Reel to Reel Restoration/Repair

It seems that for different machines there is a different expert. I found that out when servicing the Otari and Studer decks in our studio last year when working on the LP my band was recording.

Teacs and Tascams are usually fairly easy to service out. IME, its rare to see a bad head, most of the issues relate to the transport, usually from sitting around. After a while, some of the levers get gummed up and won't move when its solenoid tries to engage it.

I own both an Otari and Tascam. They are both GREAT machines. The Otari cost a little more to repair (heads). If you are going the tape project route either will work. Actually, any machine 1/4" 1/2 track machine will work as long as it's working properly. Ralph is correct as always with his post.

Russ at New Jersey factory service is a great guy but there are MANY service shops around the country that can help you. IME the key is to listen before you buy and try every button and lay the machine on it's back and try to listen to the flutter in the motor. The Otari motors can get expensive. Listen to all the buttons and make sure they all work and there aren't "pops". This will only cost you less in the end. Last, with the machine on it's back, look at the heads and use your finger nail to see if there is a groove in the head. If there is a deep groove, chances are it has some miles. Not a big deal but just more money to have them refurbished. The leading head guy is http://www.jrfmagnetics.com/

and if money is no concern (highly doubt it) then get one of these: http://www.atrservice.com/products/item_details.php?item_id=36&dept_id=3

Truly amazing!!! but $10k

Good Luck and have fun with it.

As you likely know, the X1000R is a 1/4 track 7.5ips machinine. They are now over 25 yrs old so a full re-cap would be worthwhile. You will be limited to either your own recordings or commer tapes since this deck is not set up for high speed half track.
It should not take much to get it running again. These decks were well built; depending on what issues the prev. owner had with it.

Any decent electronics shop should be able to work on it.

Thank you all for the time you took in responding. I have ordered tapes and should have soon. I will check all carefully and bring it into servicing. It's just to start me off and if I enjoy it as much as I hope, and really use it as a source, will upgrade to the 15ips stuff and go for the tape project.

Thanks again.