Fulltone Tube Tape Echo TTE Valve Tape Delay with Bag & Extra Tape, (Used)

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo (TTE) is a premium analogue tape delay unit that combines genuine magnetic tape echo with an all-valve signal path to deliver some of the richest, warmest and most expressive echo sounds available to guitarists.

Inspired by the legendary Maestro Echoplex units of the 1960s, the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo recreates the unmistakable character of vintage tape delay while incorporating modern engineering designed to improve performance, reliability and tonal flexibility.

Unlike conventional analogue or digital delay pedals, the TTE uses physical recording tape, dedicated recording and playback heads and genuine valve circuitry to generate its repeats. The result is a distinctive sound characterised by natural warmth, subtle modulation, harmonic richness and beautifully organic echo decay.

The TTE offers a wide range of sounds, from short rockabilly slapback and classic blues echo to spacious, atmospheric delays and evolving psychedelic textures.

Featuring adjustable tape speed, a movable playback head, echo level and repeat controls, the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo provides extensive control over the character and timing of its repeats.

Its valve-powered audio path also offers a musical preamp character, allowing the unit to enhance the natural sound of a guitar and amplifier even when used with minimal echo.

This particular Fulltone Tube Tape Echo is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and comes complete with a carry bag and additional tape.

The inclusion of spare tape is particularly useful for a genuine tape-based delay, providing an additional consumable for future maintenance and continued use.

For guitarists, recording engineers and vintage effects enthusiasts seeking the unmistakable sound of real magnetic tape echo, the Fulltone TTE is an exceptionally appealing piece of boutique equipment.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Fulltone
Model	Tube Tape Echo (TTE)
Effect Type	Analogue Tape Delay
Circuit Type	Valve
Tape System	Magnetic Tape Cartridge
Tape Speeds	High / Low
Manufacture	USA
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Carry Bag	Included
Additional Tape	Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Fulltone Tube Tape Echo is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The TTE features a traditional tape echo enclosure containing a mechanical tape transport and valve-based electronic circuitry.

Its construction reflects Fulltone's approach to producing a professional, modern interpretation of classic tape echo equipment.

Please study the product photographs carefully for a closer assessment of the unit's cosmetic condition.

Carry Bag Included

This Fulltone Tube Tape Echo comes with a carry bag, providing a practical solution for transporting and storing the unit.

A dedicated bag is particularly useful for a tape echo machine, helping protect the enclosure during movement between home, rehearsals and recording sessions.

Additional Tape Included

Additional tape is included with this unit.

Magnetic tape is an essential consumable in a genuine tape echo system, and having replacement tape available is beneficial for long-term ownership.

The TTE is designed around Fulltone's dedicated tape cartridge system, making appropriate tape selection important for consistent operation and sound quality.

What's Included

• Fulltone Tube Tape Echo (TTE)

• Carry Bag

• Additional Tape

Service & General Operation

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo uses a mechanical tape transport, magnetic recording and playback heads, and valve-based electronics. Like other genuine tape echo machines, it benefits from appropriate maintenance and periodic inspection.

The condition of the tape path, pinch roller, capstan, recording heads and valves can influence the quality and consistency of the echo effect.

Routine cleaning and correct tape handling are important for maintaining stable operation and minimising unnecessary mechanical wear.

The exact maintenance history and dates of any previous servicing have not been supplied.

Key Features

• Genuine Analogue Tape Echo: Creates delay using physical magnetic recording tape.

• All-Valve Audio Circuit: Produces warm, harmonically rich echo and preamp tones.

• Vintage Echoplex-Inspired Design: Captures the character of classic 1960s tape delay.

• Three-Valve Circuit: Two 12AX7 valves and one 12AU7 valve in the original TTE design.

• Adjustable Tape Speed: High and Low modes offer different delay ranges and tonal characteristics.

• Movable Playback Head: Provides direct adjustment of echo timing.

• Echo Volume Control: Sets the level of the delayed signal.

• Echo Repeats Control: Adjusts feedback and the number of repeats.

• Echo Tone Adjustment: Shapes the brightness of the delay repeats.

• Record Level Adjustment: Controls the signal recorded onto tape.

• Valve-Powered Guitar Volume Control: Provides additional output level and preamp character.

• Mono & Stereo Outputs: Flexible connection options for guitar and studio setups.

• Multiple Stereo Modes: Different combinations of dry and delayed signals.

• True-Bypass Switching: Allows the signal to bypass the effect circuitry.

• Echo Cancel Connection: Supports external echo cancellation.

• Professional Tape Transport: Incorporates a brushless servo motor.

• USA Construction: Boutique Fulltone design and manufacturing.

