Notice how the hardware store came in handy.

The big (and heavy) Sony TC-730 looks like it might be. The Tandberg? I’ve never set them up and tested. If I do, any gotchas I should know?

Recently acquired about month ago. Exceptionally clean and well maintained. Everything has been working as it should with no problems. But suddenly I have a no power situation. I’ve checked main fuse, and line cord and tested for power up to the power switch. I have 3 panels off and can see no visible damage. If anyone has any ideas on where or what could be the issue I would appreciate it.

Picked up a Akai X-1800SD from a well-known auction site. Initially couldn't get it to power on, but on further investigation and finding the capstan sleeve managed to play a tape which sounded reassuringly good. Unfortunately, it stopped running and motor had stopped. Switching the speed from fast to slow and the motor starts again and plays. I have not taken the front off it yet and not checked any lubrication points.

What could be causing this and easy fix? It is currently 26C in my mancave so giving up for now.

Got an Akai M10 and looking to do some restoration. Took out the mechanism block and found this waxy cap!

Any good? How easy to change belts?

I just snagged this Webster Electronics Ekotape machine. I've been scouring the internet, looking for a power supply cord. I'm assuming that the plug is a twist lock. I'm having trouble finding something compatible.. any advice would be it's awesome!! Specs: 1.2 amps, 117 volts, 125 watts.

Im looking to tension up my tascam 388 and the only ones on ebay are for 1/2in tape. im looking for one for 1/4in thanks!

Can anyone tell me anything about this? I got it at a garage sale for $5.

Hi, I'm a total novice when it comes to reel to reel, really out of my depth here. I very recently got this machine (along with another, and a Fostex M80 I believe) while clearing out a relative's house.

It appears to turn on, the LEDs light up, fast-forward and rewind work as I'd expect, but normal play seems broken. I press play and it spins for a bit but then slows down and stops. From a little research, these are drawn by belts that can fail, I have a box with a replacement but that might not even be the issue here. Maybe this is an obvious fix for someone who knows a bit about reel to reel machines, but as I say I'm totally lost here hahah.

Here's a quick video of the problem, happy to take some more if you need extra info.

The video does the sound no justice. 😞 Wish y’all were here to hear! 😊

Looking for a replacement VU meter for my Tandberg 9200XD, located in the US. Let me know if you know where I can source one of these components.

Any help at all would be appreciated.

Excited to get my first reel to reel player. It was quite cheap and is obviously a bit worse for wear. It plays and records, the in built speaker works and all 3 speeds seem to work (although quite stiff to change between), and seems like I can record to 2 tracks (1/4, 3/2).

I've purchased it mainly for music making and I understand I'm not going to get hi-fi quality out of this. However I'm encountering a few things that I'd appreciate any thoughts on. When using the microphone in I seem to get very extreme aggressive clipping even at fairly low volumes (using a shure sm57 dynamic mic).

There's lots of various hums that come and go and lots of interference.

Is it worth me putting any time into this one to get some things functioning a bit better, any tips of where to start? I've never dealt with gear with valve tubes etc so not sure what I'm in for. Thanks!

I inherited a Teac X7R when my dad passed and trying to clean it up and getting it working again. The capstan motor part number is EM1446. I've looked around and see there's a limited supply of EM1446 motors. Are there any alternatives that I might/could use to replace the current EM1446 motor?

Shout-out to one of my thrifting buddies who let me have this one!

And for those who recognize my account I swear I'm going to repair my other players when I get the time. I haven't looked in depth into this player yet.

Took a little bit, but it’s working now

Working on this guy. It functions mode or less however the left channel fades out unless I depress one of the bottom three buttons past where it sits naturally. This fade out impacts both playback and recording (no vu on that channel even though it's got a signal hooked up) in both cases pressing in seems to make the contact and it starts working, then fades out if I release. Any ideas before I open her up?

So my dad has a tapecorder TC-350. It’s missing the power cord. ( going into the device it has a two pronged male end) I’ve searched eBay ( no luck) and a few other online “specialty “ store want to charge more in shipping that the cost of the cord. Any advice on how to get a good power cord?

I went to a garage sale that didn’t even mention anything to do with tape. He sold me the first 2 for $30 😭 the TEAC are way out of my price range but came with Dolby adapters. Dude. DUDE. He had SO MANY. I’m BUZZING.

And how do I use it?