Vintage 1960s CHAMBERLIN RHYTHMATE Tape Loop Tube Amp Drum Machine SN 1293

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Vintage 1960s CHAMBERLIN RHYTHMATE Tape Loop Tube Amp Drum Machine. This is something I hate to part with- I will do so only if I can get a strong price for it. If you're looking at this auction, you probably know what this is. It has 14 different tape loops, each of which have 3 different drum patterns. You move the tape head to the desired loop with a lever, and a sub-lever selects between the three different loops on each tape. All 14 tapes are original to the unit, and all are in good playing condition. Below is a video I shot years ago demonstrating this very machine. Please note that it currently does not work quite as well as it did when I made that video. Specifically, the playback speed is rather slow and sluggish. This is due either to a worn rubber wheel or a loose motor shaft, or a combination of both. This is purely a mechanical issue (the speed runs fine when I apply a bit of pressure to the side of the motor shaft), and should be an easy fix for a qualified tech. Also, the reverb knob currently only introduces a buzzing sound. I've never been quite sure if the spring reverb tank was supposed to apply reverb to the drums, or only to the external input on the amp, but I don't recall ever getting it to work properly either way. Again, though, this ought to be an easy enough issue to resolve for a qualified tech. The tape head itself can be a little finicky in terms of getting it to line up perfectly with the desired track while avoiding minor crosstalk with the other tracks, but I suspect this is an issue that's typical for these units. The unit has the typical minor wear and dust for something of its age. If shipped, this item will be double-boxed to ensure safe delivery."