Unboxing a NEW Technics RS1500 Reel to Reel from 1979

[@hubcapkimbo]

The soft plastic dust covers came with every machine back then. Often tossed out and very rare item. She’s a beauty for sure. Fun video to watch. Thanks for doing it!

[@donjordan9444]

I bought a Technics RS-1500US. It was in excellent cosmetic condition, but needed work. I got the machine recapped, calibrated and the heads lapped. I've been digitizing / restoring vintage per-recorded tapes from the 1950s and 1960s and it sounds fabulous.

[@guitarcheology]

This video answered a lingering question I have always had about my RS1700. I bought an unused (but displayed) RS1700 from a neighbors yard sale a couple years ago. He inherited the machine NOS, in the box. He never bought a tape to play on it, but took it out to display the machine in his living room. His wife encouraged him to toss the box out about a year before I bought the machine. In one of the reel boxes was two white cloth straps. I had no idea what they were. I thought they might have secured the vinyl cover or something. But here is the answer, they were used in the original packaging.

[@VinylPro]

interesting how it was "survived" from 1979 and is i a "new" condition.... happy to see the "made in Japan" !

[@mazakaudio]

Super , zajebista maszyna , jak można było coś takiego trzymać do dzisiejszych czasów w pudełku, nowa sztuka.

[@vproven]

How I miss my old Teac Reel to Reel bought in early 70’s while stationed in overseas.

[@hifijohn]

One of my dream machines since the days of high school.

[@alistairwilson5344]

Me too,but,now l think-what would l use it for?

[@PerfDayToday]

Me three

[@graemeguthrie2054]

I grew up with my father having an Ampex reel to reel and a Tandberg. Both machines long gone sadly but happy memories watching this. What a super find .

[@SkyFiAudio]

My grandfather did too, it was quite a production when he put in a tape. Thanks for sharing!

[@HB92647]

Such a great find. So cool. Nothing sounds better than tape.

[@Witchhunter33724]

There’s a few medias that are better than tape.

[@thevintagehifiambassador8524]

sorry but I can't agree with you using the word tape. Most people say a tape for the insert of a cassette deck player or cassette deck or even tape deck. I find it important to emphasize by saying a Real to Real Tape or a 7ies beside cassette tape tape

[@generalleigh7387]

@@Witchhunter33724 Name one.

[@thomasmleahy6218]

​@@thevintagehifiambassador8524 *Reel to reel ? ips not ies?

[@thevintagehifiambassador8524]

@@thomasmleahy6218 " ips not ies" ??? what do you mean ?

[@steveodian6008]

It’s amazing that this machine was never opened and in the box for all those years. You have to wonder how that happens. What an amazing find👍

[@SkyFiAudio]

I will let everyone know where it ends up. Im so curious also.

[@data4943]

Truly, what has struck me in particular the most is the green color so accomplished in its lighting. If you don't look it looks like a Machintosk.

[@juliakato2199]

Wow I I just on un boxed a denon DP-62l turntable and a Akai GX-77 black with all the extras in the same day both pieces brought in Japan 1981 although they were only mothballed for 5 yrs. No issues both are working.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Great decks! Enjoy.

[@linnemeyerhere]

I own the exact machine with the exception of I purchased the battery operated remote control, very rare and an additional four track head block. Purchased from Pacific Stereo in the day and still working today!

[@robertalker652]

I owned that very unit in the early 80's while serving in the US Forces European theatre. Using high grade magnetic tape, recording at 15 inches per second, and recording on only one side of the tape was an extraordinary financial overkill on my part, but gosh ... it was so satisfying.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Satisfying is a great way to explain working with a high quality reel to reel. Thanks for sharing.

[@Eyerex]

Was just listening / watching New Order - Confusion and it looks like the same model they were using in the club

[@machoenid44]

Thanks for share your machines and Knowledge to the World.Im Musician I love tapes and Reel to Reels sound .

[@jeffl915]

Jeff is a great guy. I purchased a RT 707 from him. Would love to have one of his Technic decks, but for how much I use tape, I cannot justify the cost.

