How many members use reel to reel decks here ?

[Vintage TX]

I know some nice guys still roll those reels, but maybe there is more :dunno:
Dingus Bob and Jon Tee got a couple of decks but is that it ?
Looking forward to some answers.
Thanks :)

[Vintage TX]

Sorry Dingus Boy, just messed up here:(
Tired today....

[Punker X]

TX,

Use mine quite often. Record some blues programs during the weekend then listen to them during the week.

Grumpy and I also swap recordings of new vinyl we have aquired.

Use a Pioneer RT-909 and some used Maxell UD 35-180's. I'd like to get a case of new tapes one of these days. Probably Quantex


X

[Vintage TX]

Great, those Maxell tapes are the best I think, shame they don't make them anymore.
Quantegy is good, but I still buy used Maxell if I find any.

[peristalsis]

Have a Pioneer RT-1011, and Sony TC 366 & 377. The 366 was bought new as my first and has had a lot of miles on it archiving vinyl. Mostly using the pioneer nowadays...still archiving but now to tape and CD for the jukebox...john

[grumpy]

My Akai 635D sees regular duty all the time. Dont know what I would do without it. Like punker said I try to stick with the Maxell UD's. I love em. :thmbsp:

[g9000wow]

hey vintage tx, what are you doing over here? this is fine place to kinda hang out ain't it? i use a teac 3300, just purchased a technics 1506 so i am trying some recordings at 15 to see if there is a big or little difference. anyhow, come on up and see me on the weekends when you get a chance. ( i can see your wheels spinning in your head at this point.

[shrinkboy]

yo, vintage!

i don't use a RTR, but i wanna, and i have earmarked your website for when i wanna get that first one. just haven't made the $$ commitment.

i listen to a lot of vintage vinyl, and would love to start archiving, compiling and mixing....

i look at your site quite often, just for grins, and am glad to know you are in texas....i am in dallas, er, excuse me, oak cliff, texas, of which dallas is a major suburb....

shrinkboy

[madpioneer]

A friend's brother in the 80's did not pay on a loan at a pawn shop.Brother pawned his PIONEER RT-909 he had special ordered new for $900 I got it for $175 in '83 with haggling at the pawn shop.
Sold it to my cousin in '85 for $400.Bought it back from said cousin in '93 along with a SG-9500 EQ & SR-303 Expander for $300.
It has had a little history.
But is is superb condition.

It is in operation every weekday morning.Using a DT-500 timer my SPEC-1,SPEC-2 along with the SG-9500,SR-303 & 909 kick on to wake me up and keep me in a state of lite sleep if I happen to doze off.(low volume)
Have been using AMPEX 456 Grand Master 10 1/2" tape exclusively.
If your going to have to get up early for work might as well do it in style and be in a semi good mood instead of :uzi: 'bbeeeep,bbeeep,bbeeep'

Love the stlye and build of the 909 better more than any other.The AKAI GX-747
would be my only other choice in RTR.
But since I am a PIONEER dedicated fan that choice is mute!:eek:

[B3Nut]

Pioneer RT-707 here...used to record a lot of jam sessions and so forth with it. My grandfather got it for me so I could play tapes made on his Sony TC-630...tho the whole family put it to use. Dad had a reel of Christmas music @ 3 3/4ips, with the sensing tape at both ends. We'd have that on continuous play during the holidays. I still have that reel.

It's overdue for a good internal cleaning, pots are scratchy and it's just generally filthy in there.

TP

[BobP]

Pioneer Rt-909. Makes my heart beat stronger even when listening to the ceedees and vinyl. Definitive audio tweak.

There is some kind of magic in those blue fluorescent lights.

[Vintage TX]

There is some tape lovers on this Forum :)
Great collection guys, seems like the silverlooks and Pioneer is most pupular. (so far, maybe there is more ? )
(3) Pioneer RT 909
(1) RT-1011
(1) RT-707
(2) Sony's 366 / 377
(1) Akai GX 635 D
(1) Teac 3300
(1) Technics 1506

Actually recently many people are asking for 707 and 909, still the most popular decks around I think.
The sound is great and the blue lights on the 909 of course ;)
Akai 635 and Technics 1506 is both super-machines :cool:
Pioneer RT-1011 very nice classic look, almost the same as 1020 model. Great sound !
Teac 3300 a classy model and also very popular.
My favorites Sony 366 and 377 for 7 inch decks is also around alot.

Great response guys !:D

[Vintage TX]

whenever you are ready I have a mint RT-707 sitting here if you are interested.
Not a scratch on this machine and all paperwork etc is included + Pioneer metal reel.
A friend of mine went digital :dunno: and want me to find a new home for it ;)

[efhjr]

I have an Ampex 960, but haven't added it to my system yet. It needs a new belt and some TLC, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.

I haven't been able to find any blank or pre-recorded tapes for it, either (not that I've looked too hard).

[Vintage TX]

Hmm, so I know you,, let me guess :confused:
Johnny maybe ;)
or
James :dunno:
Got many friends in Houston that still love the smell of tape-acid :D

[Vintage TX]

that's a tube- model, I use to have one like that.
Kind of portable suitcase style with a lid on it.
Good sounding machine.
I am looking for a Ampex 350 if anyone have that sitting collecting dust.

[shrinkboy]

hey vintage--

not ready to jump just yet, but if you will, PM me with the # of $$'s required to own that pioneer

shrinkboy

[efhjr]

Originally posted by Vintage TX
that's a tube- model, I use to have one like that.
Kind of portable suitcase style with a lid on it.
Good sounding machine.

Yep, that's it exactly. Good to know it's a good-sounding machine (but I didn't have much doubt, because it's full of Telefunken tubes ;) ).

[Kim G]

My RTRs:

Pioneer RT 909
Pioneer RTU-11 with TAU-11
Akai 77

Love my 909!

Kim

[g9000wow]

hey vintage tx, good guess. johnny

[Rock-Ola]

Hi Vintage;
I always wanted a reel to reel back in the 70s but never had the extra money. Now I've got a bunch;
Akai GX-77, GX-220D, GX-230D
Pioneer 1011
Roberts 771X
Sony TC-230, TC-330(Reel to Reel & Cassette combo)
Teac A-1200U, A-4010 GSL
Wollensak

I wonder if cd players will still be working after 30+ years.

[Rock-Ola]

Hi Again;
I forgot to list my best reel to reel which I recently bought locally.
It's a Revox A-77 which is just like new and works perfectly. I like it better than any of my other machines.

[Vintage TX]

Glad there is so many users on AK :D
So far we have 24 decks and 11 owners.
Pioneer is the most popular :p:

[edward897]

My Pioneer RT1020L gets played evey morning while I do my ironing before work. I listen to mostly classical music on it. It's a 4 channel unit. The front channels go into a Sansui Au505 and out to Sansui SP2500X's. The rear channels go out to a Sansui 661 reciever and the speakers are Sansui SP200's.

Lots of wires.

Ed

[Vintage TX]

another Pioneer lover !;)

G9000wow, that's what I thought Johnny.
Sorry did not have time for a visit this weekend either, too much going on at the house here right now..:rolleyes:
But will make it next weekend if you are at the shop.
Heard Teresa mention some problems or advice, right ?

[oldmarantz]

I ve got for Years a Revox B77 don t use it a lot but I keep it !!;)

Dom

[Elbowgeek]

Hi all, I'm new to this board and lovin' every minute of this discussion. Some totally cool people here...


I'm a vinyl/analog nutter who wants to keep it analog as much as possible.

And I have fond memories of a Sony TC230 r-r handed down from my father which served as my first integrated amp. Now that I see them on eBay often, I am ever so tempted to bid, particularly on the wood-clad model. Mine was the rather grotty vinyl convered job which just got plain nasty towards the end of it's life.

For serious recording I'd give anything for a 10" machine, and the 909 is my goal. However, I'd like to build up a fully analog recording studio from the smaller multichannel tape decks from the likes of Tascam and Otari, with eight tracks the minimum (and frankly ideal for anything you might want to do.)

Sorry, just dreaming out loud here

:guitar:

[merrylander]

I was given a Teac 1230 in great condition, just needed a little cleaning. We had a Panasonic RS755S that sounded awful until I put new heads in it, still I prefer the Teac.

Rob

[Gregorius]

I just acquired a Teac A-2300SX for $60. It was still in the original box, styrofoam packing and plastic bag.
I have cleaned and demagged it and it sounds wonderful.
I listen to it through my Scott 299B and Klipsch bookshelf speakers before bed each night.

Greg

[762rob]

Have two RT 707's

Here's one of them w/ wood cabinet at the bottom of this stack.

Have a second one with a vintage Fisher tube power amp and preamp.

The 707 is great - I just use them for playback - there's lots of OOP material out there on R to R's, especially some very reare jazz items.

Would love to own a 909 but I am afraid that's overkill for my use.

[moondog]

I love the sound of Reels. I use a TEAC 3340 that does a nice job. I lust after a big AKAI GX-747 though or maybe a nice Tascam 8 Track would be nice as well. ;)

mOOnie

[stereofisher]

I got back into reel to reel last summer with a purchase of 3 Teacs. Originally, I planned just to get one and ended up with 3! The best one turned out to be the least expensive. Got a Teac A2300 for $100. Works very well and I got a lot of Maxell tapes. Its great using it to make CD's. The tapes sound so good I keep them. My other two were a Teac 7010 and a 4300. Spent a lot on the 7010 which came with 16 rolls of 10 1/2 tape. The 4300 got sold to a friend.

All worked but I did routine maintenance on both. The 7010 does not have as high a frequency response as the 2300, which is newer. They are not hard to work on. Both are over 20 years and had an inch of dirt inside. The motors were easy to oil. Its amazing how well they sound. I use the 2300 to record and the 7010 for playback. It has auto reverse and its fun to see it run. On playback it sounds fine.

