Echoplex EP-3 Issue

[jtp337]

Hi rig talk,

I purchased a SN284xx EP-3 a couple weeks ago and have been happy with my purchase so far, when functioning.

The issue began almost immediately where the dry signal would suddenly not go through to the amp, and all I could hear was the repeats, and at seemingly lower volume.

Then shortly after (usually when hitting the strings a bit harder), the "dry" signal would be back in.

After a few times of going in-and-out, the unit is now almost always "out", where only repeats are heard; not the original signal.

I've cleaned the unit, including everywhere the tape touches, and gotten a demagnetizer, but these seem to only make the repeats a bit nicer sounding; does not fix the lack of "dry" tone getting through.


Any ideas?

 

[psychodave]

Hi rig talk,

I purchased a SN284xx EP-3 a couple weeks ago and have been happy with my purchase so far, when functioning.

The issue began almost immediately where the dry signal would suddenly not go through to the amp, and all I could hear was the repeats, and at seemingly lower volume.

Then shortly after (usually when hitting the strings a bit harder), the "dry" signal would be back in.

After a few times of going in-and-out, the unit is now almost always "out", where only repeats are heard; not the original signal.

I've cleaned the unit, including everywhere the tape touches, and gotten a demagnetizer, but these seem to only make the repeats a bit nicer sounding; does not fix the lack of "dry" tone getting through.


Any ideas?

How is the tape? Is it the proper lubricated tape? Are you sure the tape is touching the heads properly? How do the tape heads look, worn or silver/clean? Are the tape head wires properly attached (keep in mind the unit is 40 years old).

If everything is fine by your eyes, I suggest sending it to Chris Merren. http://www.merrenaudio.com/echoplex_repair_and_info

 

[jtp337]

Hi rig talk,

I purchased a SN284xx EP-3 a couple weeks ago and have been happy with my purchase so far, when functioning.

The issue began almost immediately where the dry signal would suddenly not go through to the amp, and all I could hear was the repeats, and at seemingly lower volume.

Then shortly after (usually when hitting the strings a bit harder), the "dry" signal would be back in.

After a few times of going in-and-out, the unit is now almost always "out", where only repeats are heard; not the original signal.

I've cleaned the unit, including everywhere the tape touches, and gotten a demagnetizer, but these seem to only make the repeats a bit nicer sounding; does not fix the lack of "dry" tone getting through.


Any ideas?

How is the tape? Is it the proper lubricated tape? Are you sure the tape is touching the heads properly? How do the tape heads look, worn or silver/clean? Are the tape head wires properly attached (keep in mind the unit is 40 years old).

If everything is fine by your eyes, I suggest sending it to Chris Merren. http://www.merrenaudio.com/echoplex_repair_and_info

The tape is supposedly new when I bought it off eBay.
It had troubles rolling, but is fine now after cleaning.
The tape heads look clean, silvery.
Tape head wires, I wouldn't know. Do I have to open it up to check that out?
It seems like a signal issue, so that could be it.

I'm heistitant to send the unit across the world to get it repaired.
Would prefer to have it done myself, or find a local guy in Toronto.

 

[Rick Lee]

My local amp tech restores these, but he's in Phoenix.