Just bought a reel to reel and have some questions

[evhelm]

Hello, I just picked up an Otari MX5050 1/4" 2 track reel to reel (in very good condition) and was looking for some resources.
First, what's the best kind of tape to use for this and where's a good place to buy it (I'm assuming online/mail order)?

I hope to mainly use it for bouncing down my master mixes.

Also, it did not come with a pick up reel, does anybody know a good place to get one of those?

This will be my first tape machine, so i was also wondering what other good resources there are out there for care, maintenance and operation (how often to deg-mag, cleaning techniques, etc.)
The machine unfortunately did not come with the manual and I haven't been able to find one online.

Thanks for any help you might be able to give.

[Al_Huero]

These guys are selling tape:

http://www.atrtape.com/

You don't need to demag very often if you're not running you machine much; but when you do, use a Han-dimag. These guys have them, along with MRL tapes for calibration and head cleaning supplies:

http://usrecordingmedia-store.stores.ya ... debyr.html

You can get tape through them as well. You might have to use their search feature to find the MRL tapes and other stuff.

[xonlocust]

take up reel: ebay. you can just buy any old reel of old shit and dump the tape.

also http://analogrules.com/

http://www.audioschematics.com/tapelist1.html#Otari

[evhelm]

great, thanks for the info! I think I just found the manual online as well.