FS/FT: Tape Machines (Ampex, Tascam)

[takeout]

Ampex 440B 1" 8-track - Fair cosmetic shape, good working order. could use some set-up, but it does currently record and playback on all 8 tracks without issues. It's literally the size of a refrigerator, so pick-up only (Kansas City area). You do not want to pay shipping on this. I haven't really taken stock of what market price is on these yet, so if you have an offer, hit me with it.

Tascam 38 1/2" 8-track parts machine - It's a "parts machine" now thanks to UPS, but was in excellent cosmetic shape. The back plastic panel got caved in, so one of the circuit boards is toast. Plenty of meters, heads, guides, etc. to be pulled from this machine. $100 shipped. Get it out of my house before the wife kills me.

Trades considered:

- Tascam 388, in full working condition (by that I mean all 8 channels record, playback, and meters work. I can deal with a burnt-out bulb or scratchy pot here and there).
- Decent large-diaphragm condensers, small-diaphragm condensers, and/or ribbon mics.

I don't check in here very often, so: chriswagner @T gmail D0T com

[I'm Painting Again]

Ampex 440B 1" 8-track - Fair cosmetic shape, good working order. could use some set-up, but it does currently record and playback on all 8 tracks without issues. It's literally the size of a refrigerator, so pick-up only (Kansas City area). You do not want to pay shipping on this. I haven't really taken stock of what market price is on these yet, so if you have an offer, hit me with it.

Oh why oh why can't this be near me..

[drumsound]

Chris is a good guy folks. Someone buy his stuff.

[takeout]

Nobody?

[inverseroom]

I wouldn't mind buying a house in Kansas City to house the 388 in.

[I'm Painting Again]

are the electronics on the Ampex stacked vertically over the transport? or under the transport or both? Just dreaming that it might fit down my stairs..

I totally want that deck..

[trodden]

I wouldn't mind buying a house in Kansas City to house the 388 in.

professor Inverse, You're more of a Lawrence type. volvo ballet.

[feufollet]

Toolshed....If it is like most other 440-8 machines, the electronics should be stacked on top....

If they are, the rack that they are mounted on easily disconnects from the rolling cart thing that the transport is mounted in. If im not mistaken, there are just 4 or so bolts that need to come off.

When i picked up mine, i was anticipating a very difficult move, but it was really pretty easy...We packed the entire thing in the back of an SUV and unloaded it easily with three people......Now if i could just get the damned thing working well......

[takeout]

Toolshed....If it is like most other 440-8 machines, the electronics should be stacked on top....

If they are, the rack that they are mounted on easily disconnects from the rolling cart thing that the transport is mounted in. If im not mistaken, there are just 4 or so bolts that need to come off.

When i picked up mine, i was anticipating a very difficult move, but it was really pretty easy...We packed the entire thing in the back of an SUV and unloaded it easily with three people......Now if i could just get the damned thing working well......

What he said. Electronics go over the transport.

It's not that hard to move, actually. I just simply cannot negotiate the 90 degree turn at the top of my (narrow) basement stairs with it, which renders it unusable for me.

A couple of nibbles thus far.

[I'm Painting Again]

you definitely don't want to ship right?

[takeout]

you definitely don't want to ship right?

There's really no way to do this. It's a monster. I'd need to build a custom crate and freight it to you; UPS/FedEx/DHL/USPS won't touch this.

It'd seriously take less time and money for one to simply borrow a van and make a road trip of it. That's what I did when I got it from Columbus, OH to Kansas City.

[I'm Painting Again]

I wish I could actually do that..but it's not going to be possible at all..

[moogplayer]

There's a trucking / moving van company that will do a electronics 'blanket wrap', which is in this case they will pull up to the residence, roll the Ampex 440 onto the van, tie and anchor it, and wrap it in blankets. I forget now who they are but I can check my records. Definitely NOT cheap. I had a 250lb console shipped this way 3 years ago (before the gas prices totally skyrocketed) from NY to San Diego for $650. Since the 440 weighs more (like 350-400lbs) it could be in the $800-900 range, or depending on where you live. Just a thought...but it can be done.

[Al_Huero]

Yep, a freight company can crate and ship the thing. Probably in the $700 range or so. I had two tape machines (1/4-in 2-tr MCI JH110 and 1-in 8-tr MCI JH100C plus a 16-channel board) shipped from Missouri to San Diego for about that.

[honkyjonk]

What a great time for a road trip though, man.

There must be some way. Think of it this way. You'll make a commitment to that 440-8 big enough that you'll never let it go. In 30 years, and 25 records later, you'll look at that big beast and you'll remember the golden trip it took to haul it back to your place. There's no time like the Fall for traveling. Take a lady friend. Talk her ear off about the golden age of recording when these things were used, while the golden foliage wisps by.

Yep, Toolshed. This is your destiny.