I love Old Reel To Reel Tape Machines | The MICRO-BROADCASTERS COMMUNITY Forum

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I love Old Reel To Reel Tape Machines Nov 30, 2013 0:24:55 GMT

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Post by Admin on Nov 30, 2013 0:24:55 GMT

I have a few of these old machines. In fact I just purchased another one-a Teac A-4070.

It needed some work and new belts to put it into working order but I think it'll be a great machine.

Problem: You used to be able to buy reel to reel tape at most electronics outlets. Try to find it today. The last time I bought some was when I bought a 10 inch Teac 3340 four track machine as I didn't have any 10 inch reels.

That was over 10 years ago. At that time you could find it "online". I paid about $25 per reel.

I just finished searching and found a couple suppliers but prices are higher and available stock is slim. Even used tape on Ebay is pricey and you don't know what you'll get.

If anyone has purchased any 7" or 10" reels lately let me know where and how much you paid.

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I love Old Reel To Reel Tape Machines Dec 1, 2013 3:53:14 GMT

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Post by Admin on Dec 1, 2013 3:53:14 GMT

The new drive belt for my Teac A-4070 arrived today.

Installed the belt, oiled up the motors and shafts and put it in service.

Works great! The sound is like new. This machine came with a lifetime head warranty (for the original owner of course.) But with that kind of confidence in their product I expect these heads to keep on tracking for a long time. They show no noticable wear.

Now for some more tape...

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I love Old Reel To Reel Tape Machines Dec 19, 2013 13:14:38 GMT

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Post by Admin on Dec 19, 2013 13:14:38 GMT

Been playing with the A-4070 which still has some issues.

Did a head alignment by "eye" and now forward and reverse record/play are fairly even in quality.

Occasionally, the capstan motor doesn't want to start up cold and requires some coaxing. Everything feels loose. Maybe the starting cap is fading or the new belt a little tight. Once it's running is seems OK although I did hear a little WOW near the end of tape. That could be a tension adjustment?

Anyway, a nice addition to my collection.

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I love Old Reel To Reel Tape Machines Dec 20, 2013 1:56:26 GMT

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Post by Admin on Dec 20, 2013 1:56:26 GMT

When I was 12 or 13 I got a LLOYD'S All Transistor Portable Tape Recorder. It used 5" reels and ran on battery or AC. It must have had an AC bias oscillator as the sound was superior to other portables I had which used DC bias for the record function.

I recently purchased on Ebay a very similar LLOYD'S portable. The case is identical but this one is AC only with a shaded pole AC motor and the meter is different. But, it brings back good memories.

I was the Roadie Geek for my buddy's band and recorded their sessions.

I still have one of the session tapes made with my original LLOYD'S recorder almost 50 years ago. On my recently aquired LLOYD'S, the tape sounds Great for a tape made on a portable using the stock Dynamic microphone.

The band played so loud I had to stuff the microphone in a sock to keep the recording from distorting.

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MRAM 1500
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