Advice needed: R2R

[synsei]

Thinking about buying a reel to reel deck but I know nothing about them beyond the basics - They use tape :lol:

I will be looking for a nice deck that won't break the bank. I've noticed Akai 4000's seem to be pretty good value but that could also mean they are rubbish I suppose. Anyway, I know nuttin' so I'm relying on advice from the experts in this field. Thanks ;)

[Rare Bird]

Roughly how Much Dave? A lot go for Revox 'A/B77' as parts crop up easily enough.I personally hate them but there you go.

Is it 7'' or 10.5'' reels your wanting to use?

[synsei]

Your first question is easy to answer André, as little as possible. As for which model, I am not really bothered as long as it sounds half decent and parts are readily available. As for reel size, I'm guessing 10" would be better, am I right? ;)

[The Black Adder]

Pioneer RT-909 - Magnificent deck. :)

[synsei]

Hmmm, the only one I can find on ebay is in the States and is nearly 4k, so a little out of my price range. I'm looking at picking something up for less than a ton if poss. I don't mind buying a fixer-upper as that would be a good way of learning about these wonderful pieces of engineering ;)

[Rare Bird]

PM Dave

[The Black Adder]

Ah, Righto.

I think you mean this one.. It's a home made rattle can job so steer clear.

RT-909 - Abused and weeping (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-RT-909-Reel-To-Reel-SPECTACULAR-ONE-OF-A-KIND-/160906711282?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2576c990f2)

That one is ruined. :( Only good for internal parting.

[Audio Al]

Dave

I picked up a working Tascam 22-2 for £85 at the audio jumble ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2001.jpg

Not a high end R2R but you can sit and watch the reels go

round and round :lol: and round , and round :eek:

And this fixer upper for £5 at the boot sale

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2023.jpg

[The Black Adder]

Dave

I picked up a working Tascam 22-2 for £85 at the audio jumble ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2001.jpg

Not a high end R2R but you can sit and watch the reels go

round and round :lol: and round , and round :eek:

They go round too. lol - £85 knicker...! wow, good deal

[Beechwoods]

Ah, Righto.

I think you mean this one.. It's a home made rattle can job so steer clear.

RT-909 - Abused and weeping (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-RT-909-Reel-To-Reel-SPECTACULAR-ONE-OF-A-KIND-/160906711282?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2576c990f2)

That one is ruined. :( Only good for internal parting.

I dont know about homemade, J-Corder have quite a reputation for 'customising' decks, though I don't particularly rate the very blingy look they go for.

You can't get better than the original US secret service gunmetal black finish though :)

Possible good value buy would a Sony TC-377. They shouldn't cost you a lot, though prices are creeping up all the time.

If I were you though I wouldn't expect hi-fi performance from a machine that hasn't been properly serviced or taken care of. You may be lucky though.

[The Black Adder]

I dont know about homemade, J-Corder have quite a reputation for 'customising' decks, though I don't particularly rate the very blingy look they go for.

Same... I have heard of them too but they have simply done a half arsed job on that one and the finish is awful compared to the original black or the mega rare swiss black version where the finish is actually better than the original Pioneer black version. Fully black including tenstion arms and all knobs, buttons and reels.

Here is a link to one:
RT-909 Black (http://www.adoos.com/post/27559023/rt909_black_swiss_made_the_highest_finishing)

It was a labor of love but I got there in the end... I must post the process with mine sometime.

[The Black Adder]

Otari are very decent, Dave.. Might be worth a punt.

Otari R2R (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OTARI-MX5050-Reel-To-Reel-Tape-Deck-2-TRACK-4-TRACK-High-Speed-Pro-/321006060370?pt=UK_Consumer_VintageAudio_RL&hash=item4abd73c352)

[Rare Bird]

You honestly think thats gonna go for around a ton!

:lol:

[The Black Adder]

ah.. sorry.. I forgot about that.