Tape Trail

Reel 2 Reel Advice needed.....

76.226.92.9

joeljoel1947

Hi,
I am beginning to look at reel 2 reel decks. Basically have $500 max as a budget for something that will go up to 15 ips speed (I might get into the new tape project stuff for high-fidelity playback) and am looking for recommendations. It will be used both for recording and playback so I'll need both options there. The one thing I'm after is a deck that I would have no problem finding parts or servicing for if need be down the road. I also want to find something from the late 70's/early 80's (i.e. not TOO vintage). I know the Technics 1500's are great, and have also looked at Otari 5050's but both seem like they go for more then $500. I've also looked at a few Sony's, but I'm not finding any that go to 15 ips. Also, I'm not sure what the parts availability of any of those decks are.

Finally, whatever deck I end up with it will need to play 3 R2R tapes recorded with my grandparents and sister from the mid 70's as well. They look to be standard issue Scotch 1/4" wide 1200ft. reels, so I'm sure there would be no issues with a modern deck, but I'll throw it out there anyhow.

Anyhow, I'm just getting started in my researching and wanted any advice I could get to kind of weed through types that would NOT work. Just want to get some ideas on decks/model#'s I should be on the lookout for.
Regards,
Joel

Follow Ups:

Thanks John, so just a matter of.... - joeljoel1947 11:19:07 02/10/08 (0)
RE: Reel 2 Reel Advice needed..... - mcgjohn@yahoo.com 08:44:20 02/10/08 (0)
RE: Reel 2 Reel Advice needed..... - ironbut 15:54:49 02/08/08 (5)
- Excellent advice for a limited collection like that....NT - shoeihell@yahoo.com 16:42:01 02/08/08 (0)
- Damn, I should have thought of that! - joeljoel1947 16:10:38 02/08/08 (3)
  - RE: Damn, I should have thought of that! - ironbut 16:45:31 02/08/08 (2)
    - Thanks for the help, I am in Michigan.... - joeljoel1947 16:52:13 02/08/08 (1)
      - RE: Thanks for the help, I am in Michigan.... - ironbut 17:24:48 02/08/08 (1)
        
        RE: Thanks for the help, I am in Michigan.... - joeljoel1947 21:11:53 02/08/08 (0)
Thank you to everyone who has replied so far! And now more... - joeljoel1947 14:34:44 02/08/08 (17)
- Check out a Uher 4400 or 4200 or 4000 - grhughes 15:05:39 02/08/08 (16)
  - The Otari will play 3 3/4 ips - Dave Pogue 17:23:15 02/08/08 (14)
    - Great news! - joeljoel1947 17:35:19 02/08/08 (13)
      - RE: Great news! - Dave Pogue 04:10:43 02/09/08 (12)
        
        Thanks Dave - joeljoel1947 04:23:07 02/09/08 (11)
        
        This is the model I'd look for. - Dave Pogue 05:10:02 02/09/08 (3)
        
        RE: This is the model I'd look for. - joeljoel1947 05:24:17 02/09/08 (2)
        
        Coincidentally, - Dave Pogue 06:04:02 02/09/08 (1)
        
        RE: Coincidentally, - joeljoel1947 08:01:14 02/09/08 (0)
        
        RE: Thanks Dave - Dave Pogue 04:47:11 02/09/08 (6)
        
        RE: Thanks Dave - mcgjohn@yahoo.com 08:25:22 02/09/08 (2)
        
        Thanks John. So if I am not using pro gear... - joeljoel1947 13:00:25 02/09/08 (0)
        
        RE: Thanks Dave - Dave Pogue 09:09:29 02/09/08 (0)
        
        RE: Thanks Dave - joeljoel1947 05:06:37 02/09/08 (2)
        
        Yes, the Otari is switchable from NAB to IEC - Dave Pogue 05:12:51 02/09/08 (1)
        
        The money is the catch! - joeljoel1947 05:18:06 02/09/08 (0)
  - Thanks. Anything that does ALL speeds/reels/tracks then? - joeljoel1947 15:17:43 02/08/08 (0)
RE: Reel 2 Reel Advice needed..... - mcgjohn@yahoo.com 10:01:16 02/08/08 (1)
- Agreed........ - shoeihell@yahoo.com 10:23:40 02/08/08 (0)
RE: Reel 2 Reel Advice needed..... - shoeihell@yahoo.com 09:52:52 02/08/08 (0)
RE: Advice needed..... - grhughes 07:33:57 02/08/08 (0)

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