Classic 1970's Ampex MM1000 2" 16 track from CBS Records, Recapped/Serviced/Reliable

Up for sale is a classic and impossible to find 1970's AMPEX MM1000 2" 16 track recorder with a rare Sound & Vision autolocator/remote (with a new 30 ft cable). This MM1000 was originally from CBS Records in Los Angeles. This machine has been in regular use over the last 6 months and has been used to record several albums without any issues whatsoever. The Sound & Vision locator works perfectly and the capstan motor was recently rebuilt. The machine is in excellent cosmetic condition with the exception of razor blade marks on the top of the transport (from when engineers were splicing tape) and the glass which covers VU meter 12 was taped on outside the meter casing by a previous owner. The pinch roller has been replaced with a new polyurethane Athan roller, and a sensor controlled rackmount fan has been added to improve the air flow through the transport. The heads have an even wear pattern, there are no open tracks and during alignment there is no high frequency roll-off on any of the tracks. The heads have just been inspected and refurbished by JRF and have 50% of their life remaining. The heads have been relapped, the head assembly has been optically aligned, the flutter idler lower jewel has been replaced, and the flutter idlers have been ultra sonically cleaned and lubed ($745 in parts and labor at JRF).

The original critical electrolytic capacitors have been replaced, including C32 (the critical record head coupling capacitor that if not replaced can damage the record head). This is the most reliable 1970's machine I've ever used and the transport and audio electronics have been 100% reliable during my use. All channels have the original Ampex input and output transformers - and this is easily one of the nicest sounding 16 tracks ever made. The only issues are a few scratchy pots, and burned out lamps/lights on the VU's and some of the record/ready bulbs - none of which interfere with anything functional. Videos of this machine in use can be found on Instagram (@folieaudio), and additional videos can be provided on request.

Please email any and all questions prior to purchase. Since this machine weighs at least 500 lbs it will have to be picked up or shipped freight. I have a crate already built for this machine, but if this machine is shipped you are responsible for all damage claims, and problems related to shipping. Since this is machine is over 30 years old I can not offer a warranty, or guarantee of any sort. By purchasing this machine it's expected you understand with what's involved in the operation and maintenance of a 30+ year old analog tape machine. The MM1000 is located 2 hours west of Chicago. Dimensions: 43" Wide x 66" Tall X 28" Deep.