FS: Otari MX-5050 MkIII-8 1/2" 8 track Analog Tape Mach

thebassistmd · Post by **thebassistmd** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:31 pm

Otari MX-5050 Mk III-8 Track 1/2? Analog Reel to Reel

Meticulously kept up by LA based studio tech and 2005 TapeOpCon panel contributor Matt DelVecchio. This is my personal machine, and it has been very well taken care of.

As you may know, the most important thing about buying an analog machine is the condition of the heads. Well, you?re in luck. This machine has brand new record and repro heads installed. They were purchased and wired in by me and aligned at Sprague Magnetics by John Austin in June of 2002. In March of 2003, I purchased my dream tape machine, a 16 track M79, and took the Otari out of service. While working as a full time tech, I had little time for sessions at my home studio, so these heads have less than 30 hours on them! By the way, the Erase head is original, but wears very slowly. John inspected it and said it has plenty of life... ?it will go forever.?

The second thing to look for is the condition of the pinch roller, as rubber gets sticky when it ages. This has also been addressed, as the pinch roller has new rubber from Terry?s rollers as of 1 month ago.

All channels in perfect working order. The machine aligns wonderfully, and is currently set up for 499 at +5/185, IEC EQ, with 4dB overbias at 15ips. Runs great at 7.5 as well. Varispeed working flawlessly too! Every function on the machine has been checked and rechecked. All channels punch in smoothly, no relay issues whatsoever. Everything is running well within Otari spec.

Only issues are cosmetic. A few dings in the formica side panels on the front and upper corners. A few screws have been replaced. I have plenty of detailed pics, so please let me know if you?d like me to send them along.

A quick list of the machine?s specifics:

All XLR?s have been converted to pin 2 hot operation
New heads with less than 30 hours use
New Pinch Roller with only testing and calibration use on it
New Brake Bands
New Lifters
Upgraded EditAll S-3.5 Splicing block installed
Resurfaced capstan shaft - 2002
Copy of operation/service manual from Otari
Copies of parts receipts, including heads
Includes proper Otari Bearing Oil for capstan bearing
Includes 1/2? take-up reel, and one ?shop? reel of 499 - for alignment purposes.

This is really as close as you can get to a pro machine in this format. The sound is incredible, the size is manageable, and it?s been kept up properly! The other consideration is the price of tape. If you?re just getting into analog, this is a great way to go as 1/2? is not nearly as rare or expensive as 1?. Certainly not as pricey as 2?!

I would certainly prefer pickup in LA for your benefit and mine. Shipping on this would be impossible without proper crating. I would rather someone comes to my shop and tries it out, puts it safely in the wagon, and takes her home!

Feel free to ask any and all questions, or for pics!
Asking $1,200.00

thebassistmd · Post by **thebassistmd** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:22 pm

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Lots of photos here... http://audioitemsforsale.shutterfly.com/

Would love for this to go to a good Tape Op reader's home. I really hate the thought of a random from craigslist coming over to check this out!!

cjac9 · Post by **cjac9** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:21 am

man I wish I had the cash....

Dingo · Post by **Dingo** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:13 pm

Any idea on shipping cost? I'm in Massachusetts.

thebassistmd · Post by **thebassistmd** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 8:27 pm

SOLD!!! To a fellow Tape Op reader in MO.

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