Yamaha E1005 Delay

Knobs

This is great delay unit. It doesn't have that little white noise with each repeat like many analog delays. It will absolutely destroy any delay pedal.

Very dark repeats. Gives a nice feeling of movement that makes you feel like the sound is drifting away though a non-linear space. It can also be very goth or horror movie sounding with some modulation settings.

This is the same thing as the yamaha e1010 but it's a table top unit and you only have two delay length settings. Has the same sound and equal deley time available.

This is a great delay unit.

Not so easy to use. You'll have to spend some time setting the input knobs, or you'll get unwanted distorsion. After some more time, you'll find out that there is no way to avoid distorsion on heavily picked bass notes with a guitar. By the way you'll fall in love with this unit, and you won't care anymore about this.

This is the only analog delay I've ever played with, so I can't compare with any other. But this thing sound so amazing I still can't believe I got it for 25 euros. The delay is ... I just can't find the words. It adds life to my sound, it makes me feel like I'm playing in heaven! I have a crappy yamaha guitar and a beatiful fender hot rod deluxe, and I feel like I could play the worst guitar in the world and still hear a beautiful natural sound. The delay is SO good. Not so long (about 420 ms), but hey it's analog. You want clean clear cold sound? This is the opposite.

But this is not enough. I still haven't told you about the best thing of this unit, the Modulation. It's just 2 knobs on right, setting the speed and depht. Get them right, and you'll make your guitar weep. It sounds so original that I couldn't compare with anything. It's not flanging, not phase shifting, not chorusing, not detuning, maybe doing all of these things togheter, and not sounding like any of them. Believe me, I couldn't tell you more. Just that I forgot to mention the Karma Police-outro like effect that you can achieve with the highest feedback and delay settings, and some other cool things, like spaceships landing, or out of control feedback wasting your ears and the speakers of your amp, or everything you can do with this marvel that I still haven't found out.

20 years and not a scratch. Just some dust on the knobs, and some minor problems with the input jack.

There's still the manual on the site. Couldn't ask for more, it's 20 years old and discontinued

For 25 euros it's the best deal of my life. It would have been even for much much more. I don't like Yamaha instruments, but this is an exception. If you're looking for a warm and natural delay with "something" more, and you usually don't play much power chords or don't care if they get a little distorted, GET THIS THING.

As someone pointed out earlier, it takes a bit of trial and error to reach what you are looking for, but after that you tend to grow into liking the freedom it offers. Great for those quick crencendo-chaotic endings.

I play a '77 Telecaster through a 1964 Vox AC-30, mainly using the Boss FZ-2 Hyperfuzz, DOD Tube Screamer and Danelectro Reverb. Lots of Ebow and slide, too. The E-1005 is a key element, since it is absolutely perfect for creating smooth drones. It will enhance both purity and noise, depending on the input signal, and adds a certain amount of crisp distortion of its own on high input levels. I've used it with an old Crumar Stringman synth as well, and that's a combination that surely does turn a few heads...

I've used it for 15 years now. Apart from normal wear, it been working flawless apart from a glitching power cord that has been replaced. The box itself is pretty solid and has been the object of quite a few minor accidents...

Manual still exists on website. Hallelujah!

I truly love the E-1005, and would do almost anything to have it replaced if stolen. I've tried using others delays, but nothing comes close. This is so much much more.

I've been playing all sorts of alternative music, much of it in the My Bloody Valentine/Spiritualized-vein, and for that purpose E-1005 is king.

All big knobs. Knobby goodness. No presets.

Better than any other analog delay I've tried. I use it in my bass rig, and the circuit's natural hi-cut is the shizznizzle, for rizzle. The modulation sounds great, too, if you use it in concert with other effects. Here's the hot ticket, though: take the lid off, you'll see a bunch of tiny little plastic slotted-head screw-type adjusters mounted about the circuit board. With these, you can fine-tune the parameters for all of the front panel functions. Before I messed with these, the unit wouldn't go into out-of-control feedback. After I adjusted the feedback adjustment, it will. The slowest delay time wasn't very slow: now I can get a reeeaaaaaallllllyyyyyy lllllloooooonnnnnnnggggggg delay. There's even a fine tune for the high-frequency cut-off in the circuit, so you can adjust the sound quality. This, in my opinion, is the key to the machine, assuming that the delay as it came to me was adjusted to the factory settings.

