David Gilmour, the iconic guitarist of Pink Floyd, is known for crafting some of the most atmospheric and emotional tones in rock history. Central to his legendary sound, especially during the band’s early to mid-1970s era, is the Binson Echorec. This vintage delay unit played a key role in shaping the lush, expansive soundscapes heard on iconic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and Meddle.
What Is the Binson Echorec?
The Binson Echorec, created in Italy in the 1950s, is a magnetic delay device that differs from conventional tape echo units. Instead of using a tape loop, it employs a spinning drum (or “disc”) coated in magnetic material. The disc, combined with multiple playback heads, creates a warm, rhythmic echo with distinctive tonal characteristics.
What sets the Echorec apart is its ability to generate complex, multi-tap echoes and feedback loops, which give it a swirling, almost reverb-like quality. It also allows users to select combinations of playback heads, enabling unique rhythmic patterns and textures that are more dynamic than traditional delay effects.
David Gilmour and the Echorec
David Gilmour embraced the Echorec early in his career, making it a centerpiece of his sound during Pink Floyd’s peak creative period in the 1970s. It’s prominently featured on tracks such as:
“Echoes” (Meddle, 1971): The Echorec’s rhythmic delay adds depth and dimension to Gilmour’s haunting lead lines, creating an ethereal, underwater vibe.
“Time” (The Dark Side of the Moon, 1973): The cascading, syncopated delay during the solo is a perfect example of the Echorec’s ability to produce multi-dimensional textures.
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” (Wish You Were Here, 1975): Gilmour’s smooth, sustained leads are enriched by the Echorec’s delay, adding a sense of space and grandeur to the track.
Dialing In the Echorec Sound
If you want to replicate the Echorec magic in your own rig, here are some key tips:
Choose the Right Gear Original Binson Echorec units are rare, highly collectible, and very expensive. There are modern pedals and plugins inspired by the Echorec’s sound that are a great choice.
Some excellent options include:
Bison Echorec by UDV Pedals: Compact design and intuitive controls capture the function and characteristics of the original drum head Binson. Also clearly one of the best pedals ever made according to the slightly biased author of this blog.
Catalinbread Echorec: A compact pedal designed to replicate the multi-head functionality and tonal character of the original.
Dawner Prince Boonar: A high-fidelity recreation of the Binson Echorec with authentic controls and sound.
Strymon Volante: While not a direct copy, it includes multi-head echo capabilities inspired by the Echorec. Awesome pedal, but very pricey and complicated controls can be tough to dial in. Use of pre-sets is a must.
Set the Delay Parameters
Delay Time: The Echorec’s delay times were relatively short by today’s standards, ranging from 40ms to 300ms. Gilmour often used shorter delay settings for rhythmic echoes.
Multi-Head Selection: Experiment with combinations of playback heads to create rhythmic patterns. For tracks like “Echoes,” use multiple heads to generate layered, cascading repeats.
Feedback: Keep the feedback (or “swell”) setting moderate to create warm, evolving echoes without overwhelming the dry signal.
Pair It with the Right Tone Gilmour’s Echorec usage worked hand-in-hand with his overall tonal palette:
Amp Tone: He often used Hiwatt amps, known for their clean, punchy sound, paired with a WEM cabinet for rich, warm tones.
Overdrive: Add a mild overdrive, such as a Power Boost or Tube Driver, to enhance sustain and dynamics without overpowering the delay.
Guitar: Gilmour primarily used Fender Stratocasters with single-coil pickups, which provided clarity and articulation perfect for the Echorec’s lush echoes.
Playing Techniques Beyond gear, Gilmour’s playing style is essential to achieving his Echorec tone. His melodic phrasing, use of bends, and impeccable vibrato all contribute to the emotional depth of his sound. To get the most out of an Echorec-inspired effect:
Play Slowly: Let the delays breathe. Gilmour’s solos often focus on long, sustained notes that give the echoes time to shine.
Use Dynamics: Adjust your picking strength to create natural ebbs and flows in the delay response.
Space Between Notes: Gilmour’s mastery of space allows the echoes to become part of the melody, rather than cluttering the mix.
Why the Echorec Worked for Gilmour
The Binson Echorec wasn’t just a delay—it was an instrument in its own right. Its rhythmic, percussive echoes added depth and movement to Gilmour’s playing, helping to create the cinematic, otherworldly soundscapes that defined Pink Floyd’s music. The Echorec’s unique tonal qualities—warm, organic, and textured—perfectly complemented Gilmour’s soulful, melodic approach to the guitar.
Modern Applications
While vintage Echorecs are hard to come by, the essence of their sound lives on through modern recreations. Incorporating an Echorec-inspired delay into your rig can add a rich, dynamic layer to your playing, whether you’re chasing Gilmour’s tone or exploring your own creative ideas.
Conclusion
David Gilmour’s use of the Binson Echorec is a testament to how the right gear, combined with masterful technique, can elevate music to timeless heights. By blending soulful playing with innovative effects, Gilmour crafted tones that continue to inspire guitarists across generations. Whether you’re soloing over “Shine On” or exploring your own sonic landscapes, channeling the Echorec’s magic can add an unmistakable depth and beauty to your sound.
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