We are one of the only facilities in the Pacific NorthWest that buys, sells and restores reel to reel tape decks. We have over 35 years experience working on these units, and have the tools and test equipment to properly align and bring these decks to life.
We use MRL calibration tapes, and are dealers for ATR tape. We work on everything from mono tube machines to 2" 24 track studio decks. We are reeltoreeltech dot com!
We stock many types of ATR tape from 7" reels to 2", in several formulations. We have about 350 decks in stock at all times. If you haven't yet checked out our website, please do so. Under the 'about us' tab we have a bunch of articles regarding the 'great barn finds' that we've come across this year, netting us well over 100 decks and tons of parts.
This is the very popular Otari MTR90 MKII 24 track 2" reel to reel multitrack tape deck. Frankly, it's been sitting in our shop for quite some time, and we used this holiday season to run through a bunch of decks that have been sitting here far too long.
As with every multitrack that comes through here, the deck needed a bunch of work done, although to the untrained eye, it 'worked fine' (as stated in every online ad, ever!)
Here's what we did to the deck:
-unseized several stuck function buttons. The tape load button specifically was stuck, causing the servo not to lock up.
-replaced every bulb in all function switches on both the remote and the main deck
-replaced two function switch assemblies, as they were stuck 'on'.
-replaced both roller assemblies with new ones from Terry's Rubber Rollers
-replaced the 'remote' connecting cable, as it was missing. We found an exact 15' replacement from JMAC Supply at a decent price.
-Cleaned all head multipin contacts, as channel 24 was intermittent on the record head
-replaced all 48 VU meter bulbs with new ones.
-replaced one rear fan that had noisy bearings.
-replaced two LEDs on the remote control, as they were dead. As per the pix, the red LED on channel 14 of the remote is a slightly different shade of red as the originals, however it functions fine.
-align both speeds, 15 and 30 IPS to +3db via MRL calibration tapes, and set bias and eq to ATR Mastertape. (the deck was actually fairly close in alignment, but it definitely needed some tweaking on all channels, to dial them in a lot closer to each other than they were.
-test run all 24 channels at both speeds, running a full reel of tape through each channel, while listening to the deck through decent headphones, and ensuring the frequency response of the playback and sync head are the same.
The deck is ready to record the next # 1 hit, and with 24 channels of audio goodness, you won't run out of tracks!
As you can see by the work done, there was a solid 3 days of work put into the deck, plus parts. Yes, you can buy an MTR90 MKII for less online, however none will have the work done as shown here. We see many 'I got a real deal on this machine' decks come into our shop every year that need a ton of work done to them, and worst case, some of those decks aren't worth repairing due to worn heads.
The first 7 pictures shown of the frequency responses are at 30 IPS, where every channel's response is consistent to 24Khz (the far right vertical line is 20Khz) at 30 IPS, and to around 22Khz at 15 IPS. The last 5 pix are at 15 IPS. Tracks 1 and 24, the ones that are susceptible to head wear first, are solid, without any wavering of the tracks.
The remote control has a home-made rack ear kit installed, which doesn't look great, but it's functional. You can take the rack ears off, and mount the remote via another means, or simply sit it next to your console.
All the metal covers, front and side are included with the deck. We do recommend leaving the front doors off for extra cooling, but they are included with the deck.** First pix updated to show that the front doors are included with the deck**
Shipping- the deck will ship in a Uline solid wood crate, and the deck will be strapped in place on moving blankets to protect it from shock. Note that we will need your SSN or a business number (BIN) for customs clearance, as the deck is currently located in Vancouver, Canada. The SSN or BIN only appears on the customs paperwork, and does not travel with the deck.
The shipping quoted is worst case to the East Coast, to a residence. If you can pick up at a Forward Air dock, then shipping will be a bit less, and any excess will be refunded upon shipping. Shipping down the West Coast will be less as well.
We back our decks post-sale, and do stock some MTR-90 parts should you need anything in the future.
Included with the deck is an empty takeup reel, and we can send up to 5 ATR 2" reels of tape at no extra shipping costs, just pay for the tape.
