A rare piece of Swedish effects history, the Kent Eko Unit was sold by AB Albin Hagström of Älvdalen during the early 1960s. It is closely related to the legendary British Watkins Copicat and combines genuine tape echo with unmistakable vintage character.
An endless ¼-inch tape loop passes across multiple playback heads, producing warm, organic echoes that become progressively darker and more textured with every repeat. The slight movement and natural degradation of the tape create the depth and modulation that modern digital delays try to emulate.
The unit features two independent inputs with separate volume controls, making it suitable for guitar, vocals or other instruments. The Swell control adjusts the echo level, while Reverb controls the amount of feedback and number of repeats. The Halo, Eko and Repet switches provide different echo patterns and can be combined for everything from short slapback to dense, atmospheric multi-head repeats.
The original two-tone carrying case is included and forms part of the unit itself. The exterior and control panel display attractive age-related wear, oxidation and patina consistent with an original piece from the early 1960s.
Controls and features
-
Vintage mechanical tape-echo system
-
Endless ¼-inch magnetic tape loop
-
Multiple playback heads
-
Halo, Eko and Repet selector switches
-
Swell control for echo level
-
Reverb control for feedback and number of repeats
-
Two inputs with individual volume controls
-
Original integrated carrying case
-
Manufactured for AB Albin Hagström, Älvdalen, Sweden
-
220V, 50Hz
-
Power consumption: 45W
-
Approximate dimensions: 38 × 18 × 15.5 cm
Condition
This is a vintage unit with visible cosmetic wear, scratches, oxidation and aged hardware. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Due to its age, the unit should be inspected and serviced by a qualified technician experienced with vintage valve and tape equipment before regular use. The tape, moving components, capacitors and mains wiring may require maintenance or replacement.
A wonderfully characterful and highly collectible tape echo for the studio, vintage-effects enthusiast or Hagström collector.
Sold as a vintage used item.
