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What should I look for in a vintage reel to reel deck?

jeeem

jeeem

Active Member
I know nothing, or just next to it, about reel to reel, except for the 3-inch and 5-inch tape recorders I had as a kid (before cassettes). And the enormous open-reel machine belonging our swingin' young neighbors, on which I first heard the Beatles' White Album through headphones. (I was babysitting late at night and the baby was sleeping, so I was basically alone and it was a life-changing experience, especially when I got to the creepiness on sides 3 and 4.)

Anyway, enough about me. I'm looking for a not-very-expensive deck that has these features, if possible:

3.75, 7.5 AND 15 IPS
ability to handle 10-inch reels
direct drive
ability to record multi-track

I think the AKAI GX-400D-SS covers most of these bases (and has glass heads?), and the TEAC A-3040(S) does multi-track but can't play old, pre-recorded 3 3/4 IPS tapes. Anybody got any suggestions? Some say there are relatively inexpensive SONY machines out there. Any other brands/models I should investigate or beware of?

Thanks!
 
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"not-very-expensive deck"
This is your key phrase,
3.75, 7.5 AND 15 IPS
ability to handle 10-inch reels
direct drive
ability to record multi-track
Pretty hard to find all of these features in a "cheap" Deck not the least in a Sony!
 
Keep a few dollars aside for repairs as well. You'll more than likely need at least new belts and capstans to make an old timer work right.

You want multi-track, keep an eye out for an old quad RR ... you can find some real deals on those if you look long and hard enough.

One question needs to be asked ... what do you want to do with it? Your best bet nowadays might be a digital solution ... lots of good software for doing garage band backroom kinda mastering, and the sky's the limit for layers and effects. Freeware even, so your only real investment is in an interface and mikes ...
 
BOUXY said:
"not-very-expensive deck"
This is your key phrase,
3.75, 7.5 AND 15 IPS
ability to handle 10-inch reels
direct drive
ability to record multi-track
Pretty hard to find all of these features in a "cheap" Deck not the least in a Sony!
Click to expand...

BOUXY, kermit z: Well, I wouldn't want to spend upwards of $1,000. Half that would be even better, but I know I'd have to sacrifice -- probably the 15 ips and the multi-track recording?

What are some makes and/or models you particularly like? What about features? How do you feel about buttons vs. levers? (I've used both.) What do you use your open reel decks for? That one in your profile picture sure is pretty, BOUXY!
 
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sKiZo said:
Keep a few dollars aside for repairs as well. You'll more than likely need at least new belts and capstans to make an old timer work right.

You want multi-track, keep an eye out for an old quad RR ... you can find some real deals on those if you look long and hard enough.

One question needs to be asked ... what do you want to do with it? Your best bet nowadays might be a digital solution ... lots of good software for doing garage band backroom kinda mastering, and the sky's the limit for layers and effects. Freeware even, so your only real investment is in an interface and mikes ...
Click to expand...

Thanks, sKiZo. I do some digital recording now, using a Mac and various kinds of software, from iMovie to Final Cut, though I've never used the exclusively audio stuff like ProTools. In college I used to do commentary for a local NPR station and we did it all on reels, edited with razor blades. I guess I'm feeling nostalgic...
 
Working clean cdx, good heads a must. Beware Roberts/ Akai and other decks with function control problems indicating failing crapalloy castings. No parts available and otherwise unrepairable.
Tape decks are something like acoustic pianos, they should be valuable but demand is low, so good ones used are affordable and one can be choosy. Shipping without original packaging is risky.
 
Well, I have enjoyed my A3300SX a lot. But, it will not do 15ips. Also, it is not direct drive or go in reverse. But it is a tank, and it's great sounding. I record from vinyl.


jpg images
 
That particular combination of speeds, at least for on-the-fly switching, is rather rare.
 
Answering the "what do you want to do with it?" is the place to start. Do you want to record live? Or off of vinyl and/or FM and/or CD? Do you want to play prerecorded tapes (e.g., 7.5 or 3.75 ips quarter-track) or the ability to record/play half-track (which will limit the selection of used prerecorded tapes) unless you get a deck with the capability to record half-track and play back both half- and quarter-track (e.g., the Otari MB5050 series)? Keep in mind that, given the current price of raw tape and the playing time limit the formats impose, non-reversible half-track and 15ips capability can get very expensive very quickly.

