sweetbeats
Reel deep thoughts...
So I've always been extremely curious about a oddball in the "portastudio" world, the Akai MG series of multitrack/mixer combos. This was an integrated 12x2 mixer and 12 track analog recorder using 1/2" tape housed in a proprietary cassette shell derivative of (but not compatible with) the Sony Betamax format of video tape cassette.
Anyway, I know service, parts and support is non-existent for these machines...they are known to have transport issues. Reports on the quality of the mixer vary. But they weigh in at around 95lbs, which usually means some indication of a robust build. Anyway...I've just been damn curious about these for many years. There have been two MG-1212 units locally on Craigslist for months. I finally pulled the trigger and got the pair for $200 with one used tape. Both have transport issues, one won't play but will FFWD and REW, the other is the opposite. I feel I'm relatively resourceful with electro-mechanical stuff...I believe I can persevere and make the transports work. Curiosity just got the best of me. This isnt a "for now" project, but for later. I haven't picked them up yet.
My question is if you were me would you also pull the trigger on 10 NOS wrapped in plastic tapes for these machines for a price significantly less than what I paid for the pair of machines? These are potentially boat-anchors. I just need some feedback on this.
Here is one of the pics from the listing...
Anyway, I know service, parts and support is non-existent for these machines...they are known to have transport issues. Reports on the quality of the mixer vary. But they weigh in at around 95lbs, which usually means some indication of a robust build. Anyway...I've just been damn curious about these for many years. There have been two MG-1212 units locally on Craigslist for months. I finally pulled the trigger and got the pair for $200 with one used tape. Both have transport issues, one won't play but will FFWD and REW, the other is the opposite. I feel I'm relatively resourceful with electro-mechanical stuff...I believe I can persevere and make the transports work. Curiosity just got the best of me. This isnt a "for now" project, but for later. I haven't picked them up yet.
My question is if you were me would you also pull the trigger on 10 NOS wrapped in plastic tapes for these machines for a price significantly less than what I paid for the pair of machines? These are potentially boat-anchors. I just need some feedback on this.
Here is one of the pics from the listing...