Reel to Reel recorder
 

Hi

I'm posting this in the hope that one of you nice guys can point me in the direction of somewhere I can buy a second-hand reel to reel tape recorder in North East London or Essex, but particulalry in the Barking, Ilford, Romford or Wanstead area if possible?

It needs to be able to handle large spools (7inch?) and not be too expensive, as it's to be used to play some old tapes and not for new recording.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Regards,

Harry

Re: Reel to Reel recorder
 

Hello Harry, We are all nice guys on here !!!!!!! Can't help with buying a reel to reel recorder locally to you. But before buying a machine you will need to know at what speeds and whether two track or four track your old tapes where recorded. Sometimes helps if you have an idea of the original recorder and model number as this will be a help in determining a suggestion. If you do buy a recorder locally take a tape with you and try it. The fact that it lights up and spools turn doesnt mean it works OK. I actually saw three different recorders for sale at the local Boot sale on Monday ,All of which looked immaculate and each was about £10. But you take a chance...I'm sure someone locally to you can help .Good Luck, Reelguy

Re: Reel to Reel recorder
 

Re: Reel to Reel recorder
 

Just a word of caution: if you do take a tape to try out on a prospective machine, don't take your "best" one. There is a risk that the machine could be faulty and will stretch, crumple or erase the tape. Take a test tape that is your "least irreplaceable" tape.

And have a close look at the tapes to see if they're labelled with a speed (3 3/4, 7 1/2 ips?) and/or a track format (2-track or half-track, 4-track or quarter-track?). If they're in boxes, it may be on the box.