Reel-to-reel tape decks

[GK]

Just out of curiosity, why one earth does a website dedicated to DIY audio have a section devoted to DIY projection systems, but nothing specifically for reel-to-reel tape recorders?

I'm sure there is a huge (?) number of reel-to-reel maintainers and fanciers out there.

[eStatic]

I've wondered why it doesn't have a section on "experimental" multi channel systems, ambiophonics, ambiosonics, ambience systems etc.

[GK]

Originally posted by eStatic
I've wondered why it doesn't have a section on "experimental" multi channel systems, ambiophonics, ambiosonics, ambience systems etc.

There are a few facets of home audio with great scope for DIY experimentation that are (bizarrely) pretty much ignored. Tone control / frequency equalization and frequency response measurement is another (with homebrewed noise generators, wobulators, spectrum analysers, equalized mic. amps, etc).

I own a few old reel-reel tape decks (which were the ‘in thing’ in the 70’s) and it recently struck me that I’ve never seen a post here about servicing really any type of tape machine.

I just assumed that these are things that nostalgic audiophiles would drool over (like some HAM's over RTTY machnies), but it looks like I’m mistaken.

[eStatic]

This thread on another forum may be of interest:
http://electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18800

[auplater]

Originally posted by G.Kleinschmidt



There are a few facets of home audio with great scope for DIY experimentation that are (bizarrely) pretty much ignored. Tone control / frequency equalization and frequency response measurement is another (with homebrewed noise generators, wobulators, spectrum analysers, equalized mic. amps, etc).

I own a few old reel-reel tape decks (which were the ‘in thing’ in the 70’s) and it recently struck me that I’ve never seen a post here about servicing really any type of tape machine.

I just assumed that these are things that nostalgic audiophiles would drool over (like some HAM's over RTTY machnies), but it looks like I’m mistaken.

This forum seems to be gaga over full range speakers and tube electronics... check out audiokarma.org if you want more reel to reel analog tape stuff...

some of what I've rebuilt..to better than spec



John L.

[bassrogue]

I would'nt mind seeing a bit more discussion on RTR decks. I enjoy working on them and always keep one in my main system. I have a Technics RS1500 playing right now. (Playing through tubes and full range speakers)

[despotic931]

I have an old AKAI reel to reel in storage that I inherited, I would love to dig it out if I had a little help on what to do with it...

[BudP]

I have done business with the guy in Japan that has been building heads and pinch rollers for TEAC R/R since forever. The new heads and pinch rollers in my XR7 have a 2002 date code on them.

I too have some AKAI decks Hard to get heads for, but you can get rebuilt pinch rollers. I Have two AKAI M8 decks and the last model that used that stamped platten, for mounting and alignment, for it's eddy current reel motors and control circuitry. A set of Sony heads, 1/2 and 1/4 track, to top off those tube preamplifiers from the M8. A fortune in large diameter air coil, potted wire wound resistors, if nothing else. I just seem to have run out of interest in the project, sadly.

Certainly a good selection of tapes on ebay, if you know who to buy from. I have a few hundred, of music I am partial to.

Of course, if you are wealthy, you should be dealing with Dan Schmalle in his Tape Project endeavor.

Bud

[Pano]

Good old R2R! How many Revox have I left in the dust?
I remember having to replace all the trim pots in several A77s. The B77 was the work horse of us theater techs back in the 70s-80s, before CDRs and HDDs.
Did of lot of mixing on a Tascam 8 track machine, too.

The good old days.

Maybe the best I ever used was a Scully. Biggest darn 1/4" machine I've ever seen.. Great for editing.

Glad this subject came up. My father has a lot of tapes he recorded of shows in the 60s. Might have to revive them.

Remember when Columbia House had a choice of Vinyl, Cassette, or Reel to Reel?

Thanks G.Kleinschmidt for (maybe) getting the R2R ball rolling here.

[peranders]

Originally posted by G.Kleinschmidt
Just out of curiosity, why one earth does a website dedicated to DIY audio have a section devoted to DIY projection systems, but nothing specifically for reel-to-reel tape recorders?

I'm sure there is a huge (?) number of reel-to-reel maintainers and fanciers out there.

Not long ago there was no class D forum.... but a couple of people yelled high enough.