Next to LP's these machines sound great. Enjoying the music in southeast NY! :D :D one for each rtr,Eric

[mobydud]

I have an Akai GX 635 that was the centerpiece of my previous Vintage system, some 10-15yrs ago. I got away from the stereo stuff for quite a while, and my Akai has been in long term storage.

But the bug is back..big time :D Thanks to ebay and the Net making it possible to "commune" with like minded folks...Vintage gear is back in my living room. And now my Akai will be as soon as it's back from servicing. It will run through my newly won Pioneer Spec1 (on its way now I hope) hooked to my Pioneer Spec4 that has been seeing more and more use since discovering Audiokarma. :) That and my refreshed Denon 1520 cd player for a source...I can *hardly* wait:D :D

All pumped through my long time cherished a/d/s L 810's.

Stereos are fun again!!:p:

[jphone]

Revox A77 MKII 2 track 15/7.5 ips
Sounds great, runs great.

[GordonW]

3 of them here- one "conventional", two more "unusual":

First the "normal" one: Akai X360D- most recent aquisition, trying to sort out if possible (meter problem).

Next, the more unusual pieces:

3M Revere (pre-Wollensak!) 2200 portable- ~1962 vintage, vacuum tube. Neat piece... cute "modern look" ivory-color case, with stainless steel banding and trim. I was very surprised how GOOD it sounded, it being a portable. I plugged it into the line inputs of a good 2-channel music system, and after recording some tracks from a CD onto it and playing back, it did a pretty darn good faithful job of recreating the original sound- especially for a 41 year old piece of equipment. AFAIK, the only part in it that has ever broken, was one 12AX7, which I replaced... otherwise, except for some cleaning, it's been a trooper.

Rheem Califone 73T reel- another tube unit. This was obviously made for classroom use- definitely the most simply indestructable and user-goof-proof reel I've EVER used. Uses a Roberts/Akai mechanism, tube electronics, self-contained small speakers. Not bad sounding at all, if you jack out of it into a line-in from a good system... not quite the sparkling performer like the Revere 2200, but solid.

Unfortunately, I just don't have space or opportunity, what with all my speaker design pursuits lately, to do anything with any of these, so they're all up for sale. I hate to do this. I'm sure, once they're sold, I'm gonna regret not keeping at least some of them, but I've gotta finance this business-startup speaker building thing somehow... :(

Oh well, I'll still have my myriad turntables and the 1200 LPs, at least...

Regards,
Gordon.

[Retro Stereo]

Hi,
Figured I better chime in.

5 Pioneer RT-707's
1 Pioneer RT-909 (pictured with some SPEC components)
1 Pioneer RT-1011L


Retro

[Dave918]

My RT-707 still sees almost daily use! :guitar:

-Dave

[BobM]

4 track RTR that I used to use quite frequently back in college. Recorded my own midi-keyboard music for quite a few years. It's in the basement now.

I recently pulled it back upstairs, cleaned it out and oiled it. I bought a few tapes off E-Bay but was disappointed in the top end rolloff. Could the caps have gone bad - quite likely since it's about 25 years old now. Then again, it could be the at the tapes are just aged also.

Thoughts?
Bob:dunno:

[Vintage TX]

Hi Bob

Sometimes when testing and recording with old tapes the result can be very misleading.
What kind of tape were you using ?
Stored in a basement can also be a factor, but let it warm up for a couple of hours first, try with a fresh tape and of course clean the heads really good.
These models have a common problem with small corrision on the heads, so check with a magnifier Bob.
Also if you have the sync model with switches on the head-cover check the switches, they can be the problem.

Good Luck and don't trow the towl in yet !:D

[Reel 2 Reel]

Greetings!! I'm a newbie here in this forum ...and glad I found it. Now I just have to figure out how to get picts into the body of the post!! and an avatar pict...(my picts are too large) I have one of those Teac X100Rbl..machines ...Bought it from a pawn shop back in 84 for $500.00..can't beat it..... DBX noise Reduction...over 100 db of dynamic range ...freq resp out to 34,000hz (at 7 1/2 ips) EE tape.. got a few thousand hours on it now ..well hope to get to know a few of you in the future.....

[Reel 2 Reel]

What do ya know!!!!it worked the first time!!!!now that don't happen every day!! (for me anyway)

[bully]

Hi, Gary! Welcome to AK.
Now, just post about your other gear in the appropriate forum (vintage solid state? ;) ).
That is a solid piece of equipment there! Nice.

[Reel 2 Reel]

This is the third open reel machine i've owned..the first was a Pioneer T-600 (I believe..that was a long time ago) and the second was an Akai GX-230D when this one showed up I just had to have it.

Got a lot of hours on it and had to replace the drive motor....wore the brushes right down to nothing.... go figure that one out!!

Now I'd like to get a Pioneer RT-909 to go with the Pioneer "RACK" system I want to put together. The only thing about it is it's not auto reverse in record.....(or is it??) all the lit ive seen on it says "in Playback"..someone could straighten me out on that...

a Teac X-7R would be nice too.......

[grumpy]

Gary

Hi and welcome to AK. Thats one sweet looking deck ya got there. I do believe the 909 is Auto Reverse but only in play mode. In other words you have to flip the tape to record both sides. Now the Rt-901 is exactly the same as the 909 cept no Auto Reverse at all. Hope my memory aint screwing with me :D

Oh yeah nice to see another Michigander here. We may be catching up to those pseky Texans. :p:

Grumpy

[bolly]

I have just one, an Akai GX-747dbx. She is a work of art!

[Dave918]

Man, that sure is purty Bolly!

-Dave

[Vintage TX]

:yes:

[jasonlava]

Originally posted by Vintage TX
I know some nice guys still roll those reels, but maybe there is more :dunno:
Dingus Bob and Jon Tee got a couple of decks but is that it ?
Looking forward to some answers.
Thanks :)

Yes. Vintage TX, I have that exact Akai deck with 8 track. It needs to be cleaned and restored but it works. I am missing the capstan adapter to be able to play 7 3/4"ips. Can anyone help me out?

[Vintage TX]

Hi Jason,

Your model is 1800 SD, right ?

You can buy a new replacement here:
http://www.grandcanyontuberadio.com/capstan%20bushing/capstan_sleeve.htm

But even without the sleeve, speed: 3-3/4 should work.
Set the speed-switch to 7-1/2 and with no sleeve attached 3-3/4 is spinning.:)

[kby]

Finally got the X-2000R back and it seems to be working (reverse record still a little iffy at low speed). Most important was to be able to play old tapes, which are dbx-I encoded on this deck and on EE tape.

Speaking of which, anyone know of a good source? Didn't know it was so tough to get until I tried. Fortunately, bought a case a long time ago and still have 3 unopened plus a couple that aren't really used much and don't have anything of interest on them. I'm mostly interested for that if I ever get back to live recording again--probably not in the immediate future, but some time.

Seems the only maker now is Quantegy, formerly Ampex, and I never used to really like the Ampex tapes, preferring Maxell UDXL (I & II now) for the open reel :(.-kby

[Wardsweb]

I use to have three of these Teac X1000R decks; sold one, parted another and kept this one. I run 3M 996 mastering tape.

[Pioneer727]

Hi Vintage TX Sorry just saw this post. Teac 2300S Reeling every day What a Deck.

[Vintage TX]

Ward, did you buy tapes from Houston ?
Use to be a 3-M location here but no answer anymore when you call or e-mail.:dunno:

Pioneer 727, nice Teac !:cool:

[HarryB]

I bought a Teac A 3000 for $100 about 15 years ago. I still have it. My father gave me a Teac 2300S with the RC 120 remote.
It also came with the Teac oil and the owners manual. His boss bought it new back in 1969 or 1970. He used to tape public hearings. It sat on a shelf for the last 20 years. I had to clean and oil it.
It sounds great.

Harry

[Dynacoman]

Teac's only here
(2) X10-R's
(1) X-3
(1) A 1500 needs work
(1) 4010S
DBX and Dolby units

[wordman001]

Like they said in the 50's "6 turning and 4 burning!"

I've got at least 6 turning here! But I guess you know that Vintage TX . So far none are burning ! Thats a good sign, I think.

I vote TEAC 3300/3440 and I don't even have one yet. Waiting on a 3300SX out of British Colombia to arrive. I won't forget to oil the servo ! Thanks for the heads up!

Maxell UD-35-90 & 180 rules. I worked for Audio Devices in the early 70's and I can tell you that the clarity of the Maxell oxide coating is still the best. ( I have never tried Quantegy)The 1.0 mil polyester in 35-90 & 180 gives a better head wrap than 1.5 mil base material so there is better signal to noise.

Finally, I have to share this with a heavy heart. Vintage TX uses a voltmeter instead of touching the component with a wet finger.

Trivia question of the day! What does the quote " 6 turning and 4 burning" refer to ? Hint : Technology pushed to the point of the rediculous ! - Joe:p:

[Vintage TX]

So that's why your hair is standing up all the time Joe:p:

Wet finger on the runcap will light you up, like a christmas tree.:eek:

[Vintage TX]

Forgot mention the tapes, yes Maxell is still the best, but prices for used is more then goldnuggets:confused:
I think many got scared of Ampex when old 456 came out... that tape is worthless.
But try Quantegy 407, price is good and also quality.

