-edible zone-
Otari: nicely made in Japan.
Revised Article date: 07/11/2023
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--Above machine: Otari MX-5050 BII-2 (sn# 18403201) It's
a 4-head machine that accepts 10.5" reels......and smaller reels but
with alternate hubs.
Records 2 track, Plays back 2 track, and
plays back 4 track. (does not record 4 track) It's a semi-pro rig. They
were often sold to musicians in musical instrument stores.
3
speeds: 3.75, 7.5 and 15ips (note in combination with a hi-lo switch
under the back cover which must be operated to chose between 3.75 /
7.5ips or 7.5 / 15ips operation. And you have to remove the cover to
switch it ! ( is that a negative?)
This machine proved to be free of any fault. I had purchased it from its original owner back in 2009. To get it I had to drive out in the country quite a ways. When finally there I found that this tape machine and another larger machine (1/2" tape) were kept in a building separate from the residence. The building served as a recording studio for its owner who had a band. The Otari came with the factory ship carton and all of the materials supplied with a new machine. Approximate time of original purchase, he said, was early 1980's.
When I got this home and set up I found that everything about its operation was without fault. A near perfect* example with signs of friendly and careful use. (* minor cosmetic blemmishes as pictured.)
More photos:
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(click thumbnail for full image size)
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Note smaller commercial reel while using a push-on rubber clamp.
*Otari Reel to Reel machine manuals in pdf format. Click to open in Acrobat Reader.
- MX5050 BII parts list
- MX5050 instruction manual (service and operations)
- MX5050 BII instruction manual (service and operations)
- MX5011 ops and maintenance
- MX5050 BII ad Brochure
* More Adventure with Tape
- Notes on 1/4-inch Open Reel Audio Tape by Steve Clarke
- One Beat-Up Otari by Steve Clarke
- Parting out a Revox A77 by Steve Clarke