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AMPEX 456 1/2" Grand Master FACTORY-SEALED REEL (1991) - $75 (berkeley north / hills)
Euclid Ave near Keith Ave
condition:
like new
make / manufacturer:
AMPEX
model name / number:
456 Grand Master (1/2")
size / dimensions:
11" x 11" x 1"
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• factory-sealed reel in original box
• never used
• stored carefully in stable conditions by original purchaser for 35 years
• $75 OBO
• CASH ONLY
GOOGLE AI SUMMARY
Ampex 456 Grand Master is a legendary, high-output professional analog studio mastering tape introduced in the late 1970s. Known for its exceptional dynamic range and warm, authentic analog sound, it became the industry standard for professional recording sessions throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Legacy and Specifications
Ampex 456 was engineered as a "+6" formulation, meaning it allowed for significantly higher output levels and improved dynamic range compared to older tapes.
• Era of Production: Late 1970s through the 1990s (after which the tape assets were acquired by Quantegy).
• Configurations: Available in 1/4", 1/2", 1", and 2" widths, and lengths ranging from 1,200 to 2,500+ feet.
• Characteristics: High output, high bias. It quickly surpassed the electronic limits of many tape machines at the time of its release.
Availability in 2026
While no longer manufactured, "New Old Stock" (NOS) factory-sealed reels and pre-owned tapes frequently surface on the vintage audio market. They are highly sought after by audiophiles, vintage equipment collectors, and analog recording purists.
Usage: Unsealed vintage tape should be approached with caution as it may require baking, restoration, or immediate digital archiving.