The Black Adder
15-07-2013, 10:52
Pioneer RT-909 Black edition – Swiss version
This is a very rare chance to own one of the most coveted Reel to Reel decks.
The original black version of the RT-909 was made in small numbers for the U.S military. This version is the Swiss version by V.Frincu, ‘the best’ version ever made. This is ‘the works’, the best of.
This is one of only 10 pieces made world wide and will never be repeated.
All black fascia parts were finished at the Burmester factory to which you can only imagine and expect to be absolutely perfect.
An interesting fact about the production of the black panels. The production of getting the finish as perfect as possible was an enormous and very expensive task because the original panels simply could not be anodised due to the quality of the original base metal. So a different technique was needed. Then of course came the re-production of the lettering. The technique of getting the lettering on the panels is one I've never come across before. You would think that it would be a post effect/over-print but it's not. If you run your finger over any of the lettering etc. there is no raised effect. How this is done to such accuracy and to pin sharpness is beyond me but I suppose it's an effect that Burmester would be only too familiar with.
The head-block for example is actually a full re-make of the original. Using extremely high tech 3D scanning equipment it is much more accurate than the original head block as much higher quality materials were used in this production. All heads are re-lapped and laser aligned by JRF Magnetics.
All fascia parts are finished in black to an amazing quality including the knobs, tension arms and reel tables.
The process of getting the finish as perfect as possible and blemish free on all of the fascia parts had been a very expensive and time consuming project and so not many parts were produced. Therefore a very hefty price tag. Needless to say this is for the connoisseur. Someone who appreciates quality in build and sound as well as design.
The deck is one of the last deck made and dated to 1982.
The conversion was carried out in May 2012.
I have photos of the actual various works being carried out and can be sent if required.
If you have any questions regarding offers, delivery or technical please don't hesitate to contact me. I will reply as promptly as I can.
Works carried out:
The tension arms have been stripped down and re-made and re-lubricated in Switzerland.
Tension arm tape guides have also been fully re-made by hand in Switzerland.
The tape heads have been re-lapped, re-mounted and laser aligned on to the new head block by JRF Magnetics in the U.S.A (All documentation supplied). The fitting of the new head block is precision itself, an amazing piece of engineering.
The deck has been fully serviced. Every mechanism coupling has been striped down, cleaned and re-lubricated; these include both Solenoid lift and pull mechanisms.
The capstan lift solenoid now has a custom made oil damper fitted which stops the ‘Klunk’ as the tape guides drop on stock decks. The damper was been made by hand in Switzerland to the exact precision. New base pads for the guide arms have also been fitted. When the deck disengages the capstan arms smoothly glide down, no noise and very slick, beautiful.
Both brakes have been serviced and the motors have been re-lubricated.
Both brake engage springs have been replaced.
Both brake solenoid lift arms have been replaced with custom made arms fitted with coupling silencers. Hand made in Switzerland.
The brake drums have been cleaned and have been fitted with anti-resonating tubes on the main springs as well as a velvety softener strip applied to the back of the brake band. This ensures that the bands don’t resonate when they’re disengaged.
The motor relay has been removed and all internal contacts cleaned with IPA and De-Oxit before refitting. An anti-resonating tube was also fitted to the internal spring.
The custom made remote control which is designed in Switzerland by the re-inventor (V.Frincu) of this black RT-909 has been fitted which is an amazing addition to the original spec deck.
Capstan drive wheels have been professionally polished and lubricated.
Brand new drive belt fitted.
All tape guides have been cleaned.
Brand new pinch rollers made by Terry’s Rubber Rollers in the USA have been fitted.
The deck has been re-biased and calibrated.
The outer case work has been fitted with internal sound dampening material and the vents have been fitted with a suitable mesh to reduce the dust accumulation inside the deck.
The deck has only had very light use (less than 20 hours) due to a new family so I just don’t get the time to use it anymore and so needs must.
Included in the sale:
All documentation from JRF Magnetics included.
Remote control.
Black reels included.
2x Original PR-220A NAB hubs included.
2x RGMi 900 tapes included. One of which has never been used.
De-Magnetiser included.
Original base feet included.
A spare set of lightly used pinch rollers are included, still perfectly good.
AC step down transformer included (for UK use)
Original user manual
Condition:
Fascia and associated black parts = Mint as it’s newly finished.
