Maestro Echoplex EP-2 (1960s)

Nothing really captures the vibe, tone, and musicality of an old Echoplex unit.

Maestro's Echoplex tape echo is arguably the most celebrated echo unit ever produced, and the EP-2 really set the stage for what would become one of the most iconic effects in modern music history. One might say that, alongside early fuzz pedals, the Echoplex played a significant role in the birth and subsequent rise of the effects pedal industry. Originally designed by Mike Battle in the late 50s, the Echoplex offered musicians one of the first true standalone effects units in this style. The most notable version - the EP-2 - was released in the early 1960s, and it would eventually become the true production tube-powered tape echo unit by which many others have been measured.

Aside from delivering an incredibly lush and three-dimensional echo effect, this EP-2's preamp circuitry creates some magic all its own. It gives the player a certain harmonic lift and "swirl" to their base sound, further enhanced by true analog tape tone. Not just for guitarists, the EP-2 has found its uses to be greater reaching in studio environments, where it's commonly used on vocals, horns, keys, bass, and even drums.

This is one of the most well-preserved examples of an original EP-2 you're likely to find, with a very clean enclosure, chassis, and a recently serviced and healthy sounding circuit. It includes its original footswitch as well, allowing the player to remotely control the echo function.