A couple of issues with busted jacks and dirty pots, but I've got it rack-mounted in my stage rig, and it hasn't died through a bunch of shows and a couple of tours, and even having the whole rack fly off of my speaker cabinet a couple of times during transit.

repaired it myself. The circuit's laid out so dummies like me can understand what's going on.

I play noise-punk-funk. Have been playing bass for 13 years. I own a grip of gear, here's my set-up:
Kramer aluminum neck bass--ZVEX Woolly Mammoth fuzz-- Boss Phase Shifter-- EH flanger-- Danelectro analog delay-- EH Electric Mistress Filter Matrix-- Yamaha analog delay-- Ernie Ball Musicman Audiophile 5001 head-- homemade 1x18'' cabinet-- homemade 2x10'' cabinet

First off, this thing is not easy of use. It's not like a delaypedal or something, you really have to fiddle with the knobs and see what sound you want. Also, I've spent about a day trying to figure out where this thing sounds best (in my effects loop or in the chain). BUT! I've finally got the Yamaha E1005 nicely fit into my setup.

And that is the next thing, my setup. Here it is: (Guitar)Godin Radiator -> (Chain)Boss TU2 Tuner - Boss Twah - Digitech Whammy Reissue - Yamaha E1005 -> (Amp)Rivera Knucklehead 55 -> (FXloop) Electro Harmonix '73 Smallstone.
In this setup I must say that the Yamaha has it's own character, It's typically analog but it has got it's own sound and has more knobs to dial than a regular pedal delay (or, if you're going to compare this thing, more knobs than a Boss DM100). This makes this unit a bit more versatle than other delay units.
About the quality of the effect: It's a very bright sounding echo and of course it does the weird spacy analog delay effect when you turn the delayknob. But I must say, you really have to spend some time with this thing, to really get to know it. In my setup it sounds best in front of my amp, because when I put it in the effects loop, the Yamaha cuts down the volume and starts to overdrive because the input is developed for instruments and mics. If you use a distortion pedal, just put it in the front of the delay by the way.
So, the effect sounds great but another great thing is, that this unit is not well known. You really are an original with this thing and so is the sound. The manual is still on the Yamaha internet website (this is the download link: http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/pa/english/signal/E1005E.pdf)
The funny thing is: don't use the settings from this manual, because what they describe as "flanging" doesn't even sound like a flanger.
I don't really like comparing this thing to what other artists do, but you can get every sound, from a nice 80's chorus-type sound to the full Mars Volta psycho space attack. Just get to know the unit.

Well, I think it's reliable, when I got this thing I did have to clean up the knobs a bit. But hey... it's 20 years old. Nice sturdy front and the knobs can't break off because they aren't sticking out. So reliability is A-OK

Well, you won't get any service on this thing from Yamaha anymore, but that's usual with these old effects. But they still have the manual up on their website, now THAT is customer support.

I play psyched spacy progressive music and yes... this unit fits in there very nicely. For the price paid (60 euros) this thing is a bargain for the sound it has. If it were stolen I'd go look for another analog delay, if I'd find the Yamaha again, I'd buy it. But chances are you won't find it again, so buy it while you still can. If you see unit somewhere 2nd hand, don't hesitate: just buy it.

Just plug the guitar or whatever in and after a brief tweaking, you WILL get a good sound out of it.
There is no memoryslots whatsoever, because the machine is totally analog. Sometimes I use a pencil and a paper to write down good sounds, but that is seldom.

It is analog. The delayed sound seems like the original sound would've been converted from 16bit to 8bit, if you get the point..

The device is lo-fi, but that equals "personality"; there is absolutely no other delay that would produce same kind of sounds.
You like it or you hate it.

