Messages

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: [Troubleshooting] - Issues with an Otari MX-5050 BII-2...

« on: June 28, 2016, 08:31:56 PM »

This thread may be dead, but thought I'd offer some input -- some newly manufactured parts (including pinch rollers, tension arms, capstan oil) can be had from Athan Corp at http://www.athan.com/cgi-local/store.cgi?cat1=1003 ... they also sell on eBay.  I've got a roller & oil on order, hoping they're worth the cost!  Cheers...  Alex

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050Bii 2 Heads

« on: June 28, 2016, 08:17:25 PM »

Hi & welcome to the wonders (and frustrations) of R2R!  I am new here, but have been into R2R for 50 years.   Surprised no one seems to have answered your question.  I have the same model, and your heads look much like mine -- that is, what appears to be some normal wear but not bad.  Best if you haven't already is to get your photo examined by a head relapping expert like JRF Magnetics... http://www.jrfmagnetics.com  ... AFAIK, they are the "masters" of tape heads.  I didn't send a photo but had them quote me for relapping or replacing heads in my Otari, and the reply was prompt and complete -- this was from John French, [email protected]:

1.     Relap each Otari MX5050 (BII) 1/4-inch head @ .........$ 65.00 each
2.     New replacement 2-track record or playback head........$165.00
3.     New 1/4-tk playback head (Nortronics)..................$145.00
4.     Mount heads and Optically Align assembly...............$ 65.00
The heads that we relap will look and perform as new and the assembly will return aligned and ready to re-install.

Hope this helps!  ...Alex

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Prerecorded Tapes / Re: Please help identify unmarked recording

« on: December 18, 2009, 10:21:36 PM »

Thanks, Steve... (BTW I'm Alex, and obviously unfamiliar with, erm, forum decorum).  Do you have the Argo cat# for my title?  Going to try to find an image of the tape.  Yeah, re number of tapes made/ sold -- I have a few of the low-quantity titles.  Got most of my B-C without breaking the bank, back in 2000 when I started eBay, looking for sellers who didn't know what they had, etc...  120 titles are down to 60 now. Many more from a gent who had dozens of B-C among several hundred others -- I got his entire collection to sell on commission of sorts (50/50) since he didn't want to be bothered.  Wish I could keep, but enjoying'em before they go.  Since I have to sell, I'm OK with those crazy prices, hah.  It IS a little nuts, but seems happenstance, at least on eBay (who is selling whatever at any given time and who sees it and wants it badly).  OK, so, what titles do you want most?  While you're thinking about that, I still have a heap of mystery tapes to ID.  This one was fun at least, thx again!  (And oh yeah: am I supposed to add a sig that lists my crappytronics?)

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Prerecorded Tapes / Please help identify unmarked recording

« on: December 18, 2009, 05:22:09 PM »

Hello from a group newbie... been poking around the posting here; lots of great info & input.  I'm going through the lifelong reel collection of a deceased friend.  Finally forcing myself to tackle the odds & ends boxes -- thankfully findings some goodies.  One 4TR Dolby -- with tones at end of side 1, beginning of side 2 -- does that point to Barclay-Crocker? -- seems to be the original 1975 Vanguard issue of "Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine" (71212?), going by the track list and timings.  Sound is amazing -- have played twice and this stuff isn't even material I thought I'd enjoy.  I have B-C's #2 Catalogue c.1975, but this tape isn't listed. Scoured the web for clues but have none, other than an LP was issued in '75, the tape exists, and this 4-TR was supposedly used to create the current CD reissue... seems odd.  Anyway, can anyone ID the maker of this tape... and/or someone with later B-C catalogues might see if it's a B-C issue.

Still have many B-C tapes though have been forced to sell off a lot of reels (on eBay).  Glad to find this forum and hope to learn more about this lifelong favorite format.  Thanks!