Vinnny, I have never been out of the R2R game. I recall my first reel that I purchased from Tipton appliance in the early 70's; they had a room with nothing but R2R decks lining the walls; Pioneer, Crown, AKAI, Sony, TEAC; many different models of each brand, all brand new and looking so beautiful; I purchased an AKAI that was a combination 7 inch reel, 8 track, and cassette deck. Naturally it was a lot of fun, but hard to get replacement parts.
Parts and repairs are no problem when you stick to the main stream names and models.
But if you got in that might make the hobby crowded, so please stay out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiHXuxBjxtU