When purchasing a used Sony TC-D5M portable stereo recorder you need to consider that you'll be investing in a quality recorder that will provide professional quality sound. This investment in reproducing quality sound does not come with it's drawbacks. For example, most of these recorders, which are no longer manufactured by Sony will require that you drop it off at a reputable repair shop for diagnostic evaluation. When out in the field doing interviews it is not the time to find out that your newly purchased recorder will not record, rewind, etc. One of the best repair shops in the nation with years of experience repairing these recorders is Liberman Sound on the West Coast. Mr. Adam Liberman, the owner, has been extemely helpful concerning my recorder when not repairing professional audio equipment at his shop.Sony TC-D5M Recorder

From first hand recent experience, I've already purchased two of these Sony recorders and each of them are now in the repair shop. So you need to keep this in mind when planning a purchase. Are you going to purchase this unit for $350-$500 and than pay half of that amount or more for a professiional overhaul to reproduce that quality audio for your projects. Keep this in mind

You might want to ask the seller to put a cassette tape in the unit and go through all these functions. Such as:

• Rewind
• Fast Forward
• Pause in the Record Mode

Overall this will catch some of the most blatant problems. A check-out at the repair shop will more than likely illuminate additional issues. I don't claim to be an expert here only a user of this model of recorder.

If the unit does not come with a carryiong strap, then no problem. You can make one from materials purchased at the local WalMart.
 For Example:

• 1 1/2"" webbing at the fabric department (about 4 foot, trim to size)
  
• 2- Bib overall strap clips ( Farmer Bib overall's are secured by two straps that are clipped on to the buttons) use the clips
• 2 -small electrical ties  (purchase in the automotive department)
  

Just run the strapping through overall clips and then attach to the two knobs at both ends of the recorder with the electrical ties


Hope this is helpful and good luck in your recording ventures.

John Astad
Gulf Coast Lifestyles