Rescuing a Forgotten Ampex AG 440B Mono and perhaps 2 more...

[temploprods]

While picking up a Tascam Model 10 from a house being cleared out by a scrap dealer, I had the unexpected luck of stumbling across something much more exciting — a mono Ampex 440, mostly intact and sitting among the rubble. Even better, I also found four preamp modules from another Ampex 4-track machine that apparently was too heavy to be taken by the guy clearing the place. He ended up just ripping out the preamps and cutting the cables (painful to see), but I’m now in touch with the homeowner and currently negotiating to go back and rescue the two other Ampex decks that are still on site (last two photos of the post).

To my surprise, the mono 440 powers on and both the play and rewind functions are working. Fast-forward isn’t responding yet, but this is already a much better starting point than I expected. There’s still a lot to inspect and test, but this machine is alive — and that’s something.

Anyone here with experience restoring Ampex 440 decks? I’d love to hear any insights, common issues to watch for, or tips for getting these beauties back to full glory.

Will post updates as I go. Grateful for any guidance from those who’ve walked this path before.

 

[sweetbeats]

I’ve owned an AG-440B-8, AG-440B-1, AG-440C-4, and currently own an MM-1000, which uses what is essentially AG-440B signal electronics (you called them “preamps”, but they are not preamplifiers…they are strictly line amplifiers…there is a plug-in transformer that allow them to source mic-level sources, but the transformer does the step-up to the line amp…no preamp)…search here for Ampex threads…I’m probably involved with a lot of them. Also consider joining the old-school Ampex List email listserv at recordist.com…essential community for Ampex enthusiasts.

Looked at the pics. Looks like a hoarded property. The transports and signal electronics are a mix of B and C. You can’t intermix the signal electronics between them. Remember the value of any tape machine is in the heads. You can use C heads with B electronics but you have to have the C repro plugin amp cards to take advantage of the better HF performance potential of the C heads. I see a mix of AC hysteresis sync capstan setups and one DC servo capstan. If you want to get a DC servo capstan transport up and running, make sure the servo and servo power supply chassis is present and complete with the plugin servo card. It’s usually mounted the back of the system roll-around, but that’s with factory roll-around and none of those roll-around in the pics are factory. Lots of good parts and assemblies there though…curious what’s mounted for heads and if all the parts are present (head cans, flutter idlers, etc.). I’m not clear on what all you are bringing home, but you’ll want to try and make sure it’s enough to make a good machine. I can answer questions, but you’ll want to join the Ampex List for ongoing support when you get into the stickier binds and need a broader base of support. If it was me and I was serious about putting together a good working AG-440 I’d get everything you can get since you don’t know probably how to tell what’s B and what’s C, and I see it looks like some of what’s pictured has been parts donor.