[@NUTTER8291]

I'm very jealous I can't make up my mind whether to get a Techniques or 909 ...... tough choice

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Hi Fernando. Such a find NOS! I was stationed in England in 1980 and bought this same RTR at the Base Exchange for $700.00 new. Amazing how it has appreciated since then. No longer have it but It was an impressive machine. Greg

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

@@oldearado8351 I was stationed at RAF Alconbury. Went to Lakenheath for football game.

[@musicman8270]

Best sudio format ever. And the most ecpensive

[@bnghjtyu767]

So is this unit all direct drive or does it have belts are you concerned about the pinch rollers needing replaced just because of age or the belts. How about the grease for the metal levers and fulcrums and pivots wouldn't that need to be cleaned off and new put on, 40 years is 40 years in a box or out of a box. Just wondering. I'm still looking for akai 625 that's been properly gone through. Interesting video thanks.

[@thehighend4545]

I have the same question actually. Please let us know how this held up in that regard.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I dont recall any belts in the drive system. perhaps on the tape counter. Pinch rollers were not hardened but certainly it would benefit from new ones if the plan was to use the machine. Yes if its going to go into use, a light service would be recommended.

[@bnghjtyu767]

@@SkyFiAudio oh okay I miss the fact that it was just going to be for show so yeah probably shouldn't touch it.

[@curtpalme7522]

@@SkyFiAudio 2 belts on the tape counter. All electrolytics MUST be changed, the purple Panasonic caps now leak like crazy even though the deck has never been used. Failure to do this on any Technics RTR results in an unreliable machine.

[@admiralhipowa7158]

Did you get an Akai GX625? I managed to pick one up in almost mint condition a couple of weeks ago in the U.K. Still going to get it serviced, it’s a beautiful machine.

[@dalemettee1147]

OK, with the ID plate located near the headphone, mic jacks was added after the first generation was issued. I had one of each. Used to record in 15 IPS do post production to the second machine and then make copies at 7 1/2 IPS for purchase. Also made cassettes and 8 tracks. Weddings and local bands along with special shows and musicals. Did this for about 5 years. Then went into video with Beta video tapes.

[@mtbmadman011]

Beautiful. Can the variable voltage machines w/ euro plugs be changed to US 120v or only work w/ step down transformer? Thank you kindly!

[@mikekoernich7372]

Very enjoyable. The McIntosh tribute machine is awesome.

[@genedemarco5484]

I'm sorry for the new owner. Rite off the bat you will need it brought up on a variac then about $600 to $800 dollars work needs to be done on it. It's been idle for 40 years. The box has not been sitting in a museum with constant humidity and temperature controlled environment most likely. Over all it's a good deal depending on the price and how many times it has a problem. If I owned it I would use it every other day and have it checked every year for a check. Good unit nice to find nos.

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

Dude.. they are not even going to test it. Here's from their website "Based on the build quality and experience with this model it will likely work right out of the box" I'm not lying, and they want 19K for it!

[@heavyearly2232]

Notorious for physically leaking capacitors.

[@thevintagehifiambassador8524]

4:19 a Compact Disc in 1979 :-) 11:34 biggest rubber band ever 17:08 you touched the reset button without gloves 19:05 ah finally

[@robertbrumbaugh4634]

Watching you unpackage that machine brought back the memories of when I unboxed my Tandberg 64X deck which I bought new in 1968. Believe it or not, the Tandberg 64X had a better frequency response at 7 1/2 i.p.s than your machine has. For current use, it might be extremely expensive to buy 15" reels of tape unless you were doing the mastering for commercial use but why not do new recordings on digital? Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Glad you liked it, the Tandberg is a great machine also, Im a big fan.

[@terrible1ivan]

If you have to ask that question ,you just don't get vintage.

[@robertborchert932]

15 inch reels! What?? The larger 1/4 inch tape reels are 10 1/2 inch. These are NAB reels, they have a large center hub. I remember these machines when they were new. I had two in the day, a single pass Studer-Revox, and my happy Pioneer RT-909. The Pioneer was a thing of beauty, fluorescent bar graph displays, computer controlled operation, and it worked in both directions for playback. The head stack on that beast had a beautiful aluminum face with access to all alignment positions for the heads.

