Reel-to-Reel Tech - reeltoreeltech.com news and information

Otari 5050 tech tips – Various Transport Problems

Transport Problems, Dead Capstan Motor, Dead Reel Motors, Only one speed working, etc. Equipment Needed Method