Vintage-Accurate 1970s Solid-State Maestro Echoplex Preamp
The Chase Tone Secret Preamp is a faithful recreation of the most sought-after Echoplex EP-3 preamp circuits—renowned for their ability to enhance guitar tone in subtle but powerful ways.
In the late '60s and early '70s, Echoplex tape delays transitioned from tube-based designs to solid-state models like the EP-3. While not all EP-3s were created equal—some degraded the signal or sounded lifeless—a select few became legendary for their ability to fatten tone, add harmonic complexity, and introduce a subtle phase shift that brought out musical mids and highs.
Even when the delay was bypassed, players like Page, EVH, and Gilmour noticed something special happened when their signal passed through the EP-3 preamp. That “secret sauce” became a foundational part of many iconic tones.
Over a decade ago, Kyle Chase set out to capture the magic of those legendary EP-3 units. The result is the Secret Preamp—painstakingly tuned using vintage-spec JFETs and components to deliver consistent, musical results.
Key Applications:
• Use it as a transparent boost to enhance harmonic content and touch sensitivity.
• Add depth and dimensionality—your “normal” tone, but bigger and better.
• Place it before or after an analog delay for authentic Echoplex-style coloration.
• Run it after a vintage-style fuzz to recreate the sound of a cranked amp pushing a fuzz box.
Chase Tone Secret Preamp Features
• Faithful recreation of the most desirable EP-3 solid-state preamps
• Switchable EQ voicings: Bright (early EP-3), Dark (later EP-3), and Mid (hybrid voicing)
• Works equally well at unity gain or as a subtle boost
• Vintage 1970s-spec JFETs, cherry-picked for optimal response
• Accurate vintage-value resistors and capacitors
• True Bypass switching
• Power: 9V DC
• Current Draw: 150mA
• Dimensions: 4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5"
Specs
| Type | Preamp |
| Condition | New |
| Power | 9V DC |
| Current Draw | 100mA |
| Power supply included | No |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year |
| Country of Origin | United States |
FREE SHIPPING
- Free shipping within Canada.
- Free shipping to the USA.
- Free shipping on international orders over 520$.
Visit the Shipping page for more.
Fast Delivery
- Canada : 1 - 2 business days
- USA : 1 - 2 business days
- Rest of the world: 3 - 5 business days.
Hassle-Free Returns
You have 45 days to test your new gear. If you choose to return it, we’ll send a full refund. It’s that simple: no bogus restocking fees or charges.
Visit the Returns page for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q : Is this item in stock? +
A : On product pages, you can find an availability status.
Products with the mention 'In stock' are in stock and ready to ship.
Products with the mention 'Out of stock' are not currently in stock.
For out of stock products, you can ask to get notified as soon as the item is back in stock.
Enter your email in the ‘Email me when available’ field and you’ll be kept in the loop.
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Q : Where are you located? +
A : We’re in Blainville, Quebec, Canada.
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Q : When will my order ship? +
A : Orders placed before 2PM EST ship on the same business day.
An update with tracking details will be sent shortly after purchase.
(Please note: business days don’t include weekends and holidays)
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Q : How much does shipping cost? +
A : Shipping to Canada and the USA is free on most orders.
Shipping to the rest of the world is free on orders over $520 CAD.
Visit the Shipping page for more infos.
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Q : What shipping method do you use? +
A : Orders ship via UPS Expedited by default.
For faster delivery, UPS Express Saver can be selected at checkout.
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Q : What payment methods do you accept? +
A : We accept major credit cards and PayPal.
Financing options are also available through Klarna or RBC PayPlan.
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Q : Do you charge sales taxes to Canadians? +
A : Canadian residents are asked to pay sales taxes:
Alberta: 5%.
British Columbia: 5%.
Manitoba: 5%.
New Brunswick: 15%.
Newfoundland and Labrador: 15%.
Northwest Territories: 5%.
Nova Scotia: 14%.
Nunavut: 5%.
Ontario: 13%.
Prince Edward Island: 15%.
Quebec: 14.975%.
Saskatchewan: 5%.
Yukon: 5%.
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Q : Are there import charges on international shipments? +
A : Our prices do not include duties or taxes.
Customers outside of Canada are responsible for duties and taxes.
To estimate potential import fees, please consult a duty cost calculator.