So I checked this thing out today. what a beast. I don't really have room for it, maybe I'll go back and get it when/if I move into a bigger place. For a cost of next to nothing, it would be an interesting project. A learning experience if nothing else.
It was in a warehouse, pretty much gathering dust. It looked kinda beat up and neglected. Didn't have anything to test the pres with, but the transport seemed to work just fine. The heads didn't look too bad, they were worn a bit, but the wear looked even. Probably more than enough life in them for my needs.
I toyed with the idea of taking it, saving the pres and junking the rest. Ultimately I don't think I could allow myself to do that unless I just couldn't repair it, it would just be too cool to have this piece of gear in the arsenal.
But man, I was impressed that the transport functioned PERIOD. It looked DOA when I first saw it. Now I know what you mean by the "jet plane revving its engine before takeoff" sound, thats a heavy duty motor in there. They sure as hell don't make stuff like this anymore.
What would likely be involved in the restoration of this machine? Assuming the heads have useful life left in them, and no major parts (like a motor or PSU) actually need replaced, say its just stuff like some of the electronics. I imagine stuff like new caps and resistors and stuff like that. Would it be similar to the re-conditioning of a 35 year old guitar amp? Would I need to hunt down a schematic?
I guess I would need 1/4" calibration tape as well, but how would I even know what formulation of tape to calibrate for? I would prolly never find a user manual for something like this eh?