[stereofisher]

Got back in to reel to reels two years ago. I forgot how good they really are. Most of you know I have had five TEACs during that time. I had two 4300's, 2300, a 7010 and a 1230. In my old age, I have seem to have gotten attached to the smaller ones. Sold both 4300 and the 2300. Missed the 2300 and bought the 1230. Its my everyday work horse. Great sounding deck. Kept the 7010 too. Its a beast and impossible to ship, so I will be buried with it. The 1230 sounds better and a keeper too. Been recording some Anita Baker and Steely Dan on BASF nos reels bought off the 'Bay. Still good after 30 years. I don't think TEAC thought they would last this long:D

Regards,

Eric

[wordman001]

Always wanted to know what nos means ! Anybody ? And by the way Vintage, using the wet finger doesn't make my hair stand up ! ( Hair went the way of all flesh some time ago ) A good jolt is a great way to save money on viagra and 4 hours is not so bad !
- Joe :D

[kby]

Originally posted by wordman001
Always wanted to know what nos means ! Anybody ? And by the way Vintage, using the wet finger doesn't make my hair stand up ! ( Hair went the way of all flesh some time ago ) A good jolt is a great way to save money on viagra and 4 hours is not so bad !
- Joe :D

New Old Stock
(something that effectively has been sitting around shrink-wrapped on the shelf for many years)

[wordman001]

Thanks kby !

[Vintage TX]

Joe, you crazy man:D :lmao: :lmao:

[wordman001]

Crazy like a fox..... You're the one that has to try to fix the 266II
:uzi: - Joe

[Vintage TX]

Ooops, that's right Joe.:nerd:

[wordman001]

Hey Vintage, how's it goin Tex ?
Did you figure out the 6 turnin & 4 burnin ?

I am a font of usless information !

[Vintage TX]

Not yet, taking "nudie pictures" right now.:D
Will crawl inside the 2300 later tonight.
Did you buy a volt-meter yet or should I send information how hard is getting at certain voltages when trouble-shooting ?:p:

[Vintage TX]

Here are the 2 decks I been working on.
Otari MX-5050 and Teac A-6300:)

[Vintage TX]

A peek inside of the Teac:cool:

[Vintage TX]

Ready to spin:D

[Vintage TX]

Clean;)

[Dave918]

That is sweet Vintage!! :yes:

-Dave

[Vintage TX]

Thanks Dave.
This one came out pretty good.
Was a low hour machine and not used much.
It plays 3-3/4 and 7-1/2.
With 10-1/2 inchs reels and slow speed, I can listen a looong time before the tape ends.
With high brand tape the result is impressive.
The drive-belt was rotted and hanging inside when I found it.
But new belt and a good tune-up made a big difference.
Installed a new pinch-roller also as the old one had small cracks everywhere.

[Sandy G]

"6 turning & 4 burning" Refers to the B-36 Peacemaker, the last piston engined bomber the USAF had. It had 6 immense radial piston engines, but given its huge size that still wasn't quite enuff power, so 4 auxilary jet engines were fit on it. They never fired a shot in anger, & were the USAF's "Big Stick" until the B-52 became operational about 1955. I don't know if any survived being eventually turned into tin cans or siding. The manufacturer, Convair, had a plan to re-engine these beasts w/jets as the B-60, a rival to the B-52, but the USAF picked the Boeing design. They were one of the largest planes ever made in their day, only being eclipsed by the 707s, DC-8s & 747s. Another bit of useless info is that they rigged up a functioning nuclear reactor on one & flew it around, an attempt to see if planes could fly possibly powered by nuclear power. The project was cancelled, due to safety concerns- what happens if a nukie-powered plane crashes? I remember seeing a picture of the main landing gear on a B-36,& the tyre was taller than a man. -Sandy G.

[Dave918]

I knew I had heard that phrase before!

-Dave

[wordman001]

Sandy G. Right! That is the source of the quote !

You're right on, with the possible exception that I think they were a lot bigger than a 707. The first attempt to make the B-29 into a passanger plane was bigger than the 707 , the Stratoliner I think it was called, length, wingspan etc. The B-36 was constructed by taking an entire B-29 fuselage from behind the cockpit to just before the tail and welding it to another B-29 frame. The wingspan was increased dramatically also. There wasn't anything bigger than that until the 747, I'm pretty sure. - Joe

[wordman001]

Vintage:
That A-6300 wasn't that clean on the assy line !
Fantastic work.... - Joe

[wordman001]

Vintage: Does anyone make new wood sides for teacs, should be very easy. You just need some good old wood ! I've got to check that out. 2300's/3300/s6300's easy to fabricate the sides, just have to check out a source for the wood !

[Pioneer727]

Hi Joe

A Member did the case on the SX-1010 that was in the Raffle check the Raffel Thread thay had got some nice wood for the case cant remember if thay said the sorce.

Ron

[merrylander]

I still use a Teac 1230 that a coworker gave me. Wooden end plates were scruffy so I made new ones out of western cedar. Basic machine is in great shape.

Rob

[jvm23605]

Vintage TX,

I guess I'm the only Sansui man on line...own a SD7000 2/4 Channel Model. The only short coming on mine, is the capstan belt is a trifle loose, and a friend of mine (Ettech) is installing a new one. He also is giving it a complete cleaning up to original spec's.
I have a motley collections of tapes (58 total prerecorded ones, and about 20+ blank ones).
I have yet to listen to one tape!
But my time will come.

John

[AUDITECH]

have 24 rtrs,7 are up and running in systems.150 reels of tape

[Vintage TX]

Hi John

You are not alone owning a Sansui, I have one also, model 5500 if I remember right.:D

Joe, thanks for those nice words about the Teac.;)
Sold it to Japan yesterday:)
Funny, it was made there 20 years ago and now it's going back.

[wordman001]

The Ultimate Testimonial! Shipping A Teac to Japan!

Vintage TX thats like exporting wine to La France !:thmbsp: :thmbsp: :thmbsp:

[dr*audio]

I have 3 decks:
Teac A6010GSL
Sony TC-558
Pioneer RT-707

I also prefer Maxell tape and Scotch 207. TDK is fine, too, but very hard to find. I had too many problems with Ampex 407 to use it anymore.
Hey, I used to have an Ampex 960 and 1260. I still have the service manuals if you need anything. Also the F44.

[Vintage TX]

Joe , I thought that was funny first, but this gentleman is happy as pie.
Shipping was a fortune but arrival in 24 hours for $ 300.00;)
Hope it makes the trip OK, hate to see it busted on arrival...
Never sold a deck to Japan before, only parts.

Dr: Audio:

Some sweet decks there.
How is the Sony 558 soundwise ?
Do you like it ?

:)

[wordman001]

Like Bluefin from the docks at Montauk, packed in ice and air freighted to Osaka !

Teacs packed in Maxel UD-35-90 and air freighted off to Mushashino ! After they see your mods , they'll restart the line !

Joe M.

[smoggyusa]

Might as well chime in here, currently in daily use is a teak 2300s and a 2300sr, no recording just play back. also have a AKAI 1800sd that was in use but decided to slow down? have to look into that soon, also have 2 sansui 7000sd's but havent even had time to hook up so I cant say if they work or not:dunno:

[Brian]

B-36 needed the extra engines because tey mounted the props backwards :).

I had a Revox A77 for years and most recently was looking for Philips N4504 but settled on the 4506 since it was local pickup. It has a couple of issues such as the end of tape solinoids not working and needed to be biased. Will get it done once I decide on the tape. Still can not for the life of me figure out why Philips built into the 4506 a complete audio prepamp including tone controls and phone preamp. Rather strange duck but it does gove me a third preamp and it isn't to shabby.

[cabinover]

Well, now that I know I'm in good company, I have a newly acquired Akai GX747DBX just like Bolly and a player that I will leave unnamed for now. When I find my dig cam, I'll throw out a few shots to let the professionals think about it for a while.
The only deck I haven't seen here is one that my father bought brand new in Germany about 20-25 years ago and still uses to this day, a Technics RS1700. I'll see if I can get him to send me a picture to post here.
A great looking bunch of machines guys!!! Bob

[kby]

Originally posted by cabinover

The only deck I haven't seen here is one that my father bought brand new in Germany about 20-25 years ago and still uses to this day, a Technics RS1700. I'll see if I can get him to send me a picture to post here.
A great looking bunch of machines guys!!! Bob

I might have the brochure/spec sheet (with photo) for that one.-kby

[wordman001]

A New Very Old Tape Deck has just arrived. I think it was transported from the Twilight Zone ! I had one of these from 1963 until abour 1984 when it just crapped out. I should have tried to warranty it ! A 3M Wollensak T-1580 Stereo 4 Track

This one IS NEW ! I don't know how, but it looks new, smells new, sounds new and the 100% Made in the USA stainless steel body rerquires sunglasses if the lights are on in the room.

It's really made to be a horizontal unit, built in speakers, external speaker jacks & outputs to an amp. The AMP & PreAmp are tube type. The output is 10 W per channel.

7.5 & 3.75 ips, Single Record/Playback Head w/head contact pads.

Stereo/Mono/4 Track Unit. Was about $ 600 in 1963. Rolf, You should see how the tape transport & tube electronics are shoehorned into this little package. About 14" x 14" x 8"

[grumpy]

I have lusted after one of the Technics RS units for some time. A long while back I had the chance to buy a 1700 with a set of JBL L150 speakers. They both had never been out of their boxes. The foams had deteriorated on the speakers so I was pretty sure any belts on the RS would need replacing. Even with that taken into account I offer over 500.00 for both. The seller declined. Not cuz of Ebay pricing. I doubt the guy ever heard of Ebay. It was cuz he felt since they were never used he should get all his cash back. :(

Keeping my fingers crossed that I find another..

[Vintage TX]

Joe, that is a sweet unit, take care of it.:)
I have 2 but nothing compare to yours, one has a loose motor inside, the other sounds like a bad blender when it's on.:p:

Grumpy, those Technics are nice.;)
Shame he didn't sell it.
I have searched around Houston for Technics but nothing..:dunno:

[wordman001]

Thanks Vintage TX ! It is sweet !

I dont know about the loose motor, but the one that sounds like a blender has a common problem, too obvious to notice, the grill on the bottom is hitting the fan blade.

