An appreciation of an Ampex 351 tape deck

[sigitask]

How you solve 60/50 Hz problem? Or your Ampex was European version?

 

[tapepath]

I live in the US so the line frequency wasn't a problem.

 

[sigitask]

Hello,
I'm afraid I no longer have that person's contact information, sorry. I can very highly recommend Dave Dintenfass at Full Track Productions located in Seattle, WA. www.fulltrackproductions.com is his website. He is an authority on Ampex equipment and offers skilled rebuilding services on motors. He rebuilt the capstan motor I use and it is quiet and seems completely new.
The faceplates on the electronics can be resurfaced by a competent machine shop. As I understand it the printing is not applied to the surface. Rather it is stamped into the metal and then paint is applied over the top filling in the graphics. This means that minor surface scratches can be removed by a very light surface removal. I chose a different approach, I carefully polished the surface using Flitz metal polish using cotton balls several times. Then I used a good quality car wax to seal the surface and allow easy fingerprint removal. I also bought a third complete electronics chassis and chose the two best looking faceplates for the final assembly. Along the way I bought a NOS electronics faceplate, but the graphics for the speed control setting were different from the version I was using so I didn't use it.

Thank you for advices! Flitz already bought will see how it will work! Do you selling this NOS electronic faceplate? Maybe it was from 350 or 400 model. I have both need to renovate.

 

[sigitask]

I live in the US so the line frequency wasn't a problem.

Understand. Im located in Europe so need to change motor speed, because of 50 Hz.

 

[sigitask]

My Ampex rebuild project progression: Reel motors on the place everything aligned and working good.

 

[Jerome Sabbagh]

Beautiful! I'm also working with Dave Dintenfass on a 351 project. I am a musician and trying to convert a 300 pr 351 transport to 1/2 inch, using 351 electronics.

Jerome Sabbagh

 

[tapepath]

Hi Jerome,
Thanks for your comments! Dave is certainly an authority for all things dealing with Ampex plus he's a generous person. Good luck with your project, are you planning to record yourself with the converted 351?

 

[Jerome Sabbagh]

Hi Jerome,
Thanks for your comments! Dave is certainly an authority for all things dealing with Ampex plus he's a generous person. Good luck with your project, are you planning to record yourself with the converted 351?

Yes, I am! That's the plan. If all goes well, before the end of the year. Dave has been amazing to work with.

Jerome

 

[tapepath]

Since the playback electronics of the 351 uses an output transformer to provide a balanced output and to reduce distortion I wanted to find out what improvements could be made using a different transformer. I ordered two transformers from the Electra Print company using silver wire for all of the primary, secondary and feedback windings. I also wanted to reposition where the transformer would be mounted, moving it as far as possible from the AC transformer. I used Cardas shielded cable for the output connections to reduce any noise.

 

[tapepath]

 

[Ultrafast69]

View attachment 71723

That looks like a very nice set up, great job!

 

[tapepath]

Thank you, I appreciate your comments.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

clean and livingroom friendly
very elegant job

 

[tapepath]

The rear of the cabinet showing the Tentrol constant tension attached to the side.

 

[tapepath]

I decided to change the cosmetic appearance of the cabinet, so I had a local woodworking shop create new upper and lower panels.

 

[tapepath]

 

[sigitask]

Nice job! Well done! And inside is steel frame for deck holding?

 

[andromedaaudio]

Yes looks great tapepath .

Brg HJ

 

[tapepath]

Thank you, I appreciate your comments. To answer your question, sigitask, yes there are conventional steel rack type rails attached to the insides of the enclosure. I was very fortunate that the bottom section was exactly the needed dimensions for mounting the two electronics sections and that the mounting holes lined up.

 

[Foxbat]

Great beast, and really nice burl - that was a good move!

How much, do you think this machine weighs? I would guess about 150lb?