Reels collection and Revox A77

[egidius]

I wonder if you could help me.
When picking up a great collection of 78's, the owner begged me to lighten his load of Reel tapes with his homemade recordings, mostly classical music of great Radio live concerts from Swiss and German radio stations (he had an absolute SOTA system including handmade Radio..). Along with two frugal Revox A 77 (his Studer was sold separately..)
Now I am somewhat at a loss. Should I try to restaure the Revox, probably the one with Dolby, it being an MK4.
Or should I sell them. I fear, the tapes not being listened to for an estimated 20years will be over.

Any advice appreciated.
Egidius

 

[stellavox]

Egidius,

Since you have both the recorder AND the tapes, I'd suggest getting the 77 "going". If it hasn't been used in a while, plug it in to your mains thru a Variac (or bring it to someone who has the capability) to see if there are any electrical problems. If it seems to work; clean the heads and try a tape. You may have a number of enjoyable tapes there to listen. From there on you have a number of mechanical and electrical "restoration options" which you could try yourself or have a tech do. Lots of restoration/modification info on tapeheads.net.

Enjoy

Charles

 

[Pacha]

I agree with stellavox, you have both the tapes and the machines, give them a try. By the way, I have a large collection of 1950s RCA tapes that are much older than what you are talking about and they are fabulous to listen to on my Revox PR 99 Mk III.
Enjoy a trip into R2R tape.