• Carry Bag Included: Convenient storage and transportation.

• Additional Tape Included: Useful for continued tape echo operation.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive example of a specialist analogue effect.

Why You'll Love It

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo offers an experience that conventional delay pedals can imitate but cannot reproduce in precisely the same physical way.

By recording and replaying the guitar signal through actual magnetic tape, the TTE introduces the subtle changes in pitch, frequency response and saturation that make vintage tape echo so appealing.

Its repeats have a natural warmth and movement, gradually changing character as they decay rather than simply becoming quieter copies of the original note.

The valve-powered audio circuitry adds another dimension, providing a rich, musical response that complements both clean and overdriven guitar tones.

The ability to switch between tape speeds and physically adjust the playback head creates a particularly engaging way of shaping delay sounds.

For guitarists who enjoy experimenting with ambience, movement and vintage effects, the TTE provides an inspiring and highly tactile approach to sound design.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Authentic Magnetic Tape Echo

The Fulltone TTE produces its delay using genuine magnetic recording tape rather than digital processing or electronic delay chips. The incoming guitar signal is recorded onto a moving tape loop before being reproduced by a playback head, creating a delayed version of the original performance. This physical process introduces the harmonic character, subtle pitch movement and changing frequency response associated with traditional tape echo. The result is a warm, organic sound particularly well suited to blues, rockabilly, classic rock and atmospheric guitar playing.

All-Valve Audio Circuit

The original Tube Tape Echo design incorporates two 12AX7 valves for the recording and playback stages, together with a 12AU7 valve used in the erase circuitry. This all-valve approach contributes to the unit's rich tonal character and distinguishes it from conventional solid-state and digital delay pedals. The valve signal path can also provide a pleasing preamp response, complementing the natural dynamics of an electric guitar and amplifier.

Adjustable Tape Speed

The TTE features High and Low tape speed settings, allowing players to select different echo ranges and tonal characteristics. High speed provides a clearer, more extended frequency response with greater pitch stability, while Low speed introduces a warmer, softer and more vintage-inspired character. These settings are useful for moving between articulate rhythmic delays and atmospheric echoes with greater tonal colouration.

Movable Playback Head

One of the TTE's most distinctive features is its movable playback head, which allows the delay time to be adjusted mechanically. Moving the playback head changes the distance between the recording and playback positions, altering the time taken for the recorded signal to return as an echo. This provides a tactile method of adjusting delay time and encourages experimentation with the subtle variations unique to physical tape echo systems.

Echo Volume & Repeat Controls

The Echo Volume control adjusts the level of the delayed signal relative to the original guitar sound, allowing anything from a subtle background echo to a pronounced repeating effect. The Echo Repeats control determines how much of the delayed signal is fed back into the recording process, increasing or reducing the number of audible repeats. At higher settings, the feedback system can produce dense, evolving echo textures that are particularly effective for psychedelic and experimental sounds.

Adjustable Echo Tone

The Echo Tone adjustment allows the brightness of the repeats to be shaped independently of the original guitar signal. Darker settings produce softer, warmer echoes that sit behind the performance, while brighter settings provide additional definition and presence. This tonal flexibility is particularly useful when matching the unit to different amplifiers or adapting the echo effect for different musical arrangements.

Valve-Powered Guitar Volume

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo features an adjustable valve-powered Guitar Volume control, allowing the signal passing through the unit to be increased independently of the echo level. This feature can provide additional presence and harmonic character, particularly when used with a responsive valve amplifier. It also makes the TTE attractive to guitarists who appreciate the tonal contribution of vintage-style preamp circuitry.

Flexible Mono & Stereo Operation

The TTE supports both mono and stereo operation, offering flexibility for traditional single-amplifier setups as well as more elaborate dual-amplifier configurations. The original design incorporates three stereo modes, allowing players to distribute direct and delayed signals between outputs in different ways. This makes it possible to create spacious stereo guitar sounds, contrasting wet and dry signals and wider atmospheric effects.

Professional Tape Transport System

Fulltone developed the TTE with a modern tape transport system intended to address some of the practical limitations of older tape echo machines. Its brushless DC servo motor provides controlled tape movement, while the dedicated tape cartridge system is designed for sustained operation. The combination of modern engineering and traditional magnetic tape recording helps preserve the character of vintage echo while providing a more practical platform for contemporary musicians.

Classic Slapback Echo

The Tube Tape Echo excels at short, rhythmic echoes associated with traditional rockabilly, early rock and roll and vintage country guitar. Short delay times with relatively few repeats add depth, attack and movement without overwhelming the original performance. Through a clean or lightly driven amplifier, these settings provide the distinctive ambience heard on countless classic guitar recordings.

