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Boss RE-20

Item ID: RE20pedal

Stereo Tape-emulation Effects Pedal, Re-creation of Roland RE-201 Space Echo with 2 1/4" Inputs, 2 1/4" Outputs, and Expression Pedal Input with Tap Tempo and 12 Modes

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From Our Research Team:

Defy the Laws of Space and Time

The BOSS RE-20 is all modern, but its tone is absolutely timeless - that's because it's a re-creation of Roland's renowned RE-201 Space Echo, one of the most beloved echo effects ever made. You get that unmistakable warm, saturated tape sound - perfect for synthesizers, guitars, drum machines, and more - all in one BOSS-rugged effects pedal. BOSS and Roland gave the RE-20 Space Echo every detail and nuance of the RE-201 - and the result is pure magic. Get lost in space with the BOSS RE-20 Space Echo!

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BOSS RE-20 Space Echo Tape-emulation Delay Pedal at a Glance:
  • Timeless tone - a spot-on re-creation of the legendary RE-201 Space Echo
  • Modern controls, to improve on the original
  • Incredible warm, saturated tape sound - use it on everything
  • BOSS guitar pedals: rugged, reliable, more than 10,000,000 sold

Timeless tone - a spot-on re-creation of the legendary RE-201 Space Echo
If it's a timeless delay effect you want, then look no further - the RE-20 is a faithful re-creation of the famous Roland RE-201 Space Echo. Since its introduction in 1973, the RE-201 Space Echo swept stages and studios for its incredible warm, tape-saturated echo effect. In fact, even many modern bands - including Radiohead - still turn to the original RE-201 Space Echo for its amazing effect. But now, you can have all that tone - without the vintage price tag and without having to replace tape heads - with the BOSS RE-20 Space Echo.

Modern controls, to improve on the original
With the BOSS RE-20 Space Echo, you get the same controls as the original RE-201 - but you also get a few handy "extras" that improve on the classic. To start, there's an 11-position rotary mode selector, which includes four Repeat Modes and 7 Reverb Echo Modes. There's also a Reverb Only Mode you can select. Six knobs on the left of the pedal let you tweak Bass, Treble, Reverb Volume, Repeat Rate, Intensity, and Echo Volume - which allow you to take your tone in an incredible range of directions. What's more, the BOSS RE-20 offers up a dedicated tap tempo pedal - one feature the original didn't. That way, you can control the effect on and off in real time, while you adjust its sound to each turn in the song.

Incredible warm, saturated tape sound - use it on everything
You can put virtually anything through the BOSS RE-20 Space Echo to warm up its sound and achieve an awesome effect - natural choices include analog and digital synthesizers as well as electric guitars, but try putting your drum machine or electronic drum kit through it for truly cool results.

BOSS guitar pedals: rugged, reliable, more than 10,000,000 sold
More than 10,000,000 BOSS guitar and bass effects pedals have been sold to players worldwide, including such top players as Yngie Malmsteen, Dave Navarro, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani. You've also no doubt heard BOSS pedals recorded and onstage beneath the feet of bands of all genres, including Muse, The Killers, and Silversun Pickups. The reason for the success is clear: not only do BOSS effects pedals sound great - but they're also built like tanks and designed with serious use in mind. Each BOSS pedal is housed in a stomp-ready metal box and features a rubberized stomp area and base, to help safeguard against slipping. So, whether you're a fresh-out-of-the-gate beginner, an axe-veteran designing your dream pedalboard, or anywhere in between, you can depend on BOSS's proven line of pedals to craft your tone.

BOSS RE-20 Space Echo Tape-emulation Delay Pedal Features:
  • Re-creation of the famous Roland RE-201 Space Echo tape effect
  • Models the RE-201's tape flutter and magnetic head sound saturation
  • Tap pedal allows delay time to be set by foot
  • Longer delay time than the original RE-201
  • Can control parameters such as Repeat Rate, Intensity, and more via Expression pedal
  • 11-mode rotary selector with additional "Reverb Only" mode
  • Bass, Treble, Reverb Volume, Repeat Rate, Intensity, and Echo Volume Controls
  • In: 2 x 1/4" - Mono or steroe operation
  • Expression pedal input
  • Out: 2 x 1/4"
  • Optional AC adapter - Roland PSA-120S

The BOSS RE-20 Space Echo packs vintage, must-have tape effects into one incredible stompbox!

