2. analog
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Reel to Reel decks

Is anyone out there using reel to reels anymore? I remember at one time(30 years ago), they were probably some of the best analog reproduction equipment out there. Of course, it doesn't matter much if you can't buy good prerecorded tapes. I've googled prerecorded tapes, but haven't found much out there. Anyone have a good source? Also, can anyone recommend a good deck?
handymann
poprhetor
61 posts
 
That's pretty much where I'm at with it, Marchameslice. I'll post my results on this thread when I get to the project, since this thread is truly one of the few sources for kind of info. Many thanks again.

Michael
marchomeslice's avatar
marchomeslice
13 posts
 
Cool man, let us know how it goes with it. I have a Revox A77 & a Technics 1506 and I really enjoy messing around with tape.. so what if it's a bit anochronistic :)

There are a few other boards you can check out for some RTR info. A dedicated one called Tapeheads.net comes to mind, also the Tape Trail forum at the AA (doesn't get a lot of action these days, but there are some very experienced folks who lurk over there). Also, places like the Bottlehead/Tape Project board and the stevehoffman.tv boards have some really nice and informative RTR minded people on them as well.

Good luck with it! M
jcote
100 posts
 
@Poprhetor,

I know of an Akai R2R for sale right now at a vintage shop...i don't think it's too expensive actually i don't think he knew what it was worth at all. The unit works through and through, if you need parts or want to replace let me know and i'll msg you the details.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,846 posts
 
If you want to lubricate any bearing set in most tape machines, an excellent lubricant for the job is Dextron-style automatic transmission fluid. Usually only a few drops are required.

A common problem in many Japanese tape machines is the pinch roller arm that activates the pinch roller. It can get gummed up by the grease that was used when the machine was built. Quite often by now such greases have turned to a pretty effective glue! Another area where this is a problem is the reel brakes which are often activated by a common lever.
poprhetor
61 posts
 
Well, it works. A local record shop had a box of free reel tapes (home recorded). Turns out, many of them were actually sealed blank tapes. Nice windfall. I'm looking forward to checking this guy's Ink Spots recording against my cd. Unfortunately, the left channel is practically inaudible. I may take it into the shop for that. The right channel sounded fine. I can hear the record scratches from the home recording, but they were free, so . . .

Thanks again for the helpful responses.

I'll check that stuff out, Atma. :)

M.
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