AMPEX MM 1200 recommended Spares list
Assuming that you have found a good technician who can repair most cards quickly for you, AND you're located in the USA: 1 each Repro Card (without the EQ insert) 2 each Repro / Sync relays (these should be special ones) you can use the line level ones in a pinch if you don't have a good tech, or require that your machine work with minimum down time, or you're located outside the USA: the above list, plus: one other Repro Card (without the EQ insert) 1 record card (without the EQ insert) 1 Bias card Correct "tension" lamp spares 2 each spare transport switches 2 each of the MDA transistor replacemnt kits if you have more than 1 or 2 Ampex units: ALL THE ABOVE PLUS spare Transport Control Card spare Power Supply card (27/15 volt) spare Power Supply/Bias Card (39 volt) spare Audio Switching Card (hard to find)For Ampex MM 1100 machines: Basic spares: 1 Repro Card (without the EQ insert) 1 Audio Switching card ( a must!) 2 Repro / Sync relays 2 transport switches 2 Ready/ Safe switches (new or used) spare Tension Lamps
Finding a good tech is getting harder and harder... There are fewer and fewer of us around. Most of the younger techs don't have any "real" experience in analogue recorders, nor have they cut their teeth in major studios... so mainly they plod along as best they can. The guy who fixes your outboard gear might not be the best person to fix your Ampex. Try and find out who the largest studio in your area uses, and get that person over to take a look at your Ampex machine. Try and find someone who's working on these older recorders all the time, not just once in a blue moon.