Strymon Digs Deep into Delays
Ten years of research into tape machines delivers the EC-1.
3 April 2025
Building on the legacy of its dTape technology first developed for El Capistan, the latest offering from Strymon is the EC-1 single head dTape echo , a distillation of everything learned from over ten years of research into tape machines. During development, Strymon procured a modified tube Echoplex unit from the ‘60s that had been modded by a storied guitar tech, and studying that unit informed the development of not only the EC-1’s tube preamp models, but some subtle sonic tape artifacts as well.
This compact yet powerful pedal offers the dreamy sound of a classic ’60s single head tape echo, complete with the harmonic richness of its tube preamp. Enjoy the organic and ethereal modulation that can only come from the subtle mechanical imperfections of a classic tube tape echo and easily dial in everything from warm slap-back to expansive echo feedback with a gorgeous stereo image.
In a first for a Strymon delay pedal, also included is two different selectable tube preamp circuits: the stock (and bright) preamp from the modified Echoplex EP-2, and a warmer version that has a treble response that is more reminiscent of the classic and well-loved EP-3 preamp. Either preamp model adds heft and weight to your guitar tone, and you just need to decide how much treble boost you prefer.
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