Case work = Perfect – No rust or scratches
Operation = Everything works perfectly and sounds superb
Video of the deck:
Here is a video I made of the deck in operation.
naqAXFj-GV8
To finish:
This deck is now one of the quietest decks I have ever used. If you can imagine using a very, very high end cassette player then this is what this deck is like to use. For the user it’s simply superb and an amazing piece of vintage technology which is now in mint condition mechanically and aesthetically. This deck has become timeless in design, a work of art. And has been a pleasure to use (although unfortunately rather seldomly) and listen too. It sounds divine.
Needless to say this deck is now a collector’s piece and it deserves another good home. It's one hell of a sexy beast. They are no longer available to buy from source so it will only go up in value. It’s been my passion, my pleasure and privilege to bring it to its current state and every bit of my care and attention has gone in to it to make it as good as it can be.
This deck is now better than 'as new' in functionality.
I’m a perfectionist at heart and so this is a very reluctant sale.
Price:
£3000 ovno
High resolution images of the deck:
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07855.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07855.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07853.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07853.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07852.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07852.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07845.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07845.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07860.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07860.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06586.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06586.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06579-1.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06579-1.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06578.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06578.jpg.html)
Delivery UK:
Cash on collection is preferred and a demo is very welcome and recommended.
Paypal is also acceptable.
Delivery is possible although it will be AT THE BUYERS RISK. Tracked and insured only at buyers expense.
I will not be held responsible to any damage or loss whilst in transit.
All cost of packaging would need to be discussed and will be an additional charge unless you would like to source your own packaging which is fine.
Photos of the unit being packed will also be available.
All courier documentation including the time and date of pick-up will be sent on immediately.
Delivery outside the UK:
Delivery is possible although it will be AT THE BUYERS RISK. Tracked and insured only at buyers expense.
It will be expensive but it’s best to safeguard yourself and your purchase.
I will not be held responsible to any damage or loss whilst in transit.
All cost of packaging would need to be discussed and will be an additional charge unless you would like to source your own packaging which is fine.
Photos of the unit being packed will also be available.
All courier documentation including the time and date of pick-up will be sent on immediately.
This is a very rare chance to own one of the most coveted Reel to Reel decks.
The original black version of the RT-909 was made in small numbers for the U.S military. This version is the Swiss version by V.Frincu, ‘the best’ version ever made. This is ‘the works’, the best of.
This is one of only 10 pieces made world wide and will never be repeated.
All black fascia parts were finished at the Burmester factory to which you can only imagine and expect to be absolutely perfect.
An interesting fact about the production of the black panels. The production of getting the finish as perfect as possible was an enormous and very expensive task because the original panels simply could not be anodised due to the quality of the original base metal. So a different technique was needed. Then of course came the re-production of the lettering. The technique of getting the lettering on the panels is one I've never come across before. You would think that it would be a post effect/over-print but it's not. If you run your finger over any of the lettering etc. there is no raised effect. How this is done to such accuracy and to pin sharpness is beyond me but I suppose it's an effect that Burmester would be only too familiar with.
The head-block for example is actually a full re-make of the original. Using extremely high tech 3D scanning equipment it is much more accurate than the original head block as much higher quality materials were used in this production. All heads are re-lapped and laser aligned by JRF Magnetics.
All fascia parts are finished in black to an amazing quality including the knobs, tension arms and reel tables.
The process of getting the finish as perfect as possible and blemish free on all of the fascia parts had been a very expensive and time consuming project and so not many parts were produced. Therefore a very hefty price tag. Needless to say this is for the connoisseur. Someone who appreciates quality in build and sound as well as design.
The deck is one of the last deck made and dated to 1982.
The conversion was carried out in May 2012.
I have photos of the actual various works being carried out and can be sent if required.
If you have any questions regarding offers, delivery or technical please don't hesitate to contact me. I will reply as promptly as I can.
Works carried out:
The tension arms have been stripped down and re-made and re-lubricated in Switzerland.
Tension arm tape guides have also been fully re-made by hand in Switzerland.
The tape heads have been re-lapped, re-mounted and laser aligned on to the new head block by JRF Magnetics in the U.S.A (All documentation supplied). The fitting of the new head block is precision itself, an amazing piece of engineering.
The deck has been fully serviced. Every mechanism coupling has been striped down, cleaned and re-lubricated; these include both Solenoid lift and pull mechanisms.
