Tape Project Forum

Tape Machines => Reel to Reel Tape Machines => Topic started by: microstrip on May 11, 2009, 02:56:37 PM

Title: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: microstrip on May 11, 2009, 02:56:37 PM

Just wondering if spare microprocessors for the Otari MX50 / 5050 machines are still available?
All other electronic components seem easy to get.

Title: Re: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: Ben on May 11, 2009, 04:34:07 PM

I think you can still get them in Japan.

Title: Re: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: Brian on May 12, 2009, 02:03:41 PM

Given the low prices these units regularly close for on eBay, perhaps picking up a "parts machine" would be the cheapest answer in the long run?
Brian

Title: Re: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: ironbut on May 12, 2009, 04:27:11 PM

Hi Brian,

If you check your local Craig's List (and they did catch that guy right?) you can find some really low prices most of the time. If you're looking for a parts maven, the lack of shipping really cuts your cost.

Title: Re: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: Brian on May 12, 2009, 09:06:30 PM

Good advice Steve, I watch it fairly regularly - however, since I live in a Big Ten University town (Madison, WI) a lot of the audio stuff is former university student rock band junk.  The good news is the University has a "salvage" operation that occasionaly produces some really great deals from Univ. departments (ATR 100s, 440s, Nagra's, etc.).  Frankly, I'm not that impressed with our Craig's list - most of the items seem to be priced way too close to new prices - again, probably a function of the university environment.  When I look at the Milwaukee, WI Craig's list it seems a bit more reasonable and it's fun to occasionaly look at the LA, SanFran, or NY listings to see what the big boys are discarding!

Title: Re: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: bobschneider on May 14, 2009, 08:16:10 PM

You can find some decent stuff on the Chicago Craigslist from time to time.  There's a lot of TV/Radio commercial production here, so there are a decent number of pro studios.  I got my MX5050 Mark 3 off a local Craigslist ad here, from a local studio.  It would certainly be worth a drive down here for a decent Otari.

Title: Re: Spare parts for Otari MX50 / 5050
Post by: Brian on May 14, 2009, 09:18:18 PM

Good point Bob.  I also occasionaly check the Detroit list (brother-in-law with a van).  I'd like to find a good tech guy in the area that could aim me at an excellent condition unit for modding to Tape Project status.  I used to know a tech at a Nagra dealer who steered me this way to a couple of really nice Nagras as they came in for resale. 
Brian