Thanks Again ! Joe

[merrylander]

Here is it's mono brother, the 1500. It has been detailed and if anyone needs a mono unit, PM me.

Rob

[merrylander]

Here is a Panasonic RS755S that I have put $40 worth of Nortronics heads into, used to be the main machine, now available.

Rob

[wordman001]

I have a T-1500 working also, I anyone wants it , maybe as a parts unit for marylanders unit , just let me know - Joe M.

[merrylander]

Here is my main machine now, a Teac A-1230. The wood sides were pretty bad so I made new ones out of Western Red Cedar.
The dual cassette in front is a Yamaha that I put on eBay but got no bids, but oddly enough there were 7 watchers. Using it to duplicate the RTRs to cassette for the cars.

Rob

[wordman001]

Looks great Merrylander ! I had to do the same with this 2300S, just finished. Just used common wood, nice pieces though, stained with minwax early american 230, came out nice, darker than you're used to , though.

Joe M.

[wordman001]

side view

[stereofisher]

I have two Teac reel to reels, the 1230 see regular duty. My 7010 does not record as well as my 1230 but its cool to look at. Playback is about the same. I am looking at a 3340 which I need like a hole in the head!! Dirty and in need of TLC. I think the guy will part with it. At the least, I offered to clean it up and gedt it going. Another toy!!!

Eric

[Workingslug]

stereofisher - nice set-up with the TEAC's.
My oldest is a 3340 and still going great. I do have to watch the stop button as it is a little weak but still staying in place. IMO - TEAC made some of the best machines, that ranked right there with the Revox's, Technics, Akai's, Awai's, etc.....

Good luck on restoring the 3340. It might be a toy but it is one (1) really good machine.

[Workingslug]

stereofisher - nice set-up with the TEAC's.
My oldest is a 3340 and still going great. I do have to watch the stop button as it is a little weak but still staying in place. IMO - TEAC made some of the best machines, that ranked right there with the Revox's, Technics, Akai's, Awai's, etc.....

Good luck on restoring the 3340. It might be a toy but it is one (1) really good machine.

[wordman001]

Here is the Wollensak I was talking about ! Joe M.

[wordman001]

Another View

[wa2ise]

My older brother got this machine back in 1961 and we recorded songs off the radio (don't tell the RIAA :D ). About 150 tapes worth. It was a low end deck, one motor, 40dB S/N, recorded only in mono but could play stereo tapes (4 track). It got tossed in the early 80's. Still have most of the tapes though.

[wordman001]

Get yourself a nice Teac 2300 on e-bay for about 40 or 50 bucks and those tapes can sing again !

As Captain Nemo said: " Theres Hope for Analog Reel To Reel in the future..... In God's Good Time ...":D

[Bluelobster]

New to R2r but learning. Got a teac x7r a few months ago.

[wordman001]

Hi BL, Stick with Maxell UD 35-90 and you can't go wrong.

Post a picture of your deck when you get a chance. Talk with Vintage TX if you need tech support, he's all that !

[Pioneer727]

Hey wordman
Iam Reeling my 2300S right now playing that easy listening tape you gave me with that 2300sx oh how sweet!!!!
Thanks Again Friend
Ron

[wordman001]

Ron, I would suggest crazy glue for your socks, THE MIX TAPE is ready. I will send this week. Took 105 songs to fill a 10.5" reel @ 3.75ips. I have to make a list of the titles.

Instead of trying to decide what to put on it, I took the approach of picking the tracks I couldn't leave off.

Your suggestions helped me a lot. After a while you just run out of ideas and need fresh ones.

I will record your copy on UD-35-90 (2) reels to get the whole thing. I mastered it from CD - MP3 to RTR so I will send a cd also for portability.

Talk with you soon Ron - Joe:cool:

[Pioneer727]

Cant wait joe I have the super glue handy:D

[WhiskeyRebel]

I just picked up a Webcor reel-to-reel a little while ago but haven't been able to play or record on it because the mechanism is sticking. It only turns on 7 1/2 speed, and then only briefly. What is the right kind of lubricant for a reel-to-reel deck, and how can I dentify the correct places to put in the lubrication?

[Pioneer727]

Do you have a model # or a pic?

[WhiskeyRebel]

Coronet regent 444

[Vintage TX]

Whiskey Rebel, if you take it apart, and see where the old grease is located on linkage etc, clean each one with Q-tip and head-cleaner that is what I use.
After each one is cleaned, you can use light machine oil on pivot-linkage, just a drop.
Each deck and model is different so kind of hard to pin-point where to start.
Speed-problems can be belts, idler-wheels or gummed up speed-control linkage.
I suggest to find a new set of belts first and take the faceplate off, spend a weekend fixing it.:)
Post a picture of the inside and I can help you.;)

[zhagerott]

I grew up in the late 70's - early 80's and always wanted a nice reel to reel. I ended up buying a local gentlemen's whole vintage Pioneer system just to get his RT-707. I actually could have picked up his spare RT-707 and RT-1020? for $75 each and now realize these were excellent bargains in the condition they were in (9+) and both working perfectly. We recently had another child and I just couldn't bear to tick off the wife too bad with all the gear setting around not to mention the expense :-(

[WhiskeyRebel]

I finally began disassembling it. The faceplates came off easily enough and the chassis came out of the case simply, but now I'm up to the point I might do more harm than good. The transport is all on one big copper-coated plate at the top of the chassis. I removed the screws from the sides of the chassis into the front plate but it still is holding in. I would hate to remove the wrong fastener and have it unravel.

The flywheels for each reel seem to spin freely when they are declutched, and there is a very heavy flywheel attached to... what is the small post that pinches the tape near the heads? The capstan? Anyhow, nothing is blatantly dragging. But it may need to be freer than it is.

The belt inside looks like a large O-ring and it doesn't look checked or frayed like old rubber can, at least not what I can see of it. Maybe it is all stretched out. Under the face plate there was a fabric band that was totally disintegrated. Maybe a second belt for rewind only?

No digital cam Maybe the brother-in-law has one he can lend me.

[tankdonovan]

I`m new to RTR, but I think I`m going to enjoy it.

I have a Pioneer RT-1020L that is in pretty good condition.

Tankdonovan

[Pioneer727]

Have mine running every night. Boy that Rock mix Wordman sent me that he made is Great I think I AM Hooked. Mmmm I wonder if I can get him to make a another. :D

[wordman001]

Had this one recently, really nice.. I think it must have been the first of the 3300 series. Really cleaned up nice! I bought it off e-bay for $ 117.00 That is a real bargin for a 10.5 " unit in this condition.

Needed cleaning, probably needs a new belt, general cleaning & Ready for the next 30 Years ! I think the engineering dept from TEAC in the 60's came from Fuji Heavy Industries, straight from the Battleship Design Dept.

Some Pictures for all to delight in ! :hdphones:

[Vintage TX]

That's a good looking deck Joe. :yes:
Sweet old Teac.

[cfoster]

Oh my, where do I start. :scratch2: Reel to reel recording has been my passion since the mid 50's. I must admit that I am a collector and most of my collection is needing serious restoration. Most of my decks are professional units or at least, to use a modern term "prosumer" My oldest machines are Magnacord PT6's in racks, one has 2 decks in a 6' RCA rack with 10 1/2" reel adaptors for the top transport. The other is a single with electronics I built. Next oldest I have 3 Berlant Concerton machines. Two are full track recorders and the third is a 1/2 track playback machine. Again all three are in racks. Next are my Crowns (Which I use) The oldest is a Crown playback deck ca. 1958, next is a Gold Crown Stereo X, ca. 1959 and finally a BX822 ca. 1964 or 65. In my closet I have 3 Ampex 351 mono machines. Two are ca. 1961 and are in very good condition (I maintained them most of their lives). The other is earlier and is FT mono. Also laying around there is an Akai (Roberts-tubes) with crossfield bias (In pieces), a teac reversing 4 tr, a Sony 4 tr machine needing a new belt and one reel turntable. Somewhere in storage at work I have 2 Ampex consumer 4 track players from around 1960. If I look there are most likely more hiding in cabinets at my office or like the 3 Wollensak machines sitting next to the 351's in tye closet. Someday, I may have the time and space to enjoy my toys.

Anyway, I do use the Crown decks in my system and have many, many wonderful tapes to play on them. I just noticed, I seem to get these things in 3's. Hmmmm, I wonder what that means?

Clyde

[WhiteSE]

Well, here is mine,,,Sony Superscope 2trk and 4 trk,,,,tubed pre and amp inside...weighs a freaking ton! sweet sound. small pics so get you magnifying glass.

http://65.219.61.150/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22693&stc=1
http://65.219.61.150/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22694&stc=1

[wordman001]

ROLF: You and Clyde Have to Talk ! This Man Needs Help, Guidence, Technical Advice ! & Maybe Medication !

Another Victim Of Tape Acid Reality Deprivation :banana:

- Joe :thmbsp:

[cabinover]

A couple months ago, I saw this store in NH that advertised vinyl but was closed the few times that I've been available. Finally had the opportunity to visit said store this past week. Vinyl up the wazoo and many pieces of equipment here and there. I don't really understand the guys mission but he may be the same guy with the McIntosh that doesn't receive Broadcast Quality LOL. He has a Technics RS-1506 sitting there that needs work. It's not his but it's irrelevent. He tells me that that machine was about $7000.00 new :yikes: :lmao: . I said "Is that so?"
He goes on to tell me that you could still buy something of that quality for around $12,000.

Hmmmm.....I have a GX747DBX that I may have to sell him. Then I could buy another GX, an RS-1500, RS-1506, RS-1700, Revox 77, and still pick up a Studer I think.

