Even today, when the popularity of magnetic recording has practically disappeared, there are people who still use tape recorders for reasons of nostalgia. There are many tape recorders on online auctions, but which one should you choose?
Instructions
Step 1
If you are feeling nostalgic about reel-to-reel tape recorders, also called reel-to-reel tape recorders, choose just such an apparatus. To be able to listen to recordings made at different speeds (38, 19, 9, 5, 4, 76 cm / s), choose a model that has a corresponding switch. Depending on your preferences and memories, choose a tube or transistor, mono or stereo tape recorder.
Step 2
If cassette recorders evoke pleasant memories in you, then get the same device now. Please note that the speed of the tape advance in most of them is the same and amounts to 4.76 cm / s. Only a few of them can also select a speed of 2.4 cm / s for compatibility with recordings made with voice recorders.
Step 3
If you don't feel nostalgia for the tape recorders themselves, but just want to listen to the preserved recordings, get a modern cassette recorder or voice recorder. The latter allows you to work at a speed of 2.4 cm / s. If you have preserved records on microcassettes, buy a microcassette recorder or answering machine to listen to them.
Step 4
In case you feel nostalgic about a particular tape recorder model, try again to purchase exactly the same device, or at least a similar one in design.
Step 5
When purchasing a reel-to-reel tape recorder, even if you have many reels of tape for it, be sure to buy another one - empty, without tape. You will not be able to use the device without it. Reel-to-reel tape recorders are also compatible with reels from 8mm cinema cameras, provided they are not magnetic.
Step 6
Purchase only a fully functional tape recorder if you do not know how to troubleshoot it yourself. If you possess such skills, carry out all work on bringing the device into good working order with caution, especially if it is a tube one. If you find a short circuit in the power cord to the case, immediately repair it, and if the cord is worn, replace it entirely.
Step 7
If you purchase a tape recorder positioned by the seller as serviceable, ask the seller in advance for its condition in the discussion of the lot. Ask if all the belts are in place, if all modes work, if there is a floating sound, in what state of the head, if the counter is moving, if there is an electric shock from the case. About the vacuum tube recorder, ask if the volume of the sound, the brightness of the electronic light indicator has dropped, if there is a loud background in the speaker. When buying out a lot, ask for a demonstration of the operation of the tape recorder in all modes, check it against the description.
Step 8
To avoid damaging the tape recorder, do not use chromium dioxide tapes.
