Binson echo units were initially introduced in the late 1950's. The technology of those times limited studio effects to tape delays, plate and room reverbs and valve compression, and the music of the day demanded very little else. The advantages of the Binson over other proprietary echo machines of the day were quality sound, quietness, and stability, which few other echo units of the fifties, sixties, or later could offer. Indeed, until the introduction of the delay pedal, Binsons were pretty much untouchable for overwhelming quality all round. This didn't come cheaply, however, when one considers the price of a Baby Binson in 1962 was around £140. Compare that with an AC30 at £119, or a Strat for £160 !
Binsons were unique in their construction, utilising a specially designed steel/alloy disc or drum, which carried a durable flat metal 'tape'. The life of these drums are 40 years plus at the time of writing. The drum was driven by a powerful AC motor, in most cases, via a rubber jockey wheel, which kept the transport very stable. Record and playback heads were arranged around the drum periphery, the longest delay, or playback echo being a nominal 350 - 375 milliseconds.
The first models were simple four knob designs which gave 12 separate echo selections from one head alone to complex multitap effects. Record level, playback and regeneration ( feedback ) was also adjustable. This set-up was included on models B1, B2, Echomaster1, T5, T5E, and Baby. The T5 did feature six knobs but was essentially the identical machine. Binson also manufactured for other companies so one will find Sound City and Guild units, and some under the EKO brand.
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The full size units all featured three separate selectable channels through which separate instruments could be played. There are however some custom units in Europe without these, and of course no Baby's were made with them. Also, late B2 machines had a send/return socket to enable the unit to be used with a mixing desk.
The next series of machine started with the T7E, with which it is possible to obtain lush sweeping echoes and preset reverbs. This facility was available on the Echomaster 2, most of the Guild series, and the larger 19" sized studio machines, notably the PE603 TU, which was available in valve and transistor format. These units had another facility, that of playing back on one selected head and feeding back on another. This, coupled with the breathtaking reverbs, gave an unparalleled effect palette to the musician or engineer. A smaller Guild unit with six heads was available at this time, and a full size transistor 603 also with six heads. Stereo units also exist, with one motor, two jockey wheels, and two drums, running four or six heads per drum! One can only imagine the possibilities!
The last incarnation was the EC3 which despite its more 'modern' appearance, includes all the features of the T7E and 603 series, making it a very versatile and useable echo. Binson finally made a few T7E units at the end, valve and transistor, some of which featured noise gates. Some models, particularly the Sound City Echomaster, were made with variable speed DC motors, although the adjustment was preset inside the machines.
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