Sony tc-280--decent machine?

[Sonic Idiot]

There's a sony tc-280 available for $90. Like I've posted earlier, I'm looking for a half decent machine to use occasionaly--and to cut my teeth on a tape machine. This one seems in decent shape, the price is right and so on. From the ad:

This early 1970's reel to reel machine has been fully serviced and cleaned (new belts) and it runs well. I have recorded and played back with very good results. It is a 2 speed machine (3 3/4 and 7 1/2 IPS) and it can take up to 7 inch tapes. The heads are the Sony Ferrite and Ferrite type which virtually never wear out. Everything works fine including fast forward, rewind and the counter.

Seems good to me. Should I jump? Thought I'd run it by the experts. Thanks

 

[hubcapbrian]

It was a low-end consumer deck. Single motor means slow fast forward and rewind times.

$90 is actually top dollar for one. Open reel machines are going for peanuts these days...I actually saw a neigbor throw out a Revox A-700 with his trash last night

 

[Sonic Idiot]

Well, there goes that then. I really would rather not buy a machine off of ebay. Is there a better source for tape machines?