value of an Otari 5050-8??

[Hi_Flyer]

I found a local tech to get my Tascam 38 running smooth and up to spec, then he tells me that he also has an Otari 1/2" 8-track for sale. I believe the model is the 5050-8. I ask him what he wants for it, he says: "make me an offer".

So what's a fair offer for this machine? He used to be a certified Otari tech, so I'm pretty sure the deck is in great shape, although I haven't looked at it, I trust him to not sell me a piece of junk.

I don't really need it since I just bought the Tascam, but its mighty tempting to buy something a little more "pro", if the price is reasonable I may not be able to resist... Can I sync the Otari and the Tascam 38?

What's a fair offer? I don't want to make such a low offer as he laughs at me, I want to make a fair offer, but I can't afford alot right now. He said he would be happy if it found a good home where somebody is using it, so I think he may go for something on the low side of "reasonable". He's not charging me a ton of dough to work on the Tascam 38, so he's not out to rake me over the coals.

thoughts? advice?

[_DK]

Those are pretty rare. If it's perfect condition then at least $500 and up to a $1000. But then, again, try starting cheap
I'd sell the 38 and get the Otari (considering it's in good condition)... maybe I'll do that some day, if I ever find it locally, which is almost impossible around here.
I think you can still sync 38 through that remote port... I've never tried that.

P.S.: Otari is a beauty... http://cgi.ebay.ca/OTARI-8-TRACK-1-2...QQcmdZViewItem
I've seen an Otari 1" 16 track washing machine locally going for $1000.

[SteveM]

If it's in nice conditon offer him $400.00. If he goes higher ask him if he'll fix it if you find there's is anything wrong with it.

[Hi_Flyer]

hmm... there is little to no demand for these decks around here, thats the only reason I may be able to get it cheap. is it a 3 head deck? it sure looks pretty. what kind of tape does it need? 456? I suppose I could see if he could calibrate for the same tape as the 38... when were these manufacture? I dunno much about these decks, anybody have a good source for info online?

[cjacek]

I too say start with a $500 offer but this comes with a caveat and that is to not trust anyone's word on the condition of the machine. Sure, if he was a certified Otari tech then that helps, a lot, but do check the machine yourself, have him demonstrate it, in all of its basic functions, which includes passing tones on each track and also look at the heads / tape path wear closely. ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS. The price you offer greatly depends on condition. I would have no problem paying about 1000 bones for a "museum" piece.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by SteveM

If he goes higher ask him if he'll fix it if you find there's is anything wrong with it.

That's a good recommendation.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by Hi_Flyer

hmm... there is little to no demand for these decks around here, thats the only reason I may be able to get it cheap.

Yes, but the Otari recorders are plentiful on the used market and Otari still supports them. Speaking of "pro" gear, outside of a Studer, Otari seems the best choice for parts, support and reliability.

is it a 3 head deck?

Of course.

what kind of tape does it need? 456? I suppose I could see if he could calibrate for the same tape as the 38...

It was setup at the factory for a 1.5mil tape, probably 456 but may have been recalibrated by its previous owner and may have drifted due to age. Do ask the guy if he'd set it up for you for 456 or its equivalent SM911. Those Otaris are real easy to calibrate.

when were these manufacture? I dunno much about these decks, anybody have a good source for info online?

Not sure of the manuf date but I think they were available through the 90's. Don't know of any info source on these decks but the OTARI recorders are known for their superb built quality and reliability.

[Herm]

Dont forget you will also have to sink quite a bit of cash into new cables and maybe other stuff since the Otari is all balanced inputs and outputs I believe.
Then I may be wrong.
I recorded a album at a studio back in the late 70,s with one of those and I realy dont think you will gain a lot with it over your 38.

[Hi_Flyer]

thanks for the input. I think I'm gonna have to pass on it right now as there are other items a bit higher on the wish list right now. sure is tempting tho...