as both an echo machine and a tone-shaping tool in its own right.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fulltone","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54943244550357,"sku":"2005-fulltone-tube-tape-echo-#00941","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0080\/2930\/6939\/files\/2005FulltoneTubeTapeEcho_00941_-01.jpg?v=1789425313","url":"https:\/\/telluridemusiccompany.com\/products\/2005-fulltone-tube-tape-echo-00941","provider":"Telluride Music Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}