So I hadn't responded to ehbowen's post yet as I was hoping there would be a few more recommendations given.
In general I like to have at least three options when I'm contracting with someone for a service to be completed.
As I found next to nothing on my own, and only had the one post here, I contacted Bammel via email and asked about sending in my JVC HR-S9500U and having some refurbishing done.
Specifically mentioning the work in the last post found here:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vcr-...ing-guide.html
They responded later the same day with: "Sure, we are the go-to guys for such service. We'd charge a $99 bench minimum for the JVC, this would apply to any larger repair. If you want total refurb of all the elements named above, you could be looking at ~$375-400. A simpler inspection/cleaning/servicing, maybe some belts, might run half that; we'd ascertain upon inspection and advise".
Now the only reviews I really found for Bammel were on Yelp and quite poor at that.
I'm hoping those reviews were from individuals with very unreal expectations or from those that are just very sad or angry in general and only know how to express life through negative response.
So with that said I have shipped off my 9500 with a $99 check for the initial assessment.
I'll report back if / when I hear something.
Here's hoping for a positive outcome!
