Roland SpaceEcho Tapes

[Deborah]

List, Christopher wrote:
> 
> Speaking of tape delays and synth repair...
> 
> A friend has a Roland Space Echo, and says Roland has stopped shipping
> tapes for them. He's tried using Ampex tape - taped into a loop, but has
> problems with it jamming. Anybody know of any other replacement tapes,
> or techniques for using regular tapes successfully?
> 
> Disclaimer: I don't know how these things work, and I've never seen it
> with the cover off...
> 
> - Thanks,
> CList
hi Christopher,
i have been using a Roland RE501 Space Echo on and off for about 10
years or so, using plain old 1/4" tape for reloads. though i don't think
most of the 1/4" tape that i use to replace old tapes is lubricated i
replace the tape very often (every time i use it and sometimes twice in
one session.)
never had a problem with jammed tape. to avoid tape hang-ups i think
it's very important to keep the tape path very clean and to use real
splicing tape when attaching the tape together to make new tape loops
for it. i have found splicing tape at garage sales and wondered if it
was too old to work but i used it anyway and it worked fine. i also
scored a bunch of rolls of it from radio shack when they were
discontinuing it a few years ago. splicing tape must still be available
somewhere. at this point i have also scored at gar(b)age sales 1/4" tape
splicers which are quite handy.
 an easy way to load the space echo is to take the old tape out,
directly off the reel, thread the new tape through the pinch roller and
into the holding chamber. then power up the space echo and let it feed a
chunk of tape into the holding chamber. then turn off the space echo,cut
the tape at the reel, pull the beginning of the piece of tape out of the
holding chamber, splice the two ends together, then feed it through the
heads and guides. i've been able to pull this instatapechange during the
break at "gigs" (and at home) in literally 5 minutes. a reel of decent
1/4" tape costs almost nothing at garage sales and flea markets (always
do a good visual examination before buying) and lasts for quite a long
time.
                                        happy loading,  crystal