I asked him about a Traveling Wilbury album. Big Money he says, now that members have died, that album is going for $150. And BlueNote albums are going for around $300 in Japan. WTF???? :lmao: :lmao:

It was an experience......Bob

[Charlie]

I grew up with R2R since I was a little kid. My parents bought a Teac A2060 when I was two. It only a one motor job with built in speakers... and like the other machines in this series, it needed the idler wheels all swapped out. It still plays today and still sounds quite impressive considering it was one of the cheaper Teac models.

I've got a few here at home...

Teac X-700R (bought this new when i was in high school)
Teac A-4010S (got on ebay in 2000 and has been a good runner)
Teac A-2050 (found at a local thrift store)
Teac A-3340S (bought from a friend several years ago)

[1420-1503]

I do I do!!!

My portal model is Bang and Olufsen's Beocord 2000 T De Luxe,
my dedicated model is an Akai GX-630D that is underway!!



http://www.beocentral.com/audio/openreel/bc2000dl.jpg
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=25161&stc=1

[butters]

I've worn the heads out on a TEAC A-4300 bought in '75 and am currently running an A-4300SX and a RT-707, both EBay rescues. A little TLC and they are looking and sounding good! I have to be careful, though, I feel like I have to rescue more units off the Bay and I'll be up to my neck in RtR's. (Hmmm, doesn't sound so bad).

[jblmar]

:) TEAC A-6100 MK II and A-4300. The 6100 sounds fantastic at 15 IPS. Don't use them that much anymore. CD's you know.

[Maron Horonzakz]

I see not too many people do live recording on this site. I recorded the St Louis Philharmonic from 1970 till 1988. then broadcast over KWMU fm on sundays. Plus other on site live groups. I have lots of Master tapes from these events. I,m thinking of finally parting with this lot of master tape. All were recorded on CROWN 800, AMPEX440, Technics 1520. All 2 track stereo, Some mono test runs at rehersels but most in stereo. most at 7 1/2 some at 15 ips. Live recording is alot more fun to me rather than copying LP,s or some body else,s tapes. Using good condenser mics Sennheiser or Telefunkin, is a must. Mic preamp is a must. The Technics 1520 is the pro version 1500 series I like this type because of the 1" capstan & closed loop drive system. A really sweet sounding recorder.

[1420-1503]

That's interesting, Maron. I do live recordings myself, but I'll get to you later on this.

Regards.

[stereofisher]

I've worn the heads out on a TEAC A-4300 bought in '75 and am currently running an A-4300SX and a RT-707, both EBay rescues. A little TLC and they are looking and sounding good! I have to be careful, though, I feel like I have to rescue more units off the Bay and I'll be up to my neck in RtR's. (Hmmm, doesn't sound so bad).

Just got a lot of stuff from Gonzo on the AA site. Nine recievers, Marantz 1060 that I have a nice cabinet for. Got back to RTR's two years ago and needed one and bought 6. Got under control, using a 1230 and a 7010 Teac.
Sold off the rest.

With Gonzo's stuff and what I had coming form the 'Bay once again most of my horizontal surfaces have something on them. I am off the next two days :banana: so I get to play with this stuff. My I eye doctor is getting a couple systems. My Marantz Quad 4070 is going upstairs and a Marantz 1530 receiver downstairs. Got several Toshiba,Technics, a Onkyo,Tandburg, a Radio Shack reciever and a Nikko. Have not played with them yet. If anyone has a liking for any of these let me know. I will post the model numbers. Also Gonzo gave me a Sansui TU 99 tuner. The little beasty works well without an antenna. Got to try it on my antenna. See how it compares to my Onkyo T-4 tuner. It will have to be pretty good to beat it. Some of this stuff I will offer to a good home. Thought about Ebaying some but will offer it no charge. Some of these recievers look like nice starters for a newbie :yes: Takers need to pay shipping and handling.

Eric

[snapshotjc]

I have a Revox A-77 coming next week, so I'm getting back into R2R again, as I always loved analog tape, and always wanted a Revox, and at todays prices, they're a bargain in my book. I always liked those 10 inch reels, and plan on recording radio shows while I'm doing other things.
Just love the site at USRecording, as they have anything a taper wants or needs. Hope to share more as things progress, but glad to be back into reels again.
Jim

[kby]

I see not too many people do live recording on this site. I recorded the St Louis Philharmonic from 1970 till 1988. then broadcast over KWMU fm on sundays. Plus other on site live groups. I have lots of Master tapes from these events. I,m thinking of finally parting with this lot of master tape. All were recorded on CROWN 800, AMPEX440, Technics 1520. All 2 track stereo, Some mono test runs at rehersels but most in stereo. most at 7 1/2 some at 15 ips. Live recording is alot more fun to me rather than copying LP,s or some body else,s tapes. Using good condenser mics Sennheiser or Telefunkin, is a must. Mic preamp is a must. The Technics 1520 is the pro version 1500 series I like this type because of the 1" capstan & closed loop drive system. A really sweet sounding recorder.


The tapes I value most are live, mostly chamber music (semi-pro groups). The best is 7.5 on EE tape, but some of the older stuff on Maxell UDXL with just Dolby-B often surprises me. The tapes are between 10 and 20 years old. Used AKG C-452 condensors with card capsules.-kby

[Maron Horonzakz]

KBY.......AKG452 ...That was my first condenser mic. I liked the interchangable capsle,s. Very good mic. I later added the Sennheiser MKH 405 & 505 condensers. I liked using 7 1/2 ips & tweeking bias and eq. for best results at the top end. Never needed dolby. But noise reduction can give better results I just didnt trust Dolby B.

[kby]

KBY.......AKG452 ...That was my first condenser mic. I liked the interchangable capsle,s. Very good mic. I later added the Sennheiser MKH 405 & 505 condensers. I liked using 7 1/2 ips & tweeking bias and eq. for best results at the top end. Never needed dolby. But noise reduction can give better results I just didnt trust Dolby B.

I found Dolby OK as long as you were careful with the alignment and keeping stuff clean so the high frequency response was good. However, I neglected to mention that the EE tapes used dbx I, which was much better (although it took a bit of getting used to--have some nicely overloaded ones at the beginning to show that :-).

I still have all the equipment, just no time and no clientele (since the last move).-kby

[Vintage TX]

I found this small portable reel to reel 2 years ago.
Know it was made in England, but that's about it. :scratch2:
Does anyone have one like it, or some info ? :)
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/A76

[Vintage TX]

It's built very well and heavy, has a cool microphone. :thmbsp:
6-volt battery and it works.
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/A75

[Maron Horonzakz]

Cool!!!!!

[wordman001]

kby: keep that stuff safe, after the Gang in DC get finished wi9th the Arts, that will be all we have left - Joe

[Tusk]

Akai-GX400DSS, GX-625, Teac A-2340R and Revox A77

Tusk

[joshnich]

Cannot believe that I havent seen a Tandberg show up here! I have a Tandberg Model 64 that is still the best sounding Reel to reel I have ever heard. I also have a Teac 3340S - a good machine but certainly not the equal of the old tandberg.

Josh

[steve gibson]

Two 707s here. I record vinyl so I can preserve the LP. I always have them both loaded. My preferred method of listening. I am always on the look out for old prerecorded tapes.

[kby]

kby: keep that stuff safe, after the Gang in DC get finished wi9th the Arts, that will be all we have left - Joe

I am...-kby

[DoctorZ]

I have the Akai GX-635D that I purchased back in 1980 in the Philipeans. The only thing I have ever done is apply contact cleaner/lube to the pots. Very reliable. I love to watch those big reals turn and those big needles bounce. I have all classic rock from the 70s stored on 10" reels.

[MichaelH]

Well, now that I know I'm in good company, I have a newly acquired Akai GX747DBX just like Bolly and a player that I will leave unnamed for now. When I find my dig cam, I'll throw out a few shots to let the professionals think about it for a while.
The only deck I haven't seen here is one that my father bought brand new in Germany about 20-25 years ago and still uses to this day, a Technics RS1700. I'll see if I can get him to send me a picture to post here.
A great looking bunch of machines guys!!! Bob

Hello Bob,

you can find pictures of the RS-1700 here: http://www.sabinebendlin.de/tonbandwelt/big/27.htm

I have two RS 1500, a RS 1506 an a RS 1700

Greetings from Germany, Michael

[harhau]

Hi MichaelH

Welcome to the AudioKarma!

Thanks for that great site http://www.sabinebendlin.de/tonbandwelt/01.htm - A good reason to try to brush up on my Greman reading skills... Great pictures and interesting material.

It is odd, though, that the other parts of http://www.sabinebendlin.de/ is devoted to nebulous topics such as energy transfer (of a kind not found in any physics book), shaman spiritual travels, energy massage, and the list goes on. Spiritual Healer and RTR collector? I guess not totally incompatible combination after all :). I have myself witnessed the theraputic soothing effect of a pair of spinning reels on my 6 month old son :)

Take care!

- Harald

[missing_eric]

Rolf..bought a r to r from him ...a great guy...really is a small world searching this forum...Thought that this might be Rolf.