Atm I use the E1005 in my "home studio". The setting is:
Guitar (Handmade Telecaster, or ESP Strat) to a Boss Amp Factory (amplifier modelling device, a pretty good one imho) through the E1005 straight into my soundcard (Hercules Gametheatre XP 7.1).
I use it for recording vocals also.

Outside my studio I use it like this:
Guitar - Crybaby - Boss Super Shifter - Boss Dual Distortion - Big Muff Pi U.S. - Ibanez Tonelok Delay/Echo - 70's Yamaha Analog Chorus - Yamaha E1005 - '79 Fender Twin Reverb.

The flanger is quite lame, but I love the delay.

It is possible to create outer space fx with the feedback knob full on and twisting the delay time knob back and forth.

You can use it as a overdrive / fuzz when you turn up the input gain and switch the "Instrument / Mic" - button to Mic.

I give it a 7 because of it's personality. It is not very versatile.

I bought the thing in summer 2002 and immediately it broke.
Or at least I thought it was broken until I noticed, that one of the screws was too tight. I loosened up the screw, and ABRACADABRA, the machine works as good as new.

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This is a good _analog_ delay. If you like retro-sounds, you'll love this one. I will continue using this piece of machinery until it wears off.

In a few seconds I figured out the controls and with a little searching i founs some cool sounds.
I never had a manual, but with common sence you don't need one.
This unit is about 20 yrs old? (found a old waranty seal)

I use a Vester Stage series guitar and a self build guitar on a Samick amp and on a little self made studio amp (like the Deaky amp).
There isn't so much noise but when you turn the delay of witch a foot switch it will suck the treble out, not much but it gets aliitle bit moosy. The effekt always sounds great.
I once had a liitle bit the dubbing of Brian May but to get the real sound I'll need another delay unit.
The effect is great, just from a little delay line, a kind of chorrus to hyper delay or flangling. Its al in that box it took me a few days to find them all.

I made a little stompbox with an DPDT switch for treu bybass, cause the tone sucking...........

You can depent on it for 99.99% never blown a fuse opr something like that. It always sounds good en never gets hot.
Yeah i would go to a gig without back up!

No comment, never used the services.
But i'm still searching for the orginial circuits schemes, cause I would like to build one on my own.

I play from classic to metall and I use it from classic (little delay for "surround") to rock (chorus, flangler).
If it got stolen I would break the legs of the thief, 'cause I'm hooked on using it and they are hard to get in Holland.
My favourite setting is Chorrus and a second line (dubbing).

can take a while to figure out, but if you know what you are goin for it's easy like a standard delay, but with a switch for short (really short) or long (about 400ms or so)delay. also has a modulation control (like a chorus pedal), with the short repeats it works like an interesting cross between a flange and chorus, but in long repeats it gives you anything from slightly out of pitch repeats (ala the drums in "when doves cry" to full on spaceship infinite repeats

the echo is supreme!!, but with guitar it kills the tone and the volume of the original signal, and in the studio it is noisy (but its worth it for vocals, drums, etc.)the analog delay rocks!

i've had mine for years and its never done me wrong. dont ask Yamaha about it though...

yamaha's customer service is not so good

i got this at a Texas pawn shop in 1990,and it produces lush delay, and will infinite repeat forever as well (will blow your equipment up to, if you let it)i just wish it was quieter

Very easy to use, set the delay (long/short) if you want chorus/flanger set the depth and speed till you hit a sound you like. Don't have manual.

Used with analog synths, Very warm, noise free analog sound, slight noise evident on the longer chorus type effects on low freq sources (but like I said, slight) Always sounds good, Heavy use of the chorus on detuned osc's give very phat vintage sound.

I had one 20 years ago, this one looks like the same one condition wise, still working, no repairs made as unit has never failed, yes would use live without backup, (always carry spare fuse though)

N/A

I play an old fashioned kind of electronic music, early Tdream ect, very useful for this, I've been playing 25 years. All my gear is analog except my M-audio soundcard 24/96 and Lexicon MPX200. Yamaha CS5, Moog Prodigy, Roland Sh-09. Juno 60. CSQ-600, Boss Dr55, MC4b microcomposer.

