Ampex AX 50

[fredcohiba]

I picked up an Ampex AX 50 the other day. Seller said it seemed to be working. I paid the money and took it home.
I got out the Fantastic and Windex and proceeded to remove 20 plus yrs of dirt and grime. Next came the alcohol and q-tips and I cleaned everything in the tape path that the tape contacts. Lots of q-tips, but fairly easy.
Brought out a pre-recorded tape made on a Pioneer RT-707 and held my breath. Hit play and - viola it worked. Actually sounded pretty good. I then put on a blank tape and hit record - same results, works very well. The only issue is the fan or motor, not sure which as I have not opened it up, is making a lot of hoise - like rushing air, so I assume it is a fan.
Anyone have one of these units or know much about them?
Best part, it only ran me $10.
Fred

[Listens2tubes]

At 10 bucks you are way ahead! All my Otari's needed contact cleaning of most to all the contacts to even hold speed in all modes. And they are much more modern, though well used.

[Jonny Ramone]

I picked one up at my thrift for cheap. Pretty shagged out, but the heads were good. Single motor, idler driven. Cool VU's. Mine isn't worth fixing up,though. It's going to be used for soldering practice. Hitachi made them, as the name is scattered inside. Cheap replacement heads are readily available on ebay under Ampex, but alignment tapes are insanely expensive if you do that yourself- use a tech. I can't remember if the motor has oil ports. If you need it, I'll send you my motor for the postage cost. these old motors are pretty stout , though.

[ke4mcl]

as mentioned they are hitachi machines. made by the same people of rice cooker fame. i have two of the ax300 6 head machines and they are working ok considering they have not been to the shop as long as i have owned them.

hitachi also made the "micro" series of vertical cassette decks for ampex consumer line.

[fredcohiba]

Thanks for the offer of the motor.
I cleaned the unit up, looks like new, and I will post it on Craigs List.
It was good practice for me.
Fred