[Vintage TX]

Hi there, Welcome to AK. :)
What kind of deck did you buy ? :scratch2:

[cincy]

Thankx for the welcome Vintage TX,
My first piece of HI-FI equipment was a Sony 552 which I still own. I bought it in
1957 from a teacher at the college I was attending (College Conservatory of Music
Radio TV dept.) in Cincinnati. My teacher had bought it from a friend who had bought
it from SuperScope corp, with the hope of getting the distributorship in this area
(but it was given to United Radio instead). The Sony 552 was one of the first of
five Sony machines brought to the States by the movie company "Super Scope"
which owned the rights for the U.S.; Superscope did so well with deal that they later
bought "MARANTZ" and got out of the movie business.The Sony 552 was a stereophonic two track machine, with two speeds 3.5 and 7 ips and used "magic-eyes"
for level setting. The machine sold to the public in 1958 was the Sony 555, that had VU meters (which was the only change they made from the 552). the 555 sold for
$550 and the only other stereophonic machine sold to the public at that time was the
Ampex for $1000. The 552 and 555 were tube type machines housed in suitcases
and there was an optional suitcase that housed two JBL 12" speakers (made so that when they were opened you had a speaker in its own enclosure). Accessories that
with it were a great sounding set of dynamic mics; patchcords;and the first set of
stereo headphones I had ever heard (which pinned your ears so tightly against your
head they were actually painfull after awhile of wearing them), but addicting because
of the unbelievable sound coming from them. I told my wife that when I die I would like to be placed in a pyramid with all my posessions for the afterlife and after I said that, I waved my hand at all the "junk" in the basement. She just sighed and went
upstairs.
cincy

[wordman001]

Cincy I like Your Style.....

Pharonic Vs Viking ..... I like your choice Cincy, Make the bastards work to steal youir stuff rather than set fire to it..... Go Cincy !!!!! :banana:

[Vintage TX]

Hi Cincy
Great you kept the Sony all these years.
Never had a 552 model, there is another member here at AK with a Superscope model. :)

[MichaelH]

It is odd, though, that the other parts of http://www.sabinebendlin.de/ is devoted to nebulous topics such as energy transfer (of a kind not found in any physics book), shaman spiritual travels, energy massage, and the list goes on. Spiritual Healer and RTR collector? I guess not totally incompatible combination after all :). I have myself witnessed the theraputic soothing effect of a pair of spinning reels on my 6 month old son :)

Take care!

- Harald

Hello Harald,

thank you for the warning, but i don't think that the webmaster of http://www.tonbandwelt.de/ is something like a shaman :)

Greetings from Germany, Michael

[cabinover]

Michael, thanks for that site!! I had never seen the 1800, didn't even know they existed but I sure would like to find one. There's just something about the black and the symmetry that they used......I like it. :yes:
Bob

[cincy]

Wordman001, thanks for making me laugh!

cincy

[Debassige]

RT-909

Sounds great, looks even better, the blue lights make everything sound so nice. Harder and harder to get tapes though.

[stereolover]

I have an Akai 630D and a Teac SX3300A. Both are 10.5" RTR's and work just fine. Lots of tape available on Ebay.
:banana:

[Vintage TX]

Many new members here at AK, show us what you spinning those tapes with. :)

[valveman]

Ah,

As Vintage knows I have an Akia 4000DB, and X-360D. Both nice decks, the 4000DB is super, and with the addition of Dolby, makes really good quality recordings :yes:

Was messing with my camara last night, so have a new aviator - my 4000DB :thmbsp:

[Vintage TX]

Sweet picture Dan. :thmbsp:
Did you give up on your X-360 or still looking for a capstan-motor ?
A gentleman contacted me last month and have a complete deck sitting, can send you his email address if you are interested Dan. :)

[valveman]

Still looking for the motor....gave up for a while though, got a new valve amp to build :yes:
PM'd you.

Must admit, I like the look of the decks that have big 10.5" reels, suppose that's the next thing to get :smoke:

Ta

[Vintage TX]

PM back at you with email info. :thmbsp:
So the reel-bug did hit already Dan, what model/brand do you want ?

[valveman]

PM back at you with email info. :thmbsp:
So the reel-bug did hit already Dan, what model/brand do you want ?

Ta,

I don't know what it is about the look of a R2R sitting doing it's thing...but yep, got to have more. Must be like smoking, adictive :naughty:

At the moment not sure on model/brand, although I like the look of some of the newer akai's. Maybe a TEAC, but think I'llhave a look around first.

[Vintage TX]

Better addiction compare to smoking. :D
Sometimes people contact me from UK, will keep and eye open for you.

Cheers :thmbsp:

[wordman001]

Careful Dan, the 10.5" reel bug is the worst, not only do you want them, you want everyone you know to have one too. ( That way you can't be that crazy) Trust me on this....." YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE "

[valveman]

Why is my wallet telling me to leave well alone, but eyes, ears, and HiFi say gimme, gimme.
The tug of war begins wallet, no eyes...wallet.....eyes......ears......Think eyes & ears winning :yes:

As Vintage said tis a better addiction than smoking, and as I don't smoke......hmmmm, costs more though :D

[Pioneer727]

Spinning some Beatles on my Teac 3300S right now. :banana: :banana:
Thanks to wordman :thmbsp: your my Pal

Ron

[Workingslug]

For those that are thinking of getting their first one, you need to note wordman001's comment, " YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE ", IMO these machines are the most addicting piece of gear one can purchase. In addition, having those 10-1/2" reels spinning, next best thing to having a disk spinning on the turntable.

[wordman001]

The disk may sound better, just a touch, but the 10.5"reels are much cooler!!!

[Pioneer727]

Nothing Like the shock factor when you put them 10.5 in reels on FF or Rewind :yikes: :lmao:

Ron

[Daddy Cool]

I just started in the RTR stuff and LOVE IT!

Own a Teac A-7030 and an Akai GX-260D (altho, both have problems right now). Have access to several more of different varieties. They are a blast.

Need to build up the supply of blank tapes... have a few, but need more. Always need more. Too bad so few companies (1?) make tapes anymore. Same story as finding tubes for my equipment. Was I born 40 years too late? :)

[Vintage TX]

You can find used and new tapes pretty easy.
US-Recording Media sell Quantegy, both "pancake" style for 10-1/2 or 7 inch size.
Buy a couple of used 10-1/2 metal-reels, replace the tape with fresh new "pancake" or try find good used Maxell tapes like 35-180, Ebay or Yahoo etc.
Parts can still be found, just patience + time, you be surprised what I find on my "hunting-trips" around Texas :D

Welcome to the analaog world, nothing beat the smell of tape-acid in the morning. :smoke:

[Daddy Cool]

Just got a bunch of blank tapes off of eBay. Enough to keep me busy for... well, not long enough. :)

I'm sure parts can be found, just need to discover them. Have had tube radios for years, so am familiar with tracking down long ago discontinued stuff. Tough, but possible. Since my decks are from the early-mid 70's, this should be a piece of cake (compared to radios 70+ years old).

Really enjoy analog stuff... Digital definitely has its advantages, but so does analog. Just adding one more media type to the collection here- one that I've wanted for many years, but haven't really had the opportunity until recently. Very happy with these things.

The only thing that beats the smell of tape-acid in the morning is the smell of hot tubes covered lightly with dust. Nothing beats that. Nothing. :)

[Vintage TX]

There is many members here, that probably can help with any tubes you need. :thmbsp:
Agree, tubes+ tape acid combined is even better. :naughty:

[Daddy Cool]

Oh, have several hundred tubes already (some I can even use!) and know of a local source that has many tens of thousands (literally). Is it a bad sign that I keep bad tubes? I just can't throw them out. Broken glass ones I can, but not just plain dead ones (or even rusty metal ones). Have given them out to curious friends. I think it's an addiction... was collecting these things to small extent 30+ years ago when I was just a little kid.

[valveman]

Doh!!

thought I was the only one who kept old tubes, definatly something about the smell of an old radio when you turn it on for the first time in years, and all that baked on dust starts to cook :)

As Rolf said, if you have a sick deck, don't say I can't find any parts for it, they will turn up, enventually (hmm need a spell checker)

Agree with the WOW factor of a big 10.5" R2R, thought WOW when I got the two 7" R2R's.

Quantegy tape is good, found a supply over here in the UK, very nice stuff, and the recordings sound sooooooo goooooood :jawdrop: when compared to the reel of Scotch I used first :puke:

I hear Quantegy is back making tape now

[tankdonovan]

LOOK AT THIS!!

Now this is WOW!

Check this out!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5770501931&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1

WOW?

TankDonovan

[valveman]

Hmm....nice, but the shipping for me would be the killer.

I found this on our ebay Pioneer Deck (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5770153900&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)

That's WOW cos you get the cool blue lights :D

[pustelniakr]

A bit late for a chime in but...here goes.
I just woke up from a 25 year sleep, apparently. My beard is down to my belt, there's a big grog mug next to my head, and the imps left me here by myself. I woke up hungry and scarfed up a couple of decks right away (you cant eat just one). None are quite ready for prime time yet but soon, and very soon:

RT-909 (x 2)
RT-707 (x 1)
RT-1020L (x 1)

Considering a nice RT-2022

I broke out the cached reel collection and was very glad I stored them after play (not after fast reel). Fantastic! I was afraid of print-through after sitting so long without play, but I can't hear any. (It could be because my ears are 25 years older though).

Thanks for your help the other night VintageTX...

Rich P

[Strawman]

I have a Teac A-1030, and an Akai X-1000. Both need attention, But I want to bring them both (hopefully) back online. A whole lotta charm goin on with a reel to reel.

[siamac]

I´m not shure, if I did wrote it already??? :scratch2:
Anyway here my R´t´R´s:

Pioneer RT-2022
Pioneer RT-909
Pioneer RT-707
Pioneer RT-1020L
Pioneer RT-1011 (not working, for parts)
AKAI GX-400D
AKAI GX-650
AKAI GX-635
AKAI GX-625
SONY TC-850
SONY TC-758
SONY TC-756 x 2
TEAC A-7010
TEAC 40-4
TEAC A-3440
REVOX B-77 x 3
REVOX A-77 x 2
DOKORDER 1120
....

[Daddy Cool]

siamac-

How do you like your Revox B77? Friend of mine just fixed his.

[wordman001]

Quite a nice collection Siamac, very impressive !!!- Joe M.

[jws]

Let's add my Akai 625 to the list :thmbsp:

[johnkpap]

Add my Sony Tc-377 to the count, Found at a garage sale for $20 with a box of BASF tapes all I had to do was give it a general clean and replace a Fuse that was falling appart.

