Hey, any recommendations on where to find some tape machines at a decent price in New York city island or wherever nearby? i'm looking for a 1/4" or 1/2" 2-track for mixdowns, i was thinking an otari mx5050 or mx55 is the best i can do with my almost non-existant budget.

Ive been reading alot of great conversations about tape mixing here and feel compelled to dive in. I was hoping someone could illuminate me as to where/if these places exist in the tri-state area.

Everything on ebay is about 300 miles from NY, hard to beleive I know.

This is my first post by the way, and im really digging the atmosphere of these boards, lots of very insightful opinions stories and info, and is my latest addiction.

Cheers,

- Frank

www.craigslist.org

click "new york"

there are a few people who refurbish them.

try these guys:

http://www.coralsound.com/

Hey Jeremy, first off thanks for the info and glad to hear from a fellow NYer.

i've gotten some really terrible decks from craigslist...but anywho - when i search for tape in services or reel it only comes up with stuff for film/actors.

Alternately, I searched sale items and found the usual junk, so is there any service people with spare decks you know offhand to check out?

I looked into Coral Sound and noticed their giant workroom of machines and the like, very impressive but it looks a bit out of my league, either way ill shoot them a line.

So im guessing im not going to find a warehouse full of cheap tape machines in NY, but what about PA or NJ? Wheres the secret stash of decomissioned broadcast machines?

thanks mucho
- Frank

Hey -

I haven't found these great machines. Figure that nearly any cheap machine is going to require some $ in getting it functioning. If you do find some place that will sell you a well-maintained machine, you will have to pay more for it. There's an assumption that someone out there is selling a tape machine who both knows how to keep it technically perfect and has no idea of the true market value of it. This is the common $300 Ampex ATR fantasy, and it doesn't happen in the real world.

All that said, here's a few to try -

1. Sounds and Visions. I lucked into a tape machine with these guys once. They were moving and needed it out. Nice enough guys, but their operation is kind of chaotic. Call them rather than browsing their website. NB - They're listing a good condition A820 for $6500. Fuck.
2. Glenn Colemann. Glenn does repair work on tape machines and know who's getting rid of one. If he's been working on it, it's probably in good shape.
3. Find out if Randy Blevinsis heading up this way any time soon.
4. Sound Broker. It's kind of a crap shoot, but good for those who don't like ebay.

Good luck.

= Justin

cool, im looking into those guys....

i found a 3m M23 1/4" 2 track availble in the city i but can't find any info on this version of the machine.
appartently theres another one out there used by hendrix at electric ladyland.
i wonder how it would sound against something like an otari 55- i know kinda like apples and oranges, but hey i can get them for the same
how would these sound today, assuming its functioning? a longshot i know...

I've heard bad things about the 3M machines - big headaches to maintain. But I've never had any experience with them one way or another.

= Justin

Justin from Queens wrote:I've heard bad things about the 3M machines - big headaches to maintain. But I've never had any experience with them one way or another.

= Justin

the reason a lot of people (greg) don't like these machines is because, to date, i haven't seen a less complicated circuit board - there's more electronics in this machine than any 2 MCI JH-24s.

i've used a couple and they run fine and i personally really like the way they sound.
there are a few people who do a few mods to 3M machines to make them a bit more stable, a doude named Otho in atlanta...can't seem to find his number though. sorry.

jeremy

im going to look and see if the 3m works
ive tracked down a studer a820, have to see if its possible to get it up and running. im told it powers up and seems fine, then starts to draw too much voltage and shuts off...is this burnt?

keep cool,
frank