Ampex tape recorder

Robert Williams · Post by **Robert Williams** » 13 May 2001 4:30 pm

Do any of you know a service facility within reasonable driving distance from Sacramento or San Francisco who could competently service/repair Ampex 601 model tape recorders? I'm sure some of you are familiar with them even thought they are old. I have two of them and they both need work. They are too good a unit to throw away but I can't seem to locate competent technicians.
I have sent a letter to Ampex but haven't heard back yet. I'm not hopeful they will be any help because they quit making them a long time ago.
Thanx, Bob Williams.....

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 14 May 2001 5:57 am

Robert, I am quite familiar with the Ampex 601 recorders having used and serviced them for many years in radio stations.
Probably what you have, dates back to the mid sixties.
The Ampex that built them is long out of business and the parts supply dried up about 15 years ago.
The usual problems with them are motor bearings, (the motor runs all the time the recorder is on, does not matter if there is tape on it or not) reel clutches, and the drive belt.
The capacitors, resistors, and tubes for the electronics are standard parts and still available.
If you poke around hams, hamfest, antique radio collectors and such you may turn up some NOS parts and possibly someone who restores them.
Also check with Antique Radio Supply: www.tubesandmore.com
They are an excellent place for old parts and information.
The 601 was Ampex's low cost professional deck and came in single track, and dual track versions.
Blake

Glenn Austin · Post by **Glenn Austin** » 14 May 2001 6:12 am

atrservice.com . They carry AMPEX ATR 100 parts, so maybe they could point you in the right direction.

Robert Williams · Post by **Robert Williams** » 14 May 2001 10:35 am

Blake and Glenn,
Thank you for the information and your help.
I will pursue your suggestions.
Bob Williams........
By the way Blake, you mentioned that this model came in single or double track. Mine are the 601-2 recorders which as you know are the double track.

Jerry Erickson · Post by **Jerry Erickson** » 16 May 2001 8:34 pm

You might also try audio village down in Palm Springs and I used to see an ad in Pro Audio Review for Sequoia(sp?)Electronics,I think that they were offering help with Ampex and Scully recorders.
Best of luck.
Jerry

Robert Williams · Post by **Robert Williams** » 19 May 2001 3:52 pm

Thanks to you too Jerry I'll contact them .