recently i lucked into a MINT condition 246. the unit only had 2-3 hours use on it (if that) when i picked it up. it works flawlessly and sounds MUCH better than i ever expected. i am very impressed with the 246. it sounds even better than my 238s recorder. i HAVE noticed, however, that OCCASIONALY the needle on the VU meter for track 4 "hangs" when the input level peaks (if the needle goes hard right it sometimes "sticks"). a tap on the side of the 246 sends it back to its proper spot. it doesn't happen everytime,....but it bugs me just a little. maybe there is a dab of goo or a spec of dust in there. i don't know. is there anything i can do to "clean" the VU meter?? it's certainly not enough of a concern to worry about,...but if there is a simple fix i'll give it a try. let me know. cheers.