Offered for sale here is this valve (tube) Binson Echorec model T5E disc echo dating from the early 60s in fair condition (see many more detailed photos below the description) and good working order. We've been tape and disc echo fanatics for years and have accumulated an extraordinary collection of echo units. I've personally collected Binsons for many years and have sold many exceptional examples to very satisfied customers (see feedback examples below). If some of the wording below seems familiar, it's because other sellers have taken to copying my descriptions verbatim for their own listings. This description is relevant to this machine only: T5E serial number 1605. We're business sellers and have sold dozens of Echorecs in the past ten years; we understand how they should sound and function. We guarantee that this machine is as-described. Please get in touch before buying with any questions - we offer discount for payment by bank transfer. It has just been serviced, and calibrated and converted to an IEC mains socket for safety. Previous modifications include1/4" jack sockets on the inputs and outputs to replace the 3 pin Gelosos and a Bulgin power socket (now disconnected). The clear plastic cover and control knobs are not original and it's missing its internal fan and the underside of the metal case; the lid and carry case top are missing. This machine has some wear to the heads, however it's in good working order and sounding good following the service: there's not quite as much top end as on a perfect Binson, but the repeats are still very good (comparable to a mk2 Copicat in quality). Many Binsons sold on Ebay as working well (even ones that have been serviced and rewired) are not always up to scratch and this one betters many we've seen. It's a good player's machine and represents a chance to buy a well-serviced unit at a lower price. The repeats are warm and it inspires creativity when you play through it - the preamp is particularly good in this unit. The motor takes a little time to get up to speed but the disc spins smoothly and quietly (machines can require a nudge to get started if they've not been used for many months). It will go into self-oscillation if required (this can be adjusted via the internal trimpot for more subtle or extreme effects) and is capable of all sorts of cosmic noises - Binsons do tend to encourage experimental noise-mongering. The repeats are not hifi - this is after all 50 year-old technology - if you want perfect repeats, buy a digital delay. These machines need regular use and maintenance to remain in good working order. They are very delicate: minute adjustments are made to the heads' positions for optimum performance, so it is possible that this machine may need to be calibrated again after shipping (most withstand shipping with careful packing, but the buyer should be prepared to have this done if required). (Please note: it is always possible with vintage equipment that some crackly pots/sliders may develop over time when equipment has not been used - even during shipping - this can usually be easily rectified either by use or judicious application of suitable switch-cleaning spray). It has a voltage selector so can be used anywhere in the world without modification. Binson Echorecs are amazingly-engineered machines: where a tape echo's (ie Copicat) input sound is recorded to tape, on a Binson it is recorded onto a circular spinning disc which has replay heads poisitioned around it. It is possible to select single and repeating echoes - these units have a sound all of their own. They look fantastic at night (or on a darkened stage) with the magic eye valve gowing green and the backlit plexiglass fascia. Binsons were one of the must-have pieces of equipment for bands in the early sixties, alongside the Fender Stratocaster and Vox AC30. Famously-used and abused by Barrett, Gilmour, Waters and Wright of Pink Floyd in the 60s and early 70s (Echorec 2s are very much in evidence on Live at Pompeii and can be seen on photos from many Floyd live shows), Binsons are increasingly sought-after today by studios, mix engineers and producers for their unique sound: Michael Brauer (Stones, McCartney, Coldplay) famously has an Echorec 2 in his arsenal of vintage delays. Please be aware that it is a vintage unit and may not take kindly to being shipped. It will be well-packed, but if it's not behaving as it should on receipt, please get in touch. Please be aware that to own a machine such as this, you must be prepared to have it regularly checked over and maintained by a competent technician: it should withstand being shipped, but some calibration may be necessary.
