Reel to reel recorders

[Ugly Nora]

What do I need to know? I am considering buying one to mess around with and make stupid noises. I don't think I would ever use it to assemble the final song, but rather manipulate the tape/sounds, and feed that into my computer or 4 track to record the final song. So, I don't need something crazy complicated and feature rich. A 4 track should do fine. I wouldn't want to spend more than $500 right now.

My main questions really are concerning tape size and availability. I assume most machines can only play 1 size of tape is that correct? And if so, which size is most common and/or will allow me to have the easiest and least expensive time finding tape for?

If you have any recommendations for certain models you like, or any other advice, I'm all ears.

Thanks

Nora

[rfurtkamp]

1/4" is the only "affordable" option, you can get 2 and 4 track machines in that format.

The problem becomes finding one in good repair without trashed heads. They're heavy, bulky boxes even on the small ones and shipping them off for service is a PITA.

I was partial to the Sony professional machines from the 60s and 70s back in the day but they were everywhere cheap and I could buy three or four when they popped up for $10-20@ because nobody wanted them by that point.

What are you trying to do with it in terms of manipulation etc? I.E. what do you want to do with the reel machine you can't do with something else?

[tuj]

A77 if you can find a good one, but honestly the calibration and stuff got to be too much of a PITA.

[Uncle Grandfather]

Be sure to check out spliceit.com for all things tape related like tape and splice kits etc.
You'll need to get a head demagnetizer, I use a TEAC E-1, you'll need to demag the heads every 10 hours or more frequently. Really easy and part of the regular maintance you'll have to do just make sure you get a good quality demagnetizer.....in fact check this out
http://www.soundfirst.com/cleandemag.html

Edit: also there are portable 1/4" reel to reel machines that come with built in speaker and have a microphone, these come in different sizes and are nice and portable and fun to mess around with...I've got four different ones that I use and one is even tube powered for that mojo
In my home studio I use a tascam 388 which might be more than what you are looking for but it's a great unit. I've also got a Tasman 34b four track and a Tascam 32 two track. Both are pretty standard fare 1/4" tape machines and I use a Tascam mm-20 mixer with them.

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

i had a sony model that had a built in tape delay option. the unit was broken, but i bet it was really cool.

this might be common sense, but u can usually find a decent one for a decent price if u look locally b/c they are a bitch to ship. i wouldn't spend more than $50 on one, unless u knew for certain it was in immaculate condition or recently serviced or some jazz like that. even then u never really know unless u open it up and know wtf u are looking at. save yourself the initial headache, its no fun.

if u do get one and need tape, gimme a shout. i got a couple of extra 1/4" tape and reels that you can have. its used tape, but its still good.

reel 2 reels are fun to play with

[lumena]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Teac-A-2340RS-4-Channel-Reel-To-Reel-Tape-Recorder-/271865452353?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4c719741


The old Teac 4 Trac Reel to Reel machines were really durable. One like in the link is the machine I am thinking about. We had one in the art department in college and it was never broken and it was used for every strange art project we could think up. It was always booked and I know it was in use for years before we saw it. Big thing is keeping the heads clean and all the pulleys etc. wiped. Clean them everytime you record and things will always sound better. Tape is surprisingly durable and even though you get noise if things are not tip top there is a lot of fun to be had with all the sounds. A four track will let you bounce and loop much easier.

[sonidero]

I forgot to respond to this but the Teac 2340/2340sx is what you want... Sony also makes good ones but the Teac is the one that "created" home studios... I have some starter tapes if you get something...

[rfurtkamp]

Another thing I should mention is the "delay" on any of the Sony stuff I've seen is for broadcast delay purposes, not for musician delay.

In the old days, when someone controversial would be on a show, they'd put the audio on a X second delay to make sure they didn't F bomb Middle America.

[Ugly Nora]

Thanks everyone for your input and offers of tape! I will check out these models and links you posted. Maybe I will buy something soon, who knows?

What are you trying to do with it in terms of manipulation etc? I.E. what do you want to do with the reel machine you can't do with something else?

I wanted to play around with Musique Concrete type of stuff.

[rfurtkamp]

Ah, I'd do that sort of thing with digital personally should I do it.

But I have nightmares of tape splicing from my younger days and still have to do it every time I make a new loop for the Space Echo.

[Ugly Nora]

See I think I would enjoy the more hands on process of this. Like splicing shit together in random order, stretching or urinating on the tape etc.

[rfurtkamp]

I can do random with anything - random timestretching/splicing/sampling if I was so inclined. Fixed buffer vintage delays are great for that - the one shot sample and holds break in glorious ways sometimes if you tap the switch repeatedly or mangle the buffer memory.

Stock up on razor blades and self-loathing now though, tape splicing gets to be a pain especially with small pieces.

[Ugly Nora]

I can do random with anything - random timestretching/splicing/sampling if I was so inclined. Fixed buffer vintage delays are great for that - the one shot sample and holds break in glorious ways sometimes if you tap the switch repeatedly or mangle the buffer memory.

Be that as it may, if I can't pee on it, I'm really not interested.

[rfurtkamp]

Fair enough, I can respect the urine!

[Ugly Nora]

Thanks for the help team. I bought a minty Teac A2340 SX with original box, manuals, accessories, and a remote control. Should be fun to mess around with.