Reel to Reel uses -


My wife and I love to entertain.  It never ceases to surprise me how many will walk over to my stereo and stare at my Reel to Reel tape deck.  Some under the age of 35, will ask what it is? Others want to know why I have it, and what do I use it for?  Of course I answer their questions, but now it makes we wonder how others use their machines?  I have been following a couple of high end blogs that I really enjoy and see that one gentlemen uses his machine to play master tape copies.  I do this as well, but have no where near the selection that he does.  I make copies of my favorite LP's to play when guests are over, and also make my own master tapes using a couple of neuman's microphones.  I record small jazz trios and solo artists straight to the machine.  People are amazed at how 'real' these tapes sound.  My main reel to reel is a Pioneer RT-1050 high speed half track.  I have a second just like it that I use for the above mentioned site recordings.  I also have a ReVox B-77, a Sony TC-765, and a Crown 822, all half track machines.  Anyone out there making your own masters?

Norman
normansizemore
 I ordered an Opus 3 tape and listened to 15ips 2 track IEC for the first time on my system and was totally floored.
Cerrot -- the Opus 3 label is one of my favorites for analog reel material!  I think I know the feeling you're describing.  :-)
A Tascam 32 or BR-20 are great machines. Even after servicing they are very inexpensive.  Also, the Studer A807.
If I can get an A807 in a 'portable' format, I should give it serious consideration.  I'll have to read up on the specs.  Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone who is competent with A807 service.  :-(
Sam, 
What type of venues do you record live? Do you find that you are consistently using a specific mic polar patterns, or do they differ each time? I'm not familiar with the  Gordon. Is it similar to a small mixing console?  
Norman
Cerrot,
Ok, now I have to research Opus. Tape Project tapes are the only ones I've tried. I see that United Audio has quite a good list of companies offering master copies. 

Norman