Fighting Entropy: The Rebirth of Machines

Here at ReelTape neglected, mistreated, or otherwise discarded reel-to-reel recorders are rescued and meticulously restored to magnificence.

Though reel recorders contain many moving parts subject to wear, and components that deteriorate over time, there is no reason at all why formerly celebrated tape recorders cannot be restored to their factory specifications. The parts are mostly available, albeit it often at inflated prices. Those that are not can be custom-made – also at a price.

The effort and trouble are worth it. The sonic rapture of reel tape is a revelation to people brought up and accustomed to digital sound; not just MP3s and audio streaming but also compact discs and ‘lossless’ high-end digital formats.

Here are the stories from the ReelTape workshop where ugly ducklings are welcomed and transformed into elegant white swans – if you’ll permit the hyperbole.

• A Very Special Revox E36

  

  Late last year (2025), I found and bought a tape recorder in a version so unique that even Google seems unable to provide any reference. This ‘very special’ Revox E36 was located at a large warehouse in The Netherlands. The building was filled quite literally to the rafters with pro gear. In a corner I…

• Revox PR99mkIII: The Gig Machine

  

  This PR99 arrived on Friday, 22 May 2006, in a sturdy flight case weighing in at a considerable 38kg. The machine proper tilts the scale at barely 19kg. So, at least it was well protected during its 1,600km voyage from Bry in northern France almost on the Belgian border. The seller, somewhat reluctant in his…