Tape Machine Repairs

iarlaoha

Hi all,

I'm trying to find someone in Ireland who specialises in Tape machine repairs. I'm not looking for someone who does large format multitrack reel to reel, in this case I'm actually looking for someone who can do a repair to a cassette based system.

I have a Yamaha 4 Track machine which other than a motor issue is in pretty good nick, and still sounds pretty good. I did a little recording with it recently, and the heads seemed to be in good shape. My aim is to do some transfers of stuff that was originally recorded on the machine itself, and for that, I'd like to get this particular machine back in full form.

The issue with the machine is that it's motors are acting up from time to time. For the most part, they run at a stable speed, but occasionally they go off. Sometimes it won't rewind, sometimes it won't play. When it works, it's great, when it doesn't, it's a bitch to deal with. I don't know whether it's a mechanical issue or whether the motor just needs replacing.

Is there anyone out there on the Boards who knows cassette based mechanisms inside out and might be able to overhaul it, or can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

PaulBrewer

iarlaoha wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm trying to find someone in Ireland who specialises in Tape machine repairs. I'm not looking for someone who does large format multitrack reel to reel, in this case I'm actually looking for someone who can do a repair to a cassette based system.

I have a Yamaha 4 Track machine which other than a motor issue is in pretty good nick, and still sounds pretty good. I did a little recording with it recently, and the heads seemed to be in good shape. My aim is to do some transfers of stuff that was originally recorded on the machine itself, and for that, I'd like to get this particular machine back in full form.

The issue with the machine is that it's motors are acting up from time to time. For the most part, they run at a stable speed, but occasionally they go off. Sometimes it won't rewind, sometimes it won't play. When it works, it's great, when it doesn't, it's a bitch to deal with. I don't know whether it's a mechanical issue or whether the motor just needs replacing.

Is there anyone out there on the Boards who knows cassette based mechanisms inside out and might be able to overhaul it, or can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

That's a hard one.

The most likely problem will be just wear and that means replacing parts -the likelihood of them still existing is slim.

The other issue will be any serious repair guy costs - probably more than picking up a secondhand machine on Adverts / Ebay.

Give Dave at Fixtronix.ie a buzz ...

studiorat

Did you clean the thing thoroughly? Cotton buds and isopropol alcohol, (from the chemist) try not to get it on the pinch roller (it may degrade ther rubber). These things can get seriously clogged up with gunk, the motor, the transport and all the other mechanical parts. The quality of the tape can also affect the machines speed an old tape may be sticking to itself too.

I know a man who may be able to fix it for you, I think there's one in the workshop, it may be good for spares! He's pretty cheap too. if you want it checked out gimme a PM I'll hook you up with him.

iarlaoha

Thanks all for comments and suggestions.

My gut feeling is that it's mechanical, possibly just something loose or out of alignment. It's generally been taken good care, but I received it back from a loan out some years back with the motor issue. I've cleaned and de-mag'd it relatively recently, and the tapes in question were stored properly - i.e. No gunk, dirt, or mildew involved.

It might be worth cleaning again, and will follow up with the folks you suggested.

I have thought about getting a replacement, but my aim is to do the transfers on the machine recorded on, hence why I'm trying to repair this one. Even still, I'd be in a game of waiting for one to pop up on eBay and then having to cover customs, shipping and all that bullsh*t.

If there's any other suggestions, I'd be grateful. I would imagine anyone who has experience repairing cassette machines could take care of it also.

madtheory

Which Yamaha 4 track is it? Some of their earlier models didn't really stand the test of time. Then they made the MT4X, which is among the best cassette 4 track machines ever made.

iarlaoha

It's an MT400, which is a small step down from the MT4X. Less features, but still a very good sounding machine.

madtheory

Right. Same transport, fewer mixer channels. It's an excellent transport. Only the Marantz machines were better. You should check out local used and ebay prices for a similar machine, as has been mentioned, it could be more economical than a repair... unless studiorat has already sorted you out?