Not hard at all to get a great sound out of this thing, unless you accidentally run instruments through the mic-only input. On a similar note, if you're using it as an aux send from a mixing board, I think kit sounds best hooked up through the "delay" output. A manual is completely unneccessary. The feedback can sometimes send this thing into outer space and threaten the very existence of your speakers, but hey thats a good thing.

I'm using this with a Mackie mixer on keyboards, drum machines and samplers. Figuring out a good balance takes a little effort - don't try to do it at the show. Its not noisy whatsoever which is a major selling point. The delay sounds completely awesome. I'm used to guitar delay effects like old Ibanez, MXR, etc. This is in a different league - a very polished and clean sound yet totally analog. Hearing that Rush used this is pretty hilarious but makes sense. It can produce some very "80's futuristic" sounds, particularly when using the modulation, which is almost like a filter of its own, a very wet sounding one at that. I want to try making some percussion samples using the modulation. Also if you want infinite feedback and waves of percussive delay this is your box. I have never used a tape delay, so I can't compare, but analog delays can be hit and miss and this one is definitely a hit. Its from '83, come on this is the real deal.

Completely dependable, just don't drop it on the ground. I don't feel like i need a backup for this, but hell if you feel the need you can grab another one for under $150.

Yeah right. Not for this ancient dinosaur.

I play real droney spaced out stuff ala Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine, etc and this fits the bill perfectly. It gives new life to otherwise dry sounding mid-eighties keyboards (especially when combined w/ my moogerfooger filter). If it broke I would probably buy another one. I think its perfect for bands who play shows and tour because it sounds authentic but is reliable. Oh, this can also produce flanger sounds, if you're into that, personally I think its a little too Van Halen (i wouldn't be surprised if their producers had one). Anyway, for the price this can not be beat. Roland Space Echoes are going for like 400 bucks and even old guitar pedals are pushing 200. Get one before these become the next trend.

Very easy to use,2nobs for input level 1 for delay length,1 for feedback,1 for mix level,1 for modulation and depth there is also 1 switch for inst/mic and short/long delay.

I tried it in front of my amp and in the FX loop and have good sound every time.Not noisy at all thru my amp PV Renown,not the best amp but works for me.The delay on my unit is pretty long ,from close to 0 to 420ms,I compared the delay length to the one on my GT-3 and had to go to 420ms to match.For guitar its a good delay machine,I read somewere that you can turn some screws inside to make the delay longer but the sound qualety goes down.

Its about 20 years old and works fine ,so I would say its pretty reliable and I do not have a backup.

NA

I like to play every thing from classic rock to metal and blues to jazz.Have been at it for 20+ years .If lost or stolen I would try to find another one or DM-2.I like every thing about it exept the size ,like the other review I wish it was smaller,like half rack.

knobs. as easy as it gets. never owned a manual. never needed one.

it is ALL analog. the delays NEVER overpower the original signal.
HOWEVER,..you can get some very unique effects when the mix is
cranked to full wet. there are modulation controls and seperate
delay and mix outputs. i have tried repeatedly to reproduce some of
the sounds (i can can get out of this unit) with digital gear,..but to
no avail. it can produce warm echoes as well as some of the best
"smeared" ambient soundscapes that your imagination can drum up.
it takes up about 2 spaces in your rack. it's big and chunky. if i
could take it apart and re-assemble it in a 1/2 rack unit i would.
but i couldn't live without it. it's not "pristine" by any means,..
but that's what's GOOD about it.

pots need the occasional cleaning. it's an old horse, but still works.

never bothered.

i prefer ambient and atmospheric music. this device fits the bill
very nicely for certain applications. in fact, i own TWO of these.
if you were a keyboard player this would be like an old Moog or a Roland Juno,...tweak the knobs and get new and unexpected results
everytime. i like that.