It appears to have very low milage sat in a box in a shed for 20 years !!!

Does any one know of a Easy way to replace the Lamps on the VU meters ?

Johnkpap :thmbsp:

[R2R Forever]

Hi,

I have a bunch:
Pioneer RT-909
Sansui SD-7000 x 2
Teac 1250
Teac 4010s
Teac 3300
Teac 3340
Teac 3440
Teac X10R
Teac X7R
Teac X3
Teac X3mkII
Realistic TR 3000
Sony TC-280
Sony TC-252D
Sony TC-366 x 2
Sony TC-366-4
Sony TC-569D
Akai M8
Roberts 1725 - 8L III
Califone 5600 GX - An Akai GX-4000 with built in amp & detachable speakers
Dokorder 7100
I have sold off 8 more of them in the last month and one half that are not on the list. It is a disease this vintage stereo equipment. And I have owned some of it when it was new, not vintage.

.

[Pioneer727]

Welcome to AK. And I thought I had the fever. :lmao: :banana: :banana:

Ron

[SPL db]

I only have one - a Pioneer RT-707... I need to get around
to fixing the darn thing so I can use it! :D

Welcome R2R Forever! By the looks of your list... you've
come to the right place! :thmbsp:

Scott

[wordman001]

R2R, A bunch is reserved for banannas, you have more Vintage R2R decks than ebay and many third world countries!

Welcome is definitely in order, I think you will find that we provide great therapy under the guise of chat about mutual interests. We all need it. Post some pictures, OK

By the way, you must live in a large home, or an arena somewhere, 30 Pairs of speakers ? Joe

[Jay Gowens]

While The Pioneer Rt. 909 was a nice looking deck, it was not known for having the best sound quality. Soundwise, The Teac X1000R...X2000R.....All Revox's and the Akai's were the top Reels for consumer use. Technics also made some Quality decks. By the way, anybody got a clean Akai GX-77? Let's talk.

[hakka26]

Akai M9 in Walnut Case with original accessory pack and manual.
Akai G77 with manual.

[hakka26]

OOPS-that would be a GX 77

[Lman]

I just picked up a mint AKAI GX280D and a slightly worse for wear Sony TC 355.

Unfortunately, the Sony fast forwards when it should only forward.

[bOUddha]

Teac 4010S for me...so far. :D

[2BNU]

Hey, can finally add to this thread. Just picked up an Akai 4000 DB at a yard sale for $3.00 So far everything seems to work, but I don't have a take up reel to test audio with the tape it came with.
I've had my eye on my friends Teac, but even though he doesn't use it, he can't seem to part with it. Don't know why?? :scratch2:
Good time to ask. Where is a good source for tape. Do you guys just buy off of EBAY?

[bOUddha]

One of the first lessons I learned about vintage RTRs...don't judge the quality of the deck by pre-recorded tapes from the previous owners or anyone that happened to record some favorites 25-35 years ago! Once I got my deck up & running, I was initially disappointed at the sound of a number of tapes I bought on eBay. Then I recorded some for myself and used THOSE as a guide. Difference was remarkable, to say the least! My turntable as a source was better, my records were cleaner and less worn, and I remembered just enough to adjust the line levels to avoid tape noise.

As for blank tapes, I got mine off eBay, too. Unopened Scotch & Quantegy.

Good luck, and keep us posted about your results! :thmbsp:

[gearhead]

http://www.usrecordingmedia.com/

[2BNU]

BOUDDHA & GEARHEAD - Thanks for the advice & info.
Picked up a take up reel so got a chance to check it out. Whoever owned this thing didnt know enough to clean the heads. After a good cleaning gave it a test and it works with a few problems. For some reason the tape out lever/switch ( ore whatever its called) is wired in parallel with the power switch. So to turn off the machine I have to turn off the power switch then push the tape out lever down. Second problem, the drive for the take up reel starts to slip once the reel gets about 3/4 full. And since the tape out lever is wired wrong, well, you can imagine tape all over the floor. Oh well, fixing the equipmet is all part of the fun.

[wordman001]

Stick with Maxell 35-90 fot the Akai. That is a sweet unit, Glass Ferrite Heads and a nice compact size.....

Maxell, 10 Reels from an ebay auction should run you about 45-60 dollars. Best part is the people who bought it new, knew it was the best and usually took care of it and the boxes.....

[Daddy Cool]

I have a few 10.5" reels and a bunch of 7" ones. On the never ending quest to acquire more (at least as long as the girl friend doesn't have a fit. Has been pestering me to get rid of "junk"... luckily, I have so much "junk" that I can clean out a bunch of real junk and keep just the fun stuff. Unfortunately, she did see my two decks and reels and made a minor comment. Really, only the blind will not notice them (until I play them)).

Oh well... such as life.

[Franz]

Been using reel to reel decks since 1975. Maxell tape rules. My tapes from the 70s sound and look great.

Currently using:

Pioneer RT 707 (at work--playing music in our showroom)

Grundig TK -60 (beauty--all tube unit, 1/2 track stereo)

TEAC 3300SX (old reliable--my first deck--used at home in main system)

TEAC 2340 (multi-track simul-sync--used with my guitar, a Gibson Byrdland, to fool around in the basement..."Dad! is that REALY you, or David Gilmour??")

Ampex system with built-in AM-FM tuner and amp. Nice wood cabinet with sliding panel doors. Looking for matching speakers!

Revox B-77 (just because ya gotta have a Revox if you're into tapes!)

Franz

[Bluelobster]

I have one! Thanks to your advice. It's hooked up but I haven't been playing too much with it lately.

[Andyman]

I just upgraded from my Pioneer RT-1020L to a VERY nice Akai GX-635D with better specs, glass heads, auto reverse, and feather touch controls.
It's a sweetie and I love it!!

[wordman001]

Andy, How did the saga of the X1000R turn out ? - Joe

[Pioneer727]

Andy, How did the saga of the X1000R turn out ? - Joe

Hey Joe go here.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=41777&page=1&pp=5

Ron

[Jay Gowens]

Well actually, if I had a Technics 1506, Akai GX-77, or Teac X-2000R I would listen to Reels too.

[Jay Gowens]

Dom, if you decide to sell your Revox I would like first crack.

[rcriss]

Hello All, new member here but thought I'd add to the mix. I recently pickup up a real nice Dokorder 8140. Works beautifully and sounds great (new belts , rollers etc. has that warm feel (sonically) when it is playing. Still want an 1140 but you know how it is. I'm slowly putting together a "vintage" audio system.
BTW anyone know where or who might have the dustcover for this thing?

[bolly]

how could I have forgotten? :scratch2:

[Mr. Baskum]

Hello all, I am brand new to this board, thought I would weigh in on the coolness of reel to reels. Last November, here in Michigan, a guy advertised a moving sale, with one of the items a reel to reel recorder. He only lived about a five minute drive from me, so I went right over. Well worth it,as he sold me his Sony Tc-558, (completely serviced in the last six months) for only $25.00, he also threw in a box of fifty tapes, mostly Maxell UD90's, and a sweet little pair of Sony DR-S5 headphones. He was transferred to S. Carolina, and did not want to take all his stuff with him, I think he was falling out of love with reel to reel as well. Any of you guys out there have a copy of the owners manual for this deck? Thanks, Great site!

[wordman001]

Look for Manual Auctions on E-Bay, especially from Dave "theteacman"
he will have your manual , Welcome Aboard !! - Joe :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[pen_man]

I have some including:

Pioneer RT707, 909 and 1020L.
TEAC 4010, 5300, X-1000R and 35-2
Sony forget the model: 3 motors and 3 heads

[Kevin's Rack]

I just got my first!
Teac a-1200u

Waiting for the capstan belt, should get it tomorrow or thursday, then I will be sold...

[wordman001]

Kevin: I am recommending that after you get the 1200U up and running, make the jump to the 70's. Get yourself a 2300SR or 3300SR ( If you want 10.5"reels) The sweetest looking and running units TEAC ever made.....very reliable and can be used as an everyday unit....the 1200U might be a little delicate by now.....although TEAC's are tough...- Joe

[Kevin's Rack]

I got the belt thursday, and let me tell you, WHAT SOUND!!!! This thing is bested only by few sources of audio. After I adjusted the azimuth, oh man, the recordings sound better than the original sources, with greater treble response!! :banana: I am so glad I bought this thing, it was worth all 2,000 cents!!!

[shall]

I just inherited my dads Robert Model 455. It works but the belt to the position meter is missing . Knowing dad it boke and he decided it didn't need fixed. So any way were do I go to get belts for it.

Thanks in advance.

[kstaskiewicz]

I have an AKAI 630DB. Beautiful!
Maxell tapes are hard to come by where I live, but I scored few brand new Basf and Scotch reels in the recent years.
Last July at a local thrift store I discovered six brand new 11" metal reels in boxes from CBC studios (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)- one of them had an original invoice form 1975... carbon copy paper and all... dated EXACTLY the same day I found and bought them, but 30 years earlier.... It seemed weird an cool, like Back To the Future, kind of... :scratch2:

[wordman001]

Sounds like a job for Vintage Texas.....

contact him @ Rolf@consolidated.com he will know where you can find the belt. Roberts Units are the same as Akai....It will be easier to order it under the Akai equivalent- Joe M.

[Vintage TX]

Thanks Joe, the belt are the same as Akai M-8, contact Bob at Vintage Electronics, he has them in stock
Bob@vintage-electronics.net

Good Luck with your Roberts :thmbsp:

[shall]

Thanks

I have sent an email to Bob and will purchase the belts from him. I pulled the fron off and know why dad didn't replace the belt. It looks like a pain. Any way I plan on purchasing the service manual tomorrow.