[@bttan144]

Yes I have 2 Tandbergs too from the 70's! One is a tape deck n the other a tape recorder with built-in amp n 2 speakers on the left n right of the machine. At 7.5 ips they frequency response is as good the vinyl itself when played thru a hi fi system!

[@parttime9070]

The faster the tape, the higher the resolution.. Nice machine..

[@analoguecity3454]

You got some nice turntable vinyl disc players as well!

[@bobe3250]

Thanks for sharing this gem!

[@dreammix9430]

I still have one of these babies but it is a slightly different model I can record and play in both directions but it's too track stereo in both directions not four tracks.. A few years ago the logic circuits started having problems and now the transport controls no longer work. One day I'll get it fixed because the thing has the most beautiful sound of any tape machine that I've ever had.

[@dougg1075]

Now that’s a cool time capsule.

[@jaismohamad1497]

Yeah. Teac with maxell tape. Rock music. Heavenly.

[@pauldavis6356]

Dude - the straps are there so you can lift it out of the box evenly.

[@krikorhadidian897]

I play withis machines for a long time around sixty years or more. Now I have four machines. This Techniics is a beautiful machine and you will enjoy it for couple of months, and then it will be hassle to put the tape because you have to take the leader tape all the way down then passing to many rollers. It will be fun at beginnig but not very practical.

[@krikorhadidian897]

Thank you, Thank you. Krikor.

[@josedias4664]

Que achado ! Ótimo aparelho, parabéns pela aquisição.

[@markjob6354]

I would love to find a Technics RS-1800 with the seperate bottom record/playback circuitry box. To me, this is the Holy Grail of Audiophile Reel to Reel machines. The notable aspect is its eq'able 30 ips record and playback half track stereo capability. The sweetness and clarity of the high end and low end frequencies is only topped by my other dream machine - The Nagra IV-S TC (Time Code) portable reel to reel with the QGB 10 1/2 inch reel extension kit. The Nagra QGB is completely superior, of course, to the Chinese made knock - off copy. The Nagra reel extension kit has built in servo tension circuitry, which needs to be plugged into the 4-S's Cue input, and the power is pugged into directly to the power input on the QGB which needs the ATN-2 Power Supply direct current, which is then bumped up and fed out to the power in socket on the Nagra from the QGB box -not the other way around.

[@bobsbits5357]

hi 3m made a head block the same up to 2 inch that you could use 1 inch as well

[@williamdaugherty1165]

How can i buy one like that

[@GVernon]

You struck audio gold!!!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Indeed

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

They trying real hard to pretend it's MADE of Gold! $19,000 and they say it might work.....probably....LOL

[@دحيدرالشديدي]

Just like a time capsule containing a nice machine.

[@technics-n-thuiast8346]

Simply amazing 🤩

[@richardgusztaw5091]

Those were the days of great hardware.

[@SkyFiAudio]

It has a heft and "firm" feeling all around that is from a different age.

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

wow, lucky you

[@hugoromeyn4582]

Just one word for that... WOW!

[@bobsbits5357]

hi have a 1700 rs myself it is used some times i use a otari mtr 12 for the real work sorry they were made to work not to sit about looking nice it's a 1/2 tape deck pro model i am a reel to reel nut never seen one so nice out of the box

[@SkyFiAudio]

First one for us as well. Thanks Bob.

[@colingarner6175]

Amazing you eventually put the camera on a tripod .

[@MsCorbacho]

Beautiful machine . Just one question , wouldn't be more logical to power the machine , and even check it for leaking capacitors before selling it ? I know is a collectable , but is now out of the box anyway . I do find it more logical to sell new old stock as revised due to age than the opposite

[@SkyFiAudio]

Good point, we usually leave that up to the new owner. We can ship it as is or even do a light service on it. Thanks for commenting Francisco,

[@BobJohnson-xo7hr]

@@SkyFiAudio Do you find the need to replace caps just due to age even if unused?

