Re: [ARSCLIST] help in fair pricing of reel to reel machines

[Tape Archive <tapearchive@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As always on used machines it comes down to fitted head stack and remaining
head life.

I have a habit of purchasing Otari Machines when the need presents itself,
as the US office is close to my operation. The machines have good parts
support and are fairly easy to "hot rod".

As for the Otari MTR 10 machines I try not to pay more than $500.00 USD(not
including shipping) for a two track machine. I usually modify the machines
into format specific uses.

Parts show up fairly regularly on Ebay to expand the function or maintain
the machines (i.e. Time code heads, revolvers, Control cards, Audio I/O'S
etc.) 

The other machines mentioned in your post are solid machines, but may cost
slightly more money to refurbish and maintain.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers!

Bruce Maddocks
Cups 'n Strings Studios


-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of phillip holmes
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 9:04 PM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ARSCLIST] help in fair pricing of reel to reel machines

I need some advice on what a fair offer would be on an Otari MTR-10.  
Besides that deck, there are two of the Sony APR5000, MCI, Studer A807, 
Ampex 440 and 35?, and more.  The guy wants to sell all of it to me.  
I'm thinking I'd like the Otari or the Sony (or both) for myself and 
maybe sell the others on eBay.  I've sold quite a few consumer decks and 
usually give $50-100 for those (and double my money once the dust clears 
from replaced pinch rollers and belts), but these pro decks are a 
different thing entirely.  I'd like to know what a fair offer would be 
on the MTR-10.  My "Audio Blue Book" really only lists consumer stuff 
and it's hard to find closed auctions on these.  When I look at what the 
machines cost new, it brings tears to my eyes.  They're just gathering 
dust and getting old now, considered junk by most.  And another thing.  
Have any of you guys sent a tape deck by FedEx freight with any luck?
Phillip
OH, I bought two Technics SP10mkii, with Audio-Technica AT1500 tonearms, 
for $400.  He thought I was being generous.  I thought he would laugh at 
the offer.