We performed a full restoration akin to a classic automobile on this machine.  An original from about 1960 - as installed in Capitol Studios NYC.  See before photos at the bottom of the series.  She was a mess!

Both serviced and recorded on by the Doctor!

This one is almost original.  Notice the TLE207 opamps - not factory - someone before us installed these without proper compensation.  

Replacement of the capstan upper assembly w/tach wheel.  Commonly needed on older machines with failing rubber.

I love these machines.  We service several in town.  They can run very reliably with some basic service to the power supplies and connectors.

I did a multi-day location recording with this unit on a train!  Incredible sound from a small battery operated package.  I did have to service a connector that was cutting out - very annoying in a live situation.

This machine was a mess.  The client purchased it sight unseen (bad idea), and had another tech working on it for months.  When I was called in it would not record without massive bias noise, the lifters weren't engaging properly, and the heads needed grounding of the cores.  In a couple of weeks, the machine was recording beautifully and operating like it should.

This ATR services modified Ampex is a thing of beauty.  Only a handful were ever made, and I've been lucky enough to service and mix to this machine.  Currently available for selective rentals in the LA area - mixers and mastering engineers may inquire with me via email.

I thought this machine had never been used the first time I saw it.  Cosmetically that's a great thing, but operationally - you never know!  Tape machines are a bit like cars, they need to be driven and serviced regularly.  This machine worked OK some of the time - and really needed a new pinch roller.  We ended up replacing all of the record relays to get her back to solid.