[@spaxspore]

this era of Technics are plagued with bad caps on not just Reel to reel equipment but pretty much all HIFI they made. Wouldn't sell it and ask premium used car pricing without doing a full re-cap.

[@mertonnephake]

7:57 “Got a set of cue tips to clean our ears before we start listening to anything.” :D

[@alexandrezimmerman7996]

Where can I find reel tape for this machine?

[@theol1044]

Wonderful machine, and very nice video. But why on earth do some people insist on pronouncing the brand name "Tek-neeks"? In their own old commercials from back in the day you can hear it pronounced "Tecknicks".

[@cjay2]

If I were you, I would offer the new owner, for a fee, to go through the unit, replacing power supply electrolytics, and checking the operation of the deck in all modes. A full resto would require replacing all of the electrolytics in the unit (it's 42 years old now), and checking the rubber parts and belts (if there are any), as well as checking/replacing all of the lubrication. It is highly doubtful that the machine will work as new after 42 years in the box. I used to unbox these decks for display and sale at the store that I worked, back in the 70's.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Fee? How about $25 dollars. 1979 dollars. Hee hee hee ha ha.

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

These clowns are selling it for $19,000 USD, and they NEVER turned it on... they want MOAR MONEY to check it out... ass clowns.

[@paulmon4077]

you're smart!

[@MixMasterHak]

Would love to get one of these units

[@d.c.hammond130]

I wanted to see and hear it run. Any chance the components are still operational?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Im willing to bet this will work fine. These machines are super robust. Will keep you posted

[@atw4321]

Im jealous 😪 i have two teac's x1000r and x2000r always wanted technics reel to reel just never found a good deal on one

[@Cookefan59]

Fascinating! Thank you!

[@andrewweis3505]

amazing find

[@karensingh2020]

nice never got into them.

[@WileyDixon]

How can you get one ?

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

I'm surprised, it WAS "NIB" and now that it's been out of the box it's worth less.

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

That's okay.. the insides are full of leaking capacitors.. it won't run right without a refurbish, and they know it.

[@skularatna8136]

Nice video but the cost You are asking on eBay is ridiculous $20k!!!

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

They never even tested it! " Based on the build quality and experience with this model it will likely work right out of the box"

[@skularatna8136]

@@mr.spongylikeaboss4987 no cause capacitors can leak over time even if unused

[@mrfroopy]

But wouldn't you have to check all the capacitors etc after 40 years? Dried out rubber? you don't refurb a brand new unit before selling? Curious

[@guitarcheology]

Some folks want to preserve a time capsule. Not use it. I assume they are leaving the option open. You can find restorable units any day. NOS, not so much. It might be one of the last.

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

@@guitarcheology Dumbass rich folk.. must be nice to burn money. Nothing impressive about staring at a piece of gear that isn't use. Like Guitars on a wall.. only Asshats do that.

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

Nope, and they want 19K for it, too.

[@valvemonky4734]

thought you would have used the strapes that were round it to lift it out the box when it's laid flat

[@SkyFiAudio]

I think your right. It was really tough to get it out, didn't want to rip then since they are 45 years old.

[@jackturtle131]

Wow what a dream to own one of them

[@bobk3840]

Is this going on the website? I don’t see it yet.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yes soon. be sure to subscribe to our email blast to see it.

[@hifi.david.]

how to get scratches out of hifi vu meter? I need help Skyfi audio

[@SkyFiAudio]

Plastic polish and a few hours of rubbing.

[@brucemacdonald7648]

I currently have a Akai GX747 10" Reel to Reel Tape Deck.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Incredible deck. We've only had 2-3 of those come through the shop *ever* for sale. Hang onto that one.

[@audiomez]

But watch out playing Ampex Grand Master or 456 tape on those GX heads. Gum to glass is a bitch. Better learn to bake.

[@gevowavemagnet]

I don't understand why Technics used a pressed board back. Especially for what these machines (and still) cost

[@f1176]

What is the market value today for RS 1500 or RS 1700 in new condition?

