Hi gang,

I have a potential client that's encountered the conundrum of justifying
work without knowing the contents of their tapes.



I’d like to make a small machine available to their staff (their site) that
would enable them to

preview the tapes’ contents & thus decide what to have digitized and
possibly restored.

I’d of course first check the machine for any indications of likelihood of
malfunctions that’d physically damage or erase the tape.  If not a play-only
machine, then I’d non destructively & reversibly incapacitate the record /
erase function to prevent the latter.



The machine should accommodate 3” to 7” reels have a ¼ track repro head.  At
the requisite speeds of 1.875, 3.75 & 7.5 ips, any of the conventional track
formats would

be listenable.



These considerations do not prevent incurring damage, especially by staff
not used to handling old (possibly distressed, shedding, & brittle) tapes,
and I’ve clearly explained that to them.



I have access to a Teac transport with on-board repro only preamps but it’s
only 3.75 / 7.5. I gave to my Dad years ago for playing his cherished
Barclay – Crocker open reel tapes.  The missing slowest speed, and its
location with my Mom in Florida make it an unlikely candidate.



So, if any of you (preferably in or near NYC) have an operating machine of
the above specs)  that you might want to rent, lend or sell, then please let
me now.

Thanks,

Shiffy
Art Shifrin, NYC USA