I emailed Ballfinger about the possibility of the new Ballfinger deck being configured for both 1/2 track and 1/4 track playback, and this is what they had to say
"We have checked this and there is a possibility to switch the heads in front of the playback amp. The option would then be located on the tape drive keyboard. You would then have two play buttons - one for 1/2 track and one for 1/4 track. For this purpose, the REC button would be converted + modification of the tape drive software. The different output levels on the playback amplifier can thus also be set separately. A change to the playback amplifier is not necessary. Please tell me if that is interesting for you and if so, what other features you want to have (counter, VU meter, balanced output, etc.) Then I can make you a qoutation."
Price wise not bad
"Of course I can equip you the machine with an additional 1/4 track head. Unfortunately, we do not have these heads in stock, this must be procured, also an additional PCB must be made as well as a modification of the tape drive electronic. The modification will cost about 1800.00 € additionally. I can tell you a precise price if I have determined the associated costs for us."
Very interesting play only deck with both formats. Since the deck is modular the buyer can get it converted to record and play at a later date if he wants. I am definitely interested in this play ONLY deck. Seems like it offers everything and price wise not bad, about $13K brand new with warranty.
"We have checked this and there is a possibility to switch the heads in front of the playback amp. The option would then be located on the tape drive keyboard. You would then have two play buttons - one for 1/2 track and one for 1/4 track. For this purpose, the REC button would be converted + modification of the tape drive software. The different output levels on the playback amplifier can thus also be set separately. A change to the playback amplifier is not necessary. Please tell me if that is interesting for you and if so, what other features you want to have (counter, VU meter, balanced output, etc.) Then I can make you a qoutation."
Price wise not bad
"Of course I can equip you the machine with an additional 1/4 track head. Unfortunately, we do not have these heads in stock, this must be procured, also an additional PCB must be made as well as a modification of the tape drive electronic. The modification will cost about 1800.00 € additionally. I can tell you a precise price if I have determined the associated costs for us."
Very interesting play only deck with both formats. Since the deck is modular the buyer can get it converted to record and play at a later date if he wants. I am definitely interested in this play ONLY deck. Seems like it offers everything and price wise not bad, about $13K brand new with warranty.