Anyone know what's going on at Otari USA?

[joeljoel1947]

I used to get GREAT service from Mitch there, now there is some Taka guy running the place AFAIK.  All I need are 4 meter lightbulbs for a B3 and its like pulling teeth to get them (been trying to contact them for over a week now)!  When you call now, nobody answers the phone anymore either.  It just goes to an automated system and eventually you need to leave a message with "Taka", and good luck with that.  He finally replied to one of my emails stating that I need a part number to order the bulbs.  Well, according to the exploded diagram, the meter bulbs aren't even on there!  All I used to have to do before was pick up the phone, Mitch would answer, and I;d say, "Hey Mitch, what's up?  Need 4 meter bulbs please."  3 days later I'd have them!!

Hopefully the recession didn't cut Mitch out of the loop.  He would be sorely missed!!!

[docb]

The only info I can offer is that I received an email in September announcing that all new product sales are going thru Aheadtek now, but that replacement parts and tech support would continue to go through Otari USA. Mitch was on the receipt list for the email (as was Taka) at that time.

[joeljoel1947]

Thanks Doc.  Hopefully Mitch is just on vacation or something!!!

[ironbut]

Hey Joel, If you can get at the bulbs easily, see if you can get a number off of them. Radio Shack carry some replacements (check on their web site then call your local store). If not, post the number here (I have some rolling around here from other machines and gear) that I got from Antique Electronic Supply. You can usually buy a pack of them for less than the cost of 2 just about anywhere else (which is why I have spares).
http://www.tubesandmore.com/

[joeljoel1947]

Thank you ironbut for the advice.  I found out today the very sad news.  Sign of the times, I guess.  Mitch if your reading this---we Otari fans will miss you!!!:

Hi Joel,
>
> I'm so sorry for my late reply. Unfortunately, Mitch is no longer 
> with us. Without a parts specialist like him, we are having trouble 
> locating correct part numbers, suppliers, getting quote from them, 
> etc... I apologize for taking so much time giving you a quote. 
> Anyway, I just found out that we have the VU meter lamp here, so 
> here is a quote.
>
> LU2049  Lamp (for VU Meter ME11005), $3.04ea  in stock
>
> We are still trying to figure out the correct part numbers for reel 
> adjusting disc and NAB hub you requested. I will get back to you as 
> soon as we find out about them. Meanwhile, if you would like to 
> order the VU Meter lamps, please let me know. If you have purchase order, please 
> email/fax it to me. If not, you can just let me know how many you 
> would like to order.
>
> Thank you.
> Taka

[jcmusic]

Oh no that is really bad news Joel, I have had dealings in the past with Mitch as well he is a great guy and a big help.

Jay

[dodgeaspen]

I know this thread is very old but I'm happy it's here. Ive been looking for some info on the bulbs and the LU2049 is the only number I have to go on. The guy I have dealt with in the past few months is Patrick Johnston. He's the VP AheadTeK
6410 Via Del Oro, San Jose, CA 95119, USA
Phone: 408-226-9800, Fax: 408-226-9195
Website: www.aheadtek.com
E-mail: [email protected]

[dodgeaspen]

I just got off the phone with Patrick and found the part number is still LU2049 and the price is $7.00 each. And they are in stock.