Atmospheric & Psychedelic Delay

Beyond traditional slapback sounds, the TTE is equally capable of spacious, evolving echo textures. Longer delay settings and increased feedback create overlapping repeats that gradually develop their own harmonic character. This makes the unit particularly effective for psychedelic rock, ambient music, atmospheric blues and experimental recording, where the interaction between magnetic tape, valves and feedback becomes part of the performance.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Effects Enthusiasts: An exceptional choice for players who appreciate genuine magnetic tape echo.

Blues Guitarists: Warm, expressive repeats complement traditional blues phrasing and valve amplification.

Rockabilly & Country Players: Ideal for classic slapback delay and vintage-inspired guitar tones.

Classic Rock Musicians: Produces rich echoes with the character associated with historic guitar recordings.

Recording Studios: Offers authentic analogue tape delay for guitars, keyboards and other suitable audio sources.

Ambient & Experimental Musicians: Movable playback head and regenerative feedback provide extensive creative possibilities.

Boutique Gear Collectors: A distinctive American-made effect from one of the most influential modern analogue pedal manufacturers.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo is particularly well suited to blues, classic rock, rockabilly, country, psychedelic rock, surf-inspired music, ambient guitar and experimental recording.

Short delay settings provide traditional slapback echoes that add rhythmic movement to clean guitar parts.

Longer settings introduce spacious repeats suitable for melodic lead guitar, atmospheric soundscapes and studio effects.

The unit can also be used to add character to suitable keyboards and other instruments, making it particularly useful in professional recording environments.

How It Compares

Fulltone Tube Tape Echo vs Maestro Echoplex EP-3

The Maestro Echoplex EP-3 is a legendary vintage solid-state tape echo, known for its warm repeats and distinctive preamp character. The Fulltone TTE follows the broader Echoplex tradition but uses a valve-based audio circuit and a more modern tape transport design. Both provide genuine magnetic tape echo, although their circuitry and tonal responses differ.

Fulltone Tube Tape Echo vs Strymon El Capistan

The Strymon El Capistan uses digital processing to recreate the sound and behaviour of vintage tape echo, offering a compact and convenient alternative with extensive control options. The Fulltone TTE instead uses actual magnetic tape and valve circuitry, providing a physical tape echo experience with the associated mechanical operation and maintenance requirements.

Fulltone Tube Tape Echo vs Catalinbread Belle Epoch

The Catalinbread Belle Epoch is a compact digital delay inspired by the Echoplex, designed to capture vintage-style repeats and preamp character in a conventional pedal format. The Fulltone TTE offers a very different approach through its genuine tape transport, valve circuitry and adjustable playback head. Guitarists seeking convenience may prefer a compact pedal, while enthusiasts of authentic tape echo may find the Fulltone particularly rewarding.

Fulltone Tube Tape Echo Heritage

Fulltone was founded by guitarist and effects designer Michael Fuller, becoming widely recognised for its boutique analogue guitar effects.

The Tube Tape Echo represents one of the company's most ambitious designs, combining traditional Echoplex-inspired operation with a carefully engineered tape transport and all-valve audio circuitry.

The original Maestro tape echo units helped define the sound of electric guitar throughout the 1960s and 1970s, influencing generations of guitarists and recording engineers.

The Fulltone TTE carries this legacy forward by preserving the physical process of recording and replaying sound through magnetic tape.

Its distinctive construction and expressive sound have made it a desirable piece of equipment among musicians who value the character of genuine analogue echo.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fulltone
Model	Tube Tape Echo (TTE)
Product Type	Analogue Tape Delay
Echo Technology	Magnetic Tape
Audio Circuit	Valve
Valve Configuration	2 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AU7
Tape System	Fulltone Echo Tape Cartridge
Tape Speeds	High / Low
Delay Adjustment	Movable Playback Head
Low-Speed Delay Range	Approx. 40ms–1.3 seconds
High-Speed Delay Range	Approx. 20–650ms
Guitar Volume Control	Yes
Echo Volume Control	Yes
Echo Repeats Control	Yes
Echo Tone Adjustment	Yes
Record Level Adjustment	Yes
Mono Output	Yes
Stereo Outputs	Yes
Stereo Modes	3
Echo Cancel Jack	¼"
Bypass	True Bypass
Tape Motor	Brushless DC Servo Motor
Recording System	Record, Playback and Erase Heads
Country of Manufacture	USA
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Carry Bag	Included
Additional Tape	Included

Power Requirements

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo is a mains-powered valve and mechanical tape echo unit, rather than a conventional low-voltage effects pedal.

It operates through a detachable AC mains connection and must be used with the correct voltage configuration for the individual machine.

