Reel to reel repair - is it worth it?

You have to ask several questions.
How good was the unit originally? Was it at the Tandberg or Revox level? Does the fixit guy have any experience with R2R? Some, like my Tandberg are mechanical monsters. Three motor designs can be somewhat less complex, but than you can toss in auto-reverse and there 'ya go.

I'd find a pro for the fix.

Over the years I've had a BUNCH of 'em....Sony TC series in both 3 head and 2 head. Tandberg 3000x. Teac 4010S (nice big meters) and an Akai with cross field heads.

Even if the machine is perfect, you'll find the tapes to be a limit. I have no idea if you can get recording tape today or what is available. I used to buy Scotch 207? 203? by the case. Head wear, demagnetizing and more can turn into hassles. Clean the heads? yep.

If you get it working, I'll send you...for shipping....a DBX compressor / expander you can play with. Should buy you a few db on the snr.....drat that tape hiss.

Magfan - I too owned a Teac 4010 in the late 70's until someone stole it out of my apartment along with Pioneer speakers and quadrophonic receiver. I know tapes degrade over time and can really gum up heads; but I'm going to get the player repaired and just play with it. Again, can't imagine just throwing it out with the trash. And I've determined I can't repair it. Thanks for the offer on the compressor/expander; I have no experience with one. When you have time, shoot me an email explaining what it does. I may take you up on your offer down the road. Right now, my solid state Essence amp is out for repair, my tubed Melos amp needs to go to the shop and my VPI Classic has a motor issue. So, my system is down. Once I get my equipment back on my shelves, I'll turn my attention to the repair of the Teac.

No. Keep it as eye candy, and save yourself many, many dollars not to mention the time sleeping it around. I've owned over eight R2R decks, still have two. All will need repair as the rollers, belts etc. will fall apart. I keep two working with service provided by the former East Coast Teac service manager. While I have many pre recorded reels, I mostly play AFRTS broadcast tapes. Very high quality. Our government spared no expense in creating them.

I've seen my dad do complete rebuilds on Teac, Revox, Studer, and Tandbergs. I'm not without my own skill, but I'd don't think I'd ever want to repair a reel-to-reel myself. I'll agree that they can sound excellent when they're running properly.

Good luck

If I can keep the repair bill under $150, I'm going to do it. I understand that they're not without issues. Again, finding tapes that are in good condition is a challenge.