Kastam JSH SS100 & Melos Tape Echo "Chambers"

  • Thread starter Thread starter vinyvamos
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vinyvamos

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Just managed to acquire one of each of these from a friend of mine who had no use for them :-). Both seem to be working although I am waiting on tape cartridges from fleabay. The belts are saggy in both so they'll be replaced ASAP. Been trying to find info and user's thoughts on these and was wondering what you guys think of them. Up until now I've been using a spare Tascam 48 for tape echo which works great (especially for stereo ping-pong effects!) but not exactly practical.

I'd also be interested in finding out when these were made. The Kastam/JSH unit takes an 8-track cassette cartridge whereas the Melos takes a smaller but similar shaped catridge which is also used in the Univox echo unit I believe.

I run a 100% analog setup so these are an ideal addition! Depends how wonderful/crap they sound I guess.

And finally, anyone any ideas on creating reverb with one of these? I'm thinking I'd have to run it pretty fast to get the delay short enough... hmmm!
 
aghhhhhh, the Melos ....... Brings back memories of the 1970's when the band I was in had a singer with one of these. It was then plugged into a valve PA system with column speakers, talk about retro. The next band I was in used my WEM copycat, which i sold to them when I left the band, silly move.

Those were the days.

Found this pic of a Melos, there were a couple of models but you get the idea.

alan.

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There ya go :-). You can see the cassette/cartridge slot in the back of each unit in these photos, the Kastam one having a bigger slot for an 8-track cartridge. You can see the serial number of the Melos unit. Anyone with any ideas of dating on this one I'd be eager to hear :-). As for the Kastam the serial number didn't show up in the photo. I'll have to look closer later...

The Kastam only has a number of selectable speeds/delays so it won't be as versatile as the Melos, however the Kastam seems to be slightly better internally, having 3 separate heads for record, play and erase. I think the Melos has Erase and play in the same head...
 
I remember seeing the Melos units on ebay quite a lot, but they didn't always come with the cartridge. I plumped for a Copicat in the end.
 
Yea I have been holding out for a Copicat but these two just fell into my hands for free so I'm gonna give 'em a go and see. Could always re-engineer them if they do sound appauling :-P... Just paid about 10 euro for a blank 8-track cartridge and about 30 euro for a small cartridge for the Melos so it hasn't set me back much yet :-).
 
Very cool units! I can't imagine they wouldn't sound good.
 
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