Then you need to consider that if you're buying used (e.g., off of eBay or craigslist), there's a good chance that the deck will require anywhere from minimal to extensive service (including replacing old capacitors, replacing or relapping heads, lubing critical parts, biasing for the recording tape you'll use, etc., etc....you've specified "direct drive," so I haven't included belts)--meaning that the overall cost could involve far more than "a few dollars"--and making sure if the unit is being shipped to you that the seller knows how to pack it so it has a reasonable chance of surviving whatever abuse "Brown", Fedex, or other shipper might throw at it.

These were among the factors I had to consider when I decided to dive back into reel-to-reel a little over a month ago after a long absence...and what governed my decision to buy a used but totally-refurbished deck from a tech who specializes in reconditioning each unit he sells. That way I've not had to worry about any required-service hidden costs or other headaches should the purchased unit arrive in less than tip-top performance shape.
 
I saw an Otari 4 track last year on Craigslist, but I had just bought a Crown. It should have most of your required features, except cheap - that will be a stroke of luck.
 
I have nearly finished restoring an old 1950s Brenell Mk5 valve reel to reel. This was my first go at a tape recorder, and it was a lot of work. The recorder was sold as a non-worker and had been in a UK attic for a number of years. I wound up doing a complete teardown and buildup.

Prior to this, I had no knowledge of reel to reel, but I was concurrently learning valve amp architecture and restoring an old Garrard autochanging turntable. Restoring the turntable really helped with the mechanics of the tape recorder. The playback/record amp took longer, but I was eventually able to get it working just fine.

I think if you are looking for a deal, its inevitable you will have to do at least some of the work yourself. I don't know how mechanically and electrically inclined you may be, and I don't wish to discourage you. I have a military background in electronics and it still took me a lot of reading, experimenting and hand-wringing to get this beast going. And this tape recorder circuit is one of the more simple!

Additionally, unless you get a unit with a replaceable capstan sleeve, you are unlikely to find something in your price range capable of 15IPS. At least, not functioning.
 
jimtranr said:
Answering the "what do you want to do with it?" is the place to start. Do you want to record live? Or off of vinyl and/or FM and/or CD? Do you want to play prerecorded tapes (e.g., 7.5 or 3.75 ips quarter-track) or the ability to record/play half-track (which will limit the selection of used prerecorded tapes) unless you get a deck with the capability to record half-track and play back both half- and quarter-track (e.g., the Otari MB5050 series)? Keep in mind that, given the current price of raw tape and the playing time limit the formats impose, non-reversible half-track and 15ips capability can get very expensive very quickly.

Then you need to consider that if you're buying used (e.g., off of eBay or craigslist), there's a good chance that the deck will require anywhere from minimal to extensive service (including replacing old capacitors, replacing or relapping heads, lubing critical parts, biasing for the recording tape you'll use, etc., etc....you've specified "direct drive," so I haven't included belts)--meaning that the overall cost could involve far more than "a few dollars"--and making sure if the unit is being shipped to you that the seller knows how to pack it so it has a reasonable chance of surviving whatever abuse "Brown", Fedex, or other shipper might throw at it.

These were among the factors I had to consider when I decided to dive back into reel-to-reel a little over a month ago after a long absence...and what governed my decision to buy a used but totally-refurbished deck from a tech who specializes in reconditioning each unit he sells. That way I've not had to worry about any required-service hidden costs or other headaches should the purchased unit arrive in less than tip-top performance shape.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much, jimtranr. I guess my original post was kind of a wish list and I was looking for some mythical creature that would have most (or some) of these things. So, I'll have to prioritize. I think the 15 ips was kind of pie-in-the-sky, probably because I saw a recommended YouTube video for noobs by a guy showing how to use a TEAC A-3040S. I'm going to look at a few decks (TEAC, AKAI, etc.) today at a local shop that refurbishes and sells old equipment.
 
Pioneer RT-1020L will do everything you are looking for, except 15IPS. They do hold up well, long term. You might find one that still works. Restoration, of course, is a good thing.

Enjoy,
Rich P
 
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