Author Topic: Ampex MM1000 2" 16-track tape machine (Read 563 times)

sonicus · « **on:** June 12, 2014, 12:29:43 PM »

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/4510399523.html

If I am not mistaken our very own Mr. Ron Wickersham modified one of these to great extent and took it to Europe to record the Grateful Dead. _______Europe 72 was born ! ____Alembic relevance of historical proportions.

We talk about this model and another Ampex relevant topics daily, on another site that I am a list subscriber to .

hifiguy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2014, 12:40:44 PM »

What a great piece of recording history. Too bad someone is gonna need a couple of NFL defensive lineman sized guys to move it and the cost of a new Series II to get it back in shape.

Which does not mean at all that someone shouldn't restore this classic.

tubeperson · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2014, 12:49:07 PM »

The moving/shipping company could always try to hoist it out of the building through a window, like they do in Brooklyn.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2014, 01:04:12 PM »

I think someone will get to it , although I remember that someone at The Ampex List brought this particular machine to our attention perhaps a few months ago. I rented a box van about 6 years ago to pick up an Ampex AG440C 4 half inch machine 300 miles from my house in Northern California . That machine had the much wanted DC servo capstan option and need repair as well . It now sits in my studio functional after I found the major problem and replaced the servo capstan PCB/ board.___Of all places I found some parts that I needed for it at eBay UK! ____It's a small world after all ___

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2014, 01:08:51 PM »

Steve , yes when I was in NYC in the mid 1980s I saw a few cranes with pianos and other large studio gear being transported the such . Quite a sight to see ____

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2014, 01:18:09 PM »

Paul ( hifiguy) Yes , the Ampex MM1000 is quite large .

gtrguy · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2014, 02:12:29 PM »

Kinda like moving a Hammond B3, I bet!

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2014, 06:49:33 PM »

Kinda like moving a Hammond B3, I bet!

Ouch! I once roadied for a band that carried a B-3 & 2 old oak Leslies, all in flight cases; that may have something to do with the fact that I'm having my 2nd back surgery directly (mebbe the act 3 bands before them added to it; we carried a piano with them.)
And to dehijack, I want that recorder (but only if someone else moves it)!

Peter

Peter

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2014, 12:39:52 AM »

I read a post from a technician that did a service assessment of this machine and he reports that it will need a bit of work .

bigredbass · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2014, 09:25:30 AM »

I knew the World was turned over several years ago when I saw a shopper's guide (!) listing for a 2 Studer recorder and a 32-channel SSL board for 20 grand here in Nashville . . . .

J o e y

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2014, 09:51:50 AM »

A shoppers guide ___, well then I will take the SSL and the Studer along with my , Turkey Sandwich , But separate bags please , double bag them please,don't want the handles to rip off the bags going up my stairs ! LOL ! Nashville is full of great gear I have heard _____. An Studer A827 2 is a fine machine but quite a specialty as far a service goes . My only Studer is a meager B67 in a roll around cabinet , but in awesome condition and I have an identical parts donor machine.

Actually that price could be a bargain depending on how much work needs to be done ____
There is current a market for analog machines such as AMPEX , STUDER, MCI. OTARI. and even SCULLY for the analog to digital transfer and audio restoration crowd. I have a few examples of such machines and have been fortunate in their acquisition and sale pricing.

hifiguy · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2014, 12:42:18 PM »

Lordy lu, there is nothing worse than moving a Hammond organ that has not been cut down. Even an M-3 weighs a ton. B3s and C3s could be used as anchors for a decent sized ship.

flpete1uw · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2014, 07:07:03 PM »

The only MM 1000 multitrack I had the privilege to hear and record was a 16 trk 2. Warm and sweet sounding.
These guys are so big and heavy, maybe if I removed my couches and dining area I could maybe fit this and maybe a small Neve 8068.
Home is what you make of it right?

hammer · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2014, 07:41:37 PM »

I played in a band in CT years ago that practiced at the keyboardist's home. It was 79 steps from the basement where we practiced to the street. Hammond B3 and 2 Leslie's hauled up and down those stairs every weekend. I can attest to the weight of each piece of equipment. Luckily we were a 7 piece horn band. Since the horns didn't play every song as we did but received an equal split we made them do the heavy lifting.

sonicus · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2014, 08:01:59 PM »

Pete, I had an Ampex AG440B full track roll around in the dining room for a short time . I had to remove it sooner then later as per upper management( my Wife).