Advice Regarding Reel-to-Reel


I went to a neighbor’s home to look at some records they were selling.  While I was there, the husband tried to interest me in buying his Teac a-6300 deck.  He said he bought it new in the 1970’s while stationed in Europe, as his music options were limited.  He doesn’t use it anymore and they are trying to reduce clutter.  He asked for $300.

I said I would get back with him.  Looking on-line, I see much higher prices for those decks.  They are described as semi-professional decks with good capabilities. I also read that such an old deck should be gone over by a qualified tech to be lubricated, have belts replaced and have the electronics checked for possible replacement.  This work could easily come to $500 or more, and that is if I can locate a person with the knowledge and equipment to do a quality job while hopefully avoiding shipping it.

I told the people I would pass on their deck, but I keep reading and thinking about it.  The price is good, but the expense and hassle of restoration, and not knowing how much I might use it (playing mostly records, CD’s and radio now), give me pause.  It does look really cool though with those 10.5 inch reels!  And if I needed to sell it on for a profit, that might not be too difficult?   And thoughts?
bob540

Showing 2 responses by bob540

I haven't heard it play yet. The husband offered to play it for me but I needed to get going. Maybe I will call and ask to hear it play, and if it sounds alright and the price is the same, I might buy it. Then take my time getting it serviced. No hurry.

I read an on-line forum by a guy that works on old decks. He said the auto reverse decks have more mechanical problems -- this deck has auto reverse.
Hi Andrew, thanks for your offer.  I didn’t buy the rig, as I was more concerned about the cost of getting decent tapes now than about finding someone to service the deck.  I likely wouldn’t invest in R2R unless that format were to have a resurgence like LP’s did, or if I suddenly came into so much money I don’t know what to do with it. I doubt that is going to happen.  I do have fond memories of my old Sony deck from the 70’s, but those days are long gone.