The capstan lift solenoid now has a custom made oil damper fitted which stops the ‘Klunk’ as the tape guides drop on stock decks. The damper was been made by hand in Switzerland to the exact precision. New base pads for the guide arms have also been fitted. When the deck disengages the capstan arms smoothly glide down, no noise and very slick, beautiful.
Both brakes have been serviced and the motors have been re-lubricated.
Both brake engage springs have been replaced.
Both brake solenoid lift arms have been replaced with custom made arms fitted with coupling silencers. Hand made in Switzerland.
The brake drums have been cleaned and have been fitted with anti-resonating tubes on the main springs as well as a velvety softener strip applied to the back of the brake band. This ensures that the bands don’t resonate when they’re disengaged.
The motor relay has been removed and all internal contacts cleaned with IPA and De-Oxit before refitting. An anti-resonating tube was also fitted to the internal spring.
The custom made remote control which is designed in Switzerland by the re-inventor (V.Frincu) of this black RT-909 has been fitted which is an amazing addition to the original spec deck.
Capstan drive wheels have been professionally polished and lubricated.
Brand new drive belt fitted.
All tape guides have been cleaned.
Brand new pinch rollers made by Terry’s Rubber Rollers in the USA have been fitted.
The deck has been re-biased and calibrated.
The outer case work has been fitted with internal sound dampening material and the vents have been fitted with a suitable mesh to reduce the dust accumulation inside the deck.
The deck has only had very light use (less than 20 hours) due to a new family so I just don’t get the time to use it anymore and so needs must.
Included in the sale:
All documentation from JRF Magnetics included.
Remote control.
Black reels included.
2x Original PR-220A NAB hubs included.
2x RGMi 900 tapes included. One of which has never been used.
De-Magnetiser included.
Original base feet included.
A spare set of lightly used pinch rollers are included, still perfectly good.
AC step down transformer included (for UK use)
Original user manual
Condition:
Fascia and associated black parts = Mint as it’s newly finished.
Case work = Perfect – No rust or scratches
Operation = Everything works perfectly and sounds superb
Video of the deck:
Here is a video I made of the deck in operation.
naqAXFj-GV8
To finish:
This deck is now one of the quietest decks I have ever used. If you can imagine using a very, very high end cassette player then this is what this deck is like to use. For the user it’s simply superb and an amazing piece of vintage technology which is now in mint condition mechanically and aesthetically. This deck has become timeless in design, a work of art. And has been a pleasure to use (although unfortunately rather seldomly) and listen too. It sounds divine.
Needless to say this deck is now a collector’s piece and it deserves another good home. It's one hell of a sexy beast. They are no longer available to buy from source so it will only go up in value. It’s been my passion, my pleasure and privilege to bring it to its current state and every bit of my care and attention has gone in to it to make it as good as it can be.
This deck is now better than 'as new' in functionality.
I’m a perfectionist at heart and so this is a very reluctant sale.
Price:
£3000 ovno
High resolution images of the deck:
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07855.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07855.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07853.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07853.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07852.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07852.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07845.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07845.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07860.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC07860.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06586.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06586.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06579-1.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06579-1.jpg.html)
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06578.jpg (http://s457.photobucket.com/user/musical_submarine/media/Archive%202013/Black%20PIONEER%20RT-909/DSC06578.jpg.html)
Delivery UK:
Cash on collection is preferred and a demo is very welcome and recommended.
Paypal is also acceptable.
Delivery is possible although it will be AT THE BUYERS RISK. Tracked and insured only at buyers expense.
I will not be held responsible to any damage or loss whilst in transit.
All cost of packaging would need to be discussed and will be an additional charge unless you would like to source your own packaging which is fine.
Photos of the unit being packed will also be available.
All courier documentation including the time and date of pick-up will be sent on immediately.
Delivery outside the UK:
Delivery is possible although it will be AT THE BUYERS RISK. Tracked and insured only at buyers expense.
It will be expensive but it’s best to safeguard yourself and your purchase.
I will not be held responsible to any damage or loss whilst in transit.
All cost of packaging would need to be discussed and will be an additional charge unless you would like to source your own packaging which is fine.
Photos of the unit being packed will also be available.
All courier documentation including the time and date of pick-up will be sent on immediately.