Hi
To try to awnser your question, I think that the recording and playback heads used on an ESE are exactly the same type as those used on a tape Meazzi Echomatic.
The whole of these heads are easily recognizable, first : through their rectangular shape but also because they are pierced by a hole that allows them to be screwed directly onto the frame.
If these are the right types of heads you are looking for, you have to know that these magnetic heads were made in Italy by Photovox.
There are (were) two different inductances values : 120 milliHenry and 600mH. To easily recognize them just take a look at the back side of each head. if the color on this back side is light grey the inductance is 600mH. If the color is dark grey the inductance is 120mH. With tubes, all the heads (record and playback) are identical and show the same high inductance value = 600mH. So ! all with a light grey bottom.
Now, and like you say… the most complicated thing is to find today, in spare parts, these heads ?
I took a look on the web and found this link:
Andrea Barbuto (Original Binson Echorec heads since 1951!), Photovox Technology S.R.L., via Belmonte, 1, 10087 Valperga (TO), Italia. Phone: +39 0124 653811 Email:
abarbuto@photovoxtech.itMay be this guy (I don't know him !) will be able to do something for you ?!…
Regards
Patrice