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Tape Trail

Ampex 351 Transport

98.221.214.235

Bought a 351 mono transport. Sort of a throw back to my college radio days in the mid seventies, used one a lot back then. Forgot what a behemoth these things are. The face plate essentially 1/4" thick stainless with 3 hefty motors. 50 lbs I bet. Its in pretty good shape, the heads look good, motor bearings are quiet & tight. Starting off replacing the motor caps, the electrolytic & selenium rectifier in the control box. Then I go and break the flat spring that holds the tape tray closed..damn..where to get one of those?! Don't have the electronics yet, would like to have a 351 unit but they are pricey as their reputation as a good mike preamp jacks up the price. Probably end up with a 350, even those are pricey for the same reason.

BR's,

Mark

Follow Ups:

They are pesky - Ralph 12:41:34 02/04/16 (2)
-you're sure you really broke it or did it just come out and you can't sort out how it goes back in?
- RE: They are pesky - MAS Tubes 15:58:44 02/04/16 (1)
  Hi,
  
  You are correct, they are pesky. I didn't break them as it turns out, its all back together. I am doing further maintenance right now, re-capped, selenium rectifier replaced, etc. Recently acquired 351 electronics, that looks to be fun.
  
  BR's,
  
  Mark
  - glad you got it sorted - Ralph 09:58:39 02/05/16 (0)
    The filter cap and that selenium make the transport stop playing.
    
    The filter caps in the 351 electronics are also tricky due to the 1" size used. But I would start there...
    
    I might have a spare 351 channel if you are thinking of making that unit stereo.
join the Ampex listserve - rtbarr 18:59:49 01/17/16 (0)
There is an old fashioned listserve dedicated to those maintaining old professional AMpex equipment. Most of the contributors are audio engineers or other people with experience maintaining Ampex equipment. It is free, and I'm sure you can find advice there.

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lena.recordist.com/mailman/listinfo/ampex
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
ampex-request@lena.recordist.com

You can reach the person managing the list at
ampex-owner@lena.recordist.com

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