A Pedalboard-perfect Re-creation of Tape Delay
Tape Delay effects have been celebrated for decades, and for good reasons — they sound organic and create subtle, imperfect fluctuations that many classic guitar effects aficionados deem desirable. To satisfy that tape delay itch, JHS introduces the 3 Series Tape Delay, an easily accessible delay pedal that sounds fantastic and doesn’t take up much space on your pedalboard. The Tape Delay pedal re-creates the spirit and feeling of a proper tape deck but without the moving parts or the extra-large footprint. It sports a simple 3-control layout for you to control how long you want your delay, how many times it repeats, and how much of it you want in your signal chain. Turn down the Tape Speed control to give your tone a nice slapback style of delay that harkens back to '50s and '60s rockabilly and surf music. The Flutter switch simulates tape delay units with mechanical wear and tear to jolt your tone with a hint of modulation and warble — exactly what Sweetwater effect enthusiasts love about pushing their old tape delays.
A brief history of Tape Delay
As an effect, tape delay traces back to the 1940s. The effect was created by using two tape machines running the same length of magnetic tape: one to record the take and one to play it back. While this method was useful in creating an echo on a track, the speed of the echo itself could not be changed without physically moving the two tape machines from either a shorter or greater distance from one another. A notable example of this was legendary guitar player/inventor Les Paul stringing two Ampex Model 200A reel-to-reel tape recorders together to produce the effect. Les and other inventors designed their own tape delay contraptions but were ultimately not ideal for practical use due to their overall bulky sizes. The first portable tape delay device came from technical designer Ray Butts, which was incorporated into his Echosonic guitar amplifier. Guitar greats such as Chet Atkins and Scotty Moore used this exciting effect in many popular recordings — the latter used it on Elvis Presley’s classic, “That’s All Right,” and many subsequent recordings with the King of Rock and Roll.
More portable tape delay designs were brought to market in the late '50s and early '60s, which were separate from guitar amplifiers and contained movable playback to delay times. Japanese manufacturer Ace Tone introduced the EC-10 Professional Echo in the late ‘60s, which ultimately became one of the most recognizable tape delay effects today: the Roland Space Echo. With the storied history of the tape delay, it’s no wonder many artists flock to that warm, organic tone that has defined early rock and roll and rockabilly recordings. With JHS's 3 Series Tape Delay, that effect is now yours for the taking on your pedalboard.
Related Videos: 3 Series Tape Delay Pedal
3 Series: Performance-driven pedals
The JHS Pedals 3 Series is a collection of pedals designed to give you affordability and simplicity without compromising quality. Each 3 Series pedal is made by JHS in Kansas City, MO, using high-quality parts, quality control, and attention to every detail. Each pedal has three simple controls and one toggle that offer a wide range of sounds, perfect for beginners and professionals alike. The JHS Pedals 3 Series will inspire your playing and help you explore new sounds at a totally approachable price point.
JHS 3 Series Tape Delay Features:
- Performance-based re-creation of famous tape delay echo boxes
- Simple 3-control layout with 2-position Flutter switch
- Flutter switch causes psychedelic-esque modulation and warble sounds