This link seems to have one for the robberts.

http://www.agtannenbaum.com/r_cat.html#RHEEM

ROBERTS 455/4550D TAPE RECORDER SER $17.00es

[goldear]

I'm new to this forum, although I've been lurking around here for some time now.

However, I have inadvertently acquired a rather large collection of Open Reel machines in the past few years.

These include the:
Sony TC-880-2, TC-765, TC-766-2, TC-758, TC-558, TC-448, TC-399
Revox A77, B77, G36
Tandberg TD-20A
Teac X-2000R
Akai 747dbx
Roberts 997

No, not all of my machines are presently working, and a couple are just parts machines. I am restoring several of these as I have time, and plan to resell many of these at some point in time.

My personal favorites are the TC-765, TC-880-2, B77, TD-20A, and the G-36.

I have pictures of a few of these beauties on my website:
http://www.sonicperfectionists.com/Equipment.htm

[hakka26]

Added a Revox A77 Suitcase Model several weeks ago. Bought from a retired serviceman's estate. Included a number of recorded and blank tapes. I've been listening to his tapes and as these were done in the early 70's the sound is nothing short of extraordinary. The on-board speakers sounded great even before I hooked it up to the system. Craftmanship like this is sorely missed.

[Trawlerman]

I'm getting two more R2R's next week hopefully.
I just got a deal on a B&O Beocord 1500 DeLuxe and another Akai 4000DS.

I'll probably pass the Akai on to a friend who has been looking for one. In fact he recently offered to swap me his 8-track Tascam R2R or his 2xTascam 102s for the Akai so I may actually do a swap with him.

Getting some other stuff as well. Pioneer CT-F500, CT-F4040 and a Sony U-Matic V05850.

[spacelord]

Thought I would sound off here--

I have five decks (think I have a problem??)

Teac A-7300
Akai G-4000D
Akai GX-255
Akai Gx-747DBX
Teac A3300S (Undergoing Repairs)

As a Kid, Dad would come home on leave from the Air Force, and we would sit in front of the Roberts and listen to Zeppelin, Hendrix, Neil Young, CSN, Etc.

I think thats how I got the bug.

Another reason-- Wanna getsome?? Send the kids to Grandma+Grandpa's or invite your fav lady over. Light some candles, put some Jazz on the RTR. Have some Red Wine. Works every time-- :thmbsp:

I think those 10 inch reels turning have a hypnotizing effect on the ladies--

Hell Yeah--

Chris

[Dynacoman]

:D I think those 10 inch reels turning have a hypnotizing effect on the ladies--

Yeah, always use 10", 7" ain't gonna satisfy her. :D

[Vitavox]

Mine's from the "pro" end of things, but I use it a lot in my 'lil studio for voice overs, etc. Otari MX 5050. Sorry to rain on the Maxell UD parade, but Ampex 406 is the pros choice for critical work. Lots of headroom, and it positively will NOT stretch. 15 ips, if its going to digital, and what isn't?

[Vitavox]

:D

Yeah, always use 10", 7" ain't gonna satisfy her. :D

Well now Dynaco, you made me have to note that I have an old Gates machine that was used in a broadcast set-up for playback. I only mention this because it used 15 inchers. I only get it out on "special" occasions. :naughty:

[kby]

Mine's from the "pro" end of things, but I use it a lot in my 'lil studio for voice overs, etc. Otari MX 5050. Sorry to rain on the Maxell UD parade, but Ampex 406 is the pros choice for critical work. Lots of headroom, and it positively will NOT stretch. 15 ips, if its going to digital, and what isn't?

Ampex' consumer tape never seemed all that great. But maybe I only tried some earlier stuff. Later, I don't think they ever made EE tape. Yeah, I know that's not a professional thing, but it was worth about 3db so you could still do quarter-inch quarter track. and get the range of one of those being larger (or speed/length).

I have always wondered what Type IV open-reel tape would have been like.-kby

[kby]

Mine's from the "pro" end of things, but I use it a lot in my 'lil studio for voice overs, etc. Otari MX 5050. Sorry to rain on the Maxell UD parade, but Ampex 406 is the pros choice for critical work. Lots of headroom, and it positively will NOT stretch. 15 ips, if its going to digital, and what isn't?

Ampex' consumer tape never seemed all that great [to me]. But maybe I only tried some earlier stuff. Later, I don't think they ever made EE tape. Yeah, I know that's not a professional thing, but it was worth about 3db so you could still do quarter-inch quarter track. and get the range of one of those being larger (or speed/length).

I have always wondered what Type IV open-reel tape would have been like.-kby

[goldear]

Well now Dynaco, you made me have to note that I have an old Gates machine that was used in a broadcast set-up for playback. I only mention this because it used 15 inchers. I only get it out on "special" occasions. Vitox: I'll have to make sure that I keep my wife away from you!!! I may have a bunch of 10" machines, but my wife would probably leave me in a nanosecond for a guy with 15" reels! :sigh:


Ampex' consumer tape never seemed all that great [to me]. kby: I agree; I have not been impressed with the sound of 406/7 either. But I have had some great experience with 456/7. When your machine is properly biased for this tape, it can sound truly excellent! :thmbsp:

[Taipei Calling]

That is some gear you guys are using. As for me it is a humble Akai GX-4000D. I've replaced all her caps and cleaned every control and idler she's got. I do have a question for anyone willing to answer. I read that one can bake their reels at 130 for 4 hours to prevent oxide shed. Have any of you tried this? I hate to throw away so many tapes but they are dirtying my machine unforgivably. :D

[wordman001]

Just chuck the Ampex junk and stay with Maxell UD 35-90 or 90B :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Vintage TX]

You can bake the tapes, but after it's ready you need to transfer those to a new tape or digital media. :)
What brand is the tape ?

[Taipei Calling]

Vintage TX - I wrote you an email not 3 days ago about my squeeling oxide shed problem. Thanks again. The tapes are Sony-150's. I didn't know the "baking" solution was only a temporary fix. I read some of your previous advice in this discussion thread about Maxell tapes which wordman001 seems to agree with. I'm hunting some down on eBay now. Thanks guys.

[wordman001]

The squealing is usually from the sides of the tape as it passes through the tape guides...... Mostly with 1.5 Mil Tape ( 1200 'er's) Bad slitting & heavy base material equal "Violining" . There can be oxide deposits almost anywhere in the tape path from that as the sides grind away and leave little piles of rust dust behind.

Stay with 1800'er's, = 1.0 Mil base material, better output from a better head wrap, a lot less " Violining" when it gets old

[Taipei Calling]

Thanks for the info and the spelling correction! Is there anywhere I can order new tapes from?

[Taipei Calling]

Now, I realize this is a "new guy" question but I'm really curious about the distinctions between different brands of tape and even different types within a single brand. Currently, I have Ampex 641, Sony Pr-150's, Sony Pr-200's and a single Racal-Zonal tape (British made). I realize the Sony Pr-200's are superior to the 150's but I really am not entirely clear on the distinctions when it comes to 1.0 mil - 12mic 1/2 mil - 25mic 1mil . Cassette tape varieties are simple to distinguish but these have me a bit confused. :cry: I planning to buy some new tapes but don't know which would be better so I turn to the experts: Quantegy 480 or Maxell 35-90B??

[Vintage TX]

Paul in Taiwan right ? :)
If you can find Maxell UD-35-90 those are high bias tape and can be used for recording at 3-3/4 speed without any problem.
Or try find some Ampex 631, these are "normal" tape, 1200 feet polyester,and I never had any problems, but stay away from Ampex 456..

[Vintage TX]

For your Akai the best newQuantegy tape would be 406 or 456. :yes:
Buying used tape Maxell or Ampex 631 will work.
Are you looking on Ebay or ?

[Taipei Calling]

Yes, I am looking on Ebay. Found both Ampex 631's and some Maxell tapes. Both seem pretty reasonable. Thanks for the info on suitable tape types.

[Vintage TX]

You welcome. :)
I know a guy in TN who sell Ampex 631 and pack very safe if you are interested.

[Taipei Calling]

I just bought 2 new Ampex 631's from eBay for $10 USD. Seemed pretty reasonable. It wouldn't by chance be the same guy - Thomas at Whitwell, TN?

[Vintage TX]

Same guy :D
Ask for a case of 12 instead, he is good for it. :yes:

[Taipei Calling]

Same guy :D
Ask for a case of 12 instead, he is good for it. :yes:

Thanks again. I just emailed him asking if I could increase the order. Shipping all the way out here is not cheap, so a slightly larger order would be great. :thmbsp:

[wordman001]

I've bought tape from Thomas..... I'll bet everyone has.....Great Guy ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[stereofisher]

I use my TEACs a lot. Been running a 1230 to make tapes of my fav LPs and to transfer to CD's. The 1230 developed a noise during record. The capstan motor switch was arching. I have a 4300 TEAC in its place for now along with my TEAC 7010. They sound thru my Pioneer SX 6000 and Marantz 4070 :) Right now I running a new Sarah Vaughan tape I made. Putting it on CDs for my CD friends :rofl: Working on a damaged Pioneer RT 707 damaged by a moron who did not know how to pack it. :worried: Its a heart breaker. Its needs a right reel motor and the screw in clip that holds on the tape reel. Rolf if you see this drop me an email,

Eric

[wordman001]

I received a beat up A-1250 last week from a seller I bought a 4010GSL from.I think you could use it for parts, or do a little Frankenstein Work and bring the A-1250 back to life. Say the word and send me your shipping address and it's yours.....- Joe :banana: :banana: :banana:

[stereofisher]

Drop me an Email. I did spray the mirco switch and it seems to be OK. Will pay for shipping. How are the wood side panels? Could use that micro switch that turns on the capstan motor. I could use those parts if you are so inclinded. I am running out of room for this stuff. Need to me a good woman with a big house to put this stuff in :D

Eric