The manufacturer's design has been produced with different mains voltage arrangements, so the unit's voltage rating should be checked before connecting it to UK electricity.

The tape transport and valve circuitry require appropriate ventilation and careful handling during operation.

Routine tape-path maintenance should follow the manufacturer's guidance. Internal electrical repairs and servicing should be carried out by a qualified technician because hazardous voltages may be present.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The Fulltone Tube Tape Echo is a genuinely special effect for guitarists who appreciate the rich character, natural movement and expressive response of real magnetic tape delay.

Its combination of authentic tape recording and all-valve circuitry produces an unmistakably organic sound, with warm repeats that develop character as they decay.

The movable playback head, selectable tape speeds and adjustable feedback make the TTE an inspiring instrument in its own right, encouraging experimentation beyond the capabilities of many conventional delay pedals.

Its ability to create everything from short vintage slapback to expansive, atmospheric echo makes it particularly useful for blues, classic rock, rockabilly and studio recording.

The inclusion of a carry bag and additional tape adds practical value, especially for a specialist mechanical effect.

This example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition.

Best Suited For: Vintage tape echo enthusiasts, blues and classic rock guitarists, boutique effects collectors and recording studios.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Digital tape echo emulations, conventional analogue delay pedals and vintage-inspired compact echo units.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender-style valve amplifiers, Marshall-style amplifiers, vintage electric guitars, overdrive pedals and studio recording equipment.

Our Tip: Try the Low tape speed with darker echo tone settings for a warm vintage sound, or switch to High speed for clearer, more articulate rhythmic delays.

Showroom Advice: Genuine tape echo offers a different playing experience from conventional stompboxes. The mechanical tape system rewards careful maintenance, while the echo controls and movable playback head provide exceptional creative flexibility.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Fulltone Tube Tape Echo from Fair Deal Music offers the opportunity to own a specialist boutique analogue effect with genuine historical and musical appeal.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition grading, clear product information and transparent descriptions of included accessories.

This particular Fulltone TTE is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and includes a carry bag and additional tape.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned analogue tape echo unit, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

As a mechanical tape echo, the unit should be packed and transported carefully, with the tape mechanism and enclosure appropriately protected.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find equipment suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including boutique guitar effects, vintage pedals, electric guitars, amplifiers, basses and keyboards.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Fulltone Tube Tape Echo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Fulltone Tube Tape Echo in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does it come with a carry bag?

Yes. A carry bag is included.

Does it come with additional tape?

Yes. Additional tape is included with this unit.

Is the Fulltone Tube Tape Echo a genuine tape delay?

Yes. It uses physical magnetic tape and dedicated recording and playback heads to create its echo effect.

Does it contain real valves?

Yes. The TTE design uses two 12AX7 valves and one 12AU7 valve.

What is the difference between tape echo and digital delay?

Tape echo records and plays back sound using magnetic tape, introducing natural changes in frequency response, saturation and pitch. Digital delay uses electronic processing to create and reproduce repeats.

Can I adjust the delay time?

Yes. The TTE uses a movable playback head and selectable tape speeds to adjust delay time.

What is the maximum delay time?

The original TTE design offers approximately 1.3 seconds of delay in Low Speed mode at the factory adjustment.

What does the Echo Repeats control do?

It adjusts the amount of feedback, determining how many times the delayed signal repeats.

Can it create slapback echo?

Yes. Short delay settings are particularly effective for rockabilly, country and vintage rock and roll sounds.

Does it work with stereo amplifiers?

Yes. The TTE provides stereo output capabilities with three selectable stereo configurations.

Can I use it with one amplifier?

Yes. It supports conventional mono operation.

Does it have true bypass?

Yes. The original TTE design features a true-bypass switch.

Can I use an external footswitch?

The TTE design includes an Echo Cancel connection for a compatible external footswitch.

Does the tape need replacing?

Magnetic tape is a consumable and may require replacement as part of normal long-term maintenance.

Does it require maintenance?

Yes. Like other genuine tape echo machines, the TTE benefits from appropriate tape-path cleaning and periodic maintenance.

Can it be used for studio recording?

Yes. Genuine tape echo is particularly valued in recording environments for its distinctive harmonic character and evolving delay textures.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. Its warm repeats and valve-based audio path are especially appealing for expressive blues guitar.

Can it be used for ambient music?

Yes. Longer delays and increased feedback create spacious, evolving echo textures suitable for ambient and experimental music.

Does it run from a standard 9V pedal supply?

No. The Fulltone TTE is a mains-powered tape echo machine.

Can I part-exchange another effects unit towards this Fulltone TTE?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers boutique effects pedals, amplifiers and other musical equipment for part exchange.