RE-20 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Type Delay
Inputs 2 x Instrument
Outputs 2 x 1/4"
Power Supply Included No
Batteries 6 x AA
Height 2.25"
Depth 6.25"
Width 6.8"
Weight 2.8 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number RE-20

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Reviews

based on 4 reviews

buy one today !

by paul mcintyre from nova scotia canada
September 13, 2010
Music Background: hobbyist
twiddle those knobs and get lost in space, " and some " you don't get better quality than this.......period.

HOLY FREAKING CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by K P from MN USA
December 28, 2007
Music Background: Pro Musician
(Keyboard player review)

I can't believe I lived without it!!! I'm manic, been up all night playing. This pedal will INSPIRE you. Just LET it happen. I'm not easy to impress either!... read more [+]

Lets forget the Tape Delay for a moment: I use a Nord Electro and just the Electro's organ with RE-20's Spring reverb will give you shivers... IT'S. SO. REAL. (Through my KP-200s AMP) I can get an exact organ sound from Medeski to Manzarek! The reverb itself is worth the 250 asking price.

Now for the primary function: TAPE. I've used tape, I still can't believe this thing sounds exactly like tape, responds exactly like tape, down to the tiniest sonic details. It's like they shrunk down the RE-201 and put it in the RE-20. I mean, really. Honestly, to say this is the "best thing I've ever owned" is a GROSS understatement. I. AM. IN. LOVE.

Thank you, Roland Engineers. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!! PS Thanks for the Edirol FA-66 too! Love you guys!!! close [-]

You'll Never Have to Demagnitize This, or Change the Felt Tape Tensioner-Thingy

by Dan Workman from Houston, Tx
August 19, 2011
Music Background: guitarist, engineer, producer
I have owned three of the 'real' RE-201's and an SRE-555 (the rack mount version of the 201 with a chorus effect built in as well).

When I first saw this pedal, my heart sank because I ... read more [+]knew it could never live up to my expectations.

However, the thing sounded pretty darn good! The reverb is actually a bit better than the original (which always sounded 'tanky' to me), and the tone controls seemed more robust than the original as well. The Modes sound just like I remember them, and the delay characteristics sound close enough to fool all but the most exacting gear head.

Turning up the repeat rate yields the classic 'runaway tape feedback' that is clocked to sound just like the original tape artifact. It's a bonus that the tap pedal allows you to get that effect by simply holding it down for a moment. Watch out when you release it, as the volume of the effect 'blooms'--gets louder--as the effect dies away. This is like the original, but a bit more over modulated for my taste.

The only other thing that I don't like is the 'tape motion light' on the pedal. I assume it is to give a visual cue to the 'speed' of the delay, but I found it annoying.

This is one of the finest delay pedals I've owned. If you like the MoogerFooger, or Line 6 Delay, you will find a lot of different sounds with the RE-20, but with similar quality of sound and build. close [-]

boss re20 space echo

by Mr AJ's School House Blues aj belletto from palm coast florida
January 11, 2008
Music Background: 50 years playing --25 as a teacher of guitar--presently heading up the School House Blues Band--music with messages for students of all ages. I consider myself a true guru of obscure blues
I guess I'm the only one who bought this for voice and not my guitar. As a blues player I'm a purist using nothing but a touch of reverb on my Fender Blues Deluxe overdriving it for lead.
I had... read more [+] been searching for a just a touch of delay and reverb to use with my vocals.(Fender Passport 250) MOst PA's come with a reverb(fair sounding) but no echo. Well this thing works perfectly as I use it via the effects loop and can even dial a little delay on my guitar channel BUT my voice --WOW!! --the re 20 makes me sound like Michael Buble instead of Willie Nelson.
I realize I'm only using about 10% of what this is capable of but it filled the bill. The reverb needs to be backed down a bit for voice --thanks Paul Allen for your guidance close [-]

Sweetwater Advice

Carson McClain
This is a great tool for the reggae, dub, dance hall, hip-hop or electronic producer. The RE-20 emulates the original RE-201 space echo which was one of the most popular echoes throughout the history of electronic music. Add this to a drum machine, an analog or digital synth, and of course, a Strat to get that classic sound your music has been lacking. Use your ears to dial in the perfect sound, just like you did with the original. Check out the reviews, you will not be disappointed.

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See Also: Reverb Pedals , Boss , Boss Reverbs and Delays

Boss RE-20

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