[@SkyFiAudio]

Who knows but were gonna find out...

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

@@SkyFiAudio $19,000 LMAO...How's it going, got any suckers, I mean takers?? LOL.. BTW, what's your warranty when they turn it on, and the leaky caps inside pop? LMAO!!!

[@linomarongiu53]

Wow meraviglia fantastic.

[@SkyFiAudio]

Thank you for checking out our video!

[@stevemably579]

Have you sold that machine

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yes long gone but have similar ones on our website.

[@d.c.hammond130]

I'd like to have seen how good it is in present state.

[@glenndickson7627]

Great video

[@Fluterra]

Is this for sale?

[@SkyFiAudio]

YES. Head over to our website to check it out and more - skyfiaudio.com

[@Z4NL]

Great video & find. It’s Technics, not “Techneeks” :)

[@johnnyhawkins43]

If I owned anything like that I would use it no sense if not used ?

[@10leshem]

It is possible to buy such a new device

[@SkyFiAudio]

Yes subscribe to our email blast on our website and youll see it when it goes up for sale.

[@alexlod9564]

Nice!

[@gelmann2]

wow, Mint in the box ! . . . . . . . . . What is that Technics Worth ? ? ?

[@SkyFiAudio]

No idea but were gonna find out :-)

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

With all the 40 year old leaky capacitors... not as much as they would like you to think.

[@angelmarcano6747]

The fake McIntosh real to real and that new old Real to Reel is eye candy.🥰🥰😍😍😍🤩👍

[@fredgien]

You need to check the electronics and belts before firing up!

[@SkyFiAudio]

Indeed. Dont want a puff of smoke.

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

@@SkyFiAudio You pussies never did. I quote: "Based on the build quality and experience with this model it will likely work right out of the box" LMAO... $19,000, how do you even sleep at night.. LOL!

[@vincentlajoie1664]

just the One I want.!

[@SkyFiAudio]

We've had a lot of interest in this so far...

[@vincentlajoie1664]

@@SkyFiAudio I used to splice and edit with 1500Us and 1506 units during 90's as I was DJ tech at CKRL Quebec City... those rocks rocked !

[@Kancool]

👍👍👍

[@Witchhunter33724]

Most electronics are pkg the same way. Don’t see why tubers have to describe all the foam and cardboard that comes out of the box.

[@rogermiullercalsinachahui7750]

QUE EMVIDIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA QUE LINDOS EQUIPOS

[@nagarajannagarajan1513]

Super 👌 👍 ❤😮

[@fratoni3654]

Om 🎶🌟

[@len9518]

You should have had 3 hands, to get it out of the box.

[@SkyFiAudio]

I barely have 2 working hands!

[@coolmacho975]

Chinese copy?? 45 yrs and untouched? Wow!!

[@johnnyhawkins43]

I'd give 5.00 dollars for it !

[@Петрович-я2э]

Круто 👍👍👍

[@sandechoir]

old but new

[@SkyFiAudio]

Indeed.

[@최성린-l9n]

요새도 신품이 나와요

[@al5152001]

How much…..Im looking🤣🤣🤣

[@colingarner6175]

Why don’t you get a tripod for the camera and not try to do everything one handed !

[@SkyFiAudio]

That's funny because we receive an lot of comments asking for the opposite to be more engaged. We're finding that happy medium :-)

[@alfoyt5023]

May of 1983

[@SkyFiAudio]

Hey thanks Al!!!!! I figured someone would know!! 1983 indeed.

[@alfoyt5023]

@@SkyFiAudio You' re welcome! I'm an old RtoR buff... I own a Teac A-3440 and a Pioneer RT-707 I just love them!!!

[@kawmic7]

Use the straps man!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😎😎

[@sunsan997]

すごいですね〜 dead stock

[@johnkaplun9619]

Asking over 20k, LOL

[@SkyFiAudio]

If you could only hear the phone bidding going on for this unit right now, especially from our clients based in Hong Kong and China.

[@johnkaplun9619]

@@SkyFiAudio there's a chump born every second.

[@dean6816]

Jealous!