Welcome to ReeltoReelTech.com
Your source for everything Reel-to-Reel! Service across the Pacific Northwest and sales worldwide!
Our History
Despite the sleek appearance of our website, Reel to Reel Tech is the passion project of a single dedicated enthusiast, offering tape deck sales on a part-time basis. Wondering how this all began? Here’s a glimpse into my journey…
Early Beginnings
My life can be summed up in one sentence: I was that introverted high school nerd who everyone ignored until their cassette Walkman broke. I’d fix it for $5.00 (which was big bucks in 1980!) and then quietly retreat to the shop I had set up in my parents’ rec room. Raised by accountant parents in a TV- and stereo-free household until my teenage years, I had an inexplicable fascination with the spinning 10” metal reels in department store stereo sections. Yes, I was a bit unusual, but there was something mesmerizing about those whirling reels that captured my young imagination.
By the time I graduated in 1981, I was already repairing and selling tube color televisions for $125 each. I managed to buy my own Akai GX-630D 10” deck with the earnings from refurbished TVs and amassed reels of tape, inheriting some from local radio stations.
Professional Journey
Post-high school and through college, I worked at a TV repair store until about 1986, then moved into professional audio and video installations. Back then, it was all about Big JBL and EV speakers, paired with Phase Linear, BGW, and Ashly power amps—an industry I’ve been immersed in ever since.
Vancouver Audio Clinic
In 1991, I acquired Vancouver Audio Clinic, renowned in Vancouver for repairing guitar amps, power amps, and reel-to-reel decks. Known for sourcing obscure cone kits for consumer and pro speakers across BC, the clinic sadly closed in 1995 when vintage audio lost its value, prices plummeted, and demand shifted to surround sound receivers and high-wattage amps. I continued running my sound installation business alongside Vancouver Audio Clinic until its sale in 1994.
Recent Years
Fast-forward to 2014—the vintage audio revival sparked my interest again. I struck up a fruitful partnership with Gordon Sauck, owner of Innovative Audio – Canada’s largest vintage audio store. Our agreement saw him sending all reel-to-reel business my way while I handled other equipment. This arrangement continues successfully to this day.
In January 2017, I launched this
website. By June the same year, things exploded: from one email inquiry via local Craigslist ads to over 20 a day, then 30!
With the analog audio revival, interest in reel-to-reel tape decks is higher than ever. Enthusiasts range from those rediscovering old reels to young musicians and engineers drawn to the ‘warm analog sound’ over the clinical digital recordings via USB mics and laptops.
What I Offer (and Don’t Offer)
For reel-to-reel inquiries, weekends are generally the best time to reach me, between 9 AM and 6 PM Pacific Time. While I do answer calls on weekdays, I may be out of town on sound system installations, out of cell range. I strive to respond to emails within 12 hours, even when traveling.
Tech support is always free. Whether you’re new to reel-to-reel or an old hand, feel free to browse the website and reach out with any questions.
However, I can’t offer board-level troubleshooting tech support due to the unique issues each deck presents. Instead, the website’s tech section is updated regularly with common problems and solutions. Most service manuals are available online—just search by your deck’s make and model.
I don’t sell parts either. It’s too time-consuming to list and stock parts for each deck I service. I source what I need from eBay and other sites and maintain a small supply from scrapped decks. You can find belts and other parts through suppliers listed on my site.
Shipping and Location
I ship weekly, with exceptions if I’m out on a sound system job. There’s no online shop to avoid taking your money and delaying shipping. To order, just email me—even if I’m away, I’ll respond.
My shop is home-based in Surrey, BC, with a discreet UPS store mailing address. For obvious reasons, I don’t post my home address online—call me for directions.
For US customers, I have a warehouse in Blaine, WA, saving you on shipping costs and customs hassles for repairs or purchases. I handle customs for goods sent to and from the US.
Contact Information
Canadian Mailing Address:
Sound Solutions (2002) Inc.
344-19567 Fraser Hwy.
Surrey, BC V3S9A4
US Mailing Address:
Sound Solutions 2002 Inc.
PMB 831-250 H St.
Blaine, WA 98230