Sony TC500A
 

Had this beast for over 50 years. Not played for 30. Is it worth getting serviced? I have some tapes I want transferred, am I better just getting them done without the repair of the recorder?

Re: Sony TC500A
 

It's a pretty decent model, and well worth restoring if you're going to make use of it in future.
If not, I guess it depends how many tapes you need to transfer, and whether you're willing to do the servicing yourself. Parts are unlikely to be expensive, but you will have to invest some time. There's a bit of a learning curve too, if you haven't done this sort of thing before.
Either way, don't throw it out - someone here is certain to want it if you decide you don't!

Re: Sony TC500A
 

For the cost of a couple of belts and some sewing machine oil, well worth checking over. You can still buy excellent (and not NOS) 7" reel-to-reel tape.

Re: Sony TC500A
 

Not knowledgeable at all here. How much would a service cost?

Re: Sony TC500A
 

It's a valve machine, so might need the usual caps replacing too.