The Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Signature is a delay pedal built as an emulator, in Guitar World's words, "and then some" of a vintage Binson Echorec echo unit. It is a signature edition of the Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Delay, launched by Foxgear in March 2023 as a 10th-anniversary celebration by the Italian designers at Gurus, and it carries Lukather's own settings printed in green under the controls12.
The pedal runs on 12V DC, not the voltage many standard pedals use. Guitar World's report states you will need a 12V output from a pedalboard power supply to make it run1.
What makes it the signature edition
The difference is on the faceplate. This edition comes with Lukather's settings highlighted in green text under the controls, marked by his tech, Jon Gosnell, so the sounds he uses are easy to find1. Among the controls, the Mix Volume sets the level of the repeats1.
The launch also carries a charitable element: some proceeds from the pedal go to Ed Asner's Family Center For Autism2.
Who uses it
The pedal is on Steve Lukather's board, and it is not a passing thing. Lukather has used variations of the Echosex since it was first launched in 2014, according to Guitar World1. His endorsement of the pedal is blunt:
"The Gurus Echosex 3 is the most important and used piece of gear I have, it's always on and it's a big part of my sound"
MusicRadar's review quotes him along the same lines: "The Gurus Echosex 3 is the most important and used piece of gear I have, it's always on and it's a big part of my sound"2. His tech Jon Gosnell has also demoed the signature Echosex 3º units on Lukather's pedalboard for MusicRadar3.
Lukather's wider career gives some context for the sound he asks of it: Strymon's artist page notes that "Lukather has played with many artists, released several solo albums"4. His rig has drawn attention elsewhere too, with Guitar World's 2022 rig tour showing Alex Skolnick playing Lukather's Ernie Ball Music Man signature guitar, the Luke III5.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review of the Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Delay called it "One of the best-looking delays out there"2.
Questions
What power supply does the Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Signature need?
The pedal needs a 12V DC supply from a pedalboard power supply, according to Guitar World's report on the launch. That is a higher voltage than the 9V many pedals use, so it is worth checking that your power supply has a 12V output before adding it to a board.
Who makes the Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Signature?
The pedal comes from Gurus, the Italian designers behind the Echosex line, and the signature edition was launched by Foxgear in March 2023. MusicRadar describes it as a 10th-anniversary edition of the Echosex made for Steve Lukather.
What do the green settings under the controls mean?
The signature edition carries Lukather's own settings, highlighted in green text under the controls by his guitar tech, Jon Gosnell. The idea is that a player can dial the pedal straight to the sounds Lukather uses on stage without guessing at the knobs.
Does Steve Lukather leave the Echosex on all the time?
Yes. Lukather has said the Echosex 3 is the most important and used piece of gear he has, that it is always on, and that it is a big part of his sound. Guitar World notes he has used variations of the Echosex since it was first launched in 2014.
How much does the Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Signature cost?
Guitar World reported a list price of $429 when the pedal was launched in March 2023. Some of the proceeds go to Ed Asner's Family Center For Autism.
Sources (5)
- Foxgear launches the Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Signature pedal, the “always-on” Echorec emulator that gives the Toto guitarist his secret sauce, Guitar World, 2023-03-23
- Gurus Echosex 3º Steve Lukather Delay review, MusicRadar, 2023-03-22
- See Steve Lukather's talented guitar tech Jon Gosnell demo his pedalboard, MusicRadar, 2023-09-06
- Steve Lukather, Strymon, 2011-11-10
- Watch Alex Skolnick demo Steve Lukather's live rig and reveal what's on the Toto guitarist's pedalboard, Guitar World, 2022-07-14
