Hi, I have a chance to buy an Ampex 440 electronics, 3M M-56 tape transport machine that can be proven to be in top working order and looks to have Mint tape heads. There are also test tapes, a manual, and 9 new 1" ampex tape reels. This can be had for $800 with a walk through from the previous owner. I've seen on here that the Ampex 440 is not thought to be a good machine. I wonder if the 3M tape transport makes this a better machine, or if this seems like a good deal? Thanks

mmshanks wrote:Hi, I have a chance to buy an Ampex 440 electronics, 3M M-56 tape transport machine that can be proven to be in top working order and looks to have Mint tape heads. There are also test tapes, a manual, and 9 new 1" ampex tape reels. This can be had for $800 with a walk through from the previous owner. I've seen on here that the Ampex 440 is not thought to be a good machine. I wonder if the 3M tape transport makes this a better machine, or if this seems like a good deal? Thanks

This miss-matched assembly is shady to me. I would have a technician take a look at it.

Also, be careful with 'new' tape stock that says ampex on it. It's got to be at least 10 years old.

As far as quality, it depends which 440 you're talking about - I have a 440b 4 track that works great and sounds great. same for the 2 track.

the 3M transport was designed to have less stress on the tape by having less guides. I like these machines a lot, although they have a history of being problematic.

Any pictures?

Jeremy

if you don't end up buying it let me know. i have a stephens 8 track on a 3M M-56 transport where the transport is fucked.

elisha wiesner wrote:if you don't end up buying it let me know. i have a stephens 8 track on a 3M M-56 transport where the transport is fucked.

Is there a specific part of the transport that isn't working properly for you?
i have miscellaneous parts lying around and I may have some 3M stuff. I'll look around tonight.

Jeremy

Sounds interesting. I would get it for fun, but if you were thinking about relying on it, don't! It could be a total nightmare in your garage. Try to talk the guy down to him paying you $200 and driving it over to your place.
Not to be cold but, $800 is not a good price.

That's good to know, I ended up buying an Otari MX5050 from the same consignment place a few weeks back, but I can't stop looking at this thing. It's been there for over a year, so maybe, just for fun I'll eventually low ball them like nobody's business, maybe $500, it should be good just as a sculpture for that money?

Garage rock rules by the way. I started off in my Dad's garage and actually ruined his nice Marantz speakers as our PA system (I feel very guilty for that and will make it up to him.) Thanks for responding Greg. I love many, many, many of the records put out by you guys. This is a hobby for me so it's cool to get input from all you guys in the know (yes I am kissing butt.) -- Matt

Ooh. That tickles!