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Same here. I'll seek gear that's described as 'for parts/repair', and go over it until functional. The shine up sessions just kinda add pride to the ownership. Some gear I'll photo-log the repair sequence from start to finish, especially my crusty old ribbon mics.

I'm completely understanding this. I pamper virtually every new item I own to the point that they outlive their life expectancies. But most things I own I purchased used (I'm not nor will ever be wealthy). Now here's a poll for you all: How many of you when obtaining something used will shine it up ...

Just logging in on the subject: Can a low value(1K) potentiometer be used for this project or must one go with select metal film resistors within a rotary switch
? Just wondering if a pot must be avoided due to noise issues, etc.

OK, so I found an old eBay photo showing a pair of these with the grill removed. They were loaded with 6x9 whizzer coned drivers. It also seemed that the grills were held in place with plastic corner pins and sockets within the cab face corners...hmmm. So with that I tried prying my grills off. Foun...

Hi guys. Recently I found a pair of Ampex ALX-1 monitors for cheap. They're closed cube designs with walnut veneer finishes and fixed 'basket weave' style grilles. They measure about 12" square and sound quite warm. Thing is I'm not finding anything on the web in the way of production periods, syste...

LOL!! When I quit I could still buy a carton for $10! Today they'd cost me....well, the cost of a used low end mic!! ;) So I dug into the MXL 9000: On my second tube swap (first 6201 tube was big time noisy) the wire to pin 9 of the tube socket broke free from the PCB!! Very weak design & I don't kn...

Damn but tobacco sucks!! I bought a capacitence meter that stunk like an ashtray, and no matter how thorough I cleaned it, it still stunk/stinks!! Always a 'back of my mind' fear when buying used mics and/or gear. And I used to smoke too! But Dude, you've taken on more mics in a month than I have in...

I just got one of these new from MF and the fit/finish is dissapointing. The entire packaging scheme is cheap, the 'champaigne' finish is ugly, and (get this) the front face of the basket has 3 small dents in it! Hard to see, but in the right light they're there and once found you're able to feel th...

I don't remember there ever being a 20ips format presented to the industry, be it Tascam, Studer, Otari or anyone else in the arena. If there was it probably came a little too late for anyone to care...ADAT was on the horizion, and heck even THAT format is in the dust now! My train of thought was al...

Vegas, your pin out inquiries seem correct off the top of my head, but your 1588 can should have a schematic of the pin outs on it's label. As for the 1583A, that seems to be a tube filiment transformer, and you're correct in believing it won't cut the mustard trying to support the 1588. Something w...

Curious to know what the Altec 633A sounds like but there doesn't seem to be any examples on the web...other than Mr. Microphone doing a voiceover thru his refurbed model. He has a Realistic dynamic element in the body, so it's not a true to life example (Sounded pretty good thou...just not the real...

Hahaha!! Funny stuff, V. I dig the drum sound you're getting there...lo-fi yet catchy. The voice thru the 631 works well too.

Hahaha!! Funny stuff, V. I dig the drum sound you're getting there...lo-fi yet catchy. The voice thru the 631 works well too.

It's a Teac & it's free. Why do you even ask the question? Even if it's the bottom of the barrel consumer model, take it. Cut your teeth on the reel to reel experience with it. Learn it's strengths & weaknesses and it'll broaden your knwledge of R2Rs in general. Later on if you have caught the R2R b...

I've disected an ailing Altec 1588C short version (with xfrmr mounted on back of pcb; non 'transistor module' type), and in removing the transformer I've damaged a few of the pcb solder pads & traces. I've tried studying RodC's "Short & Long of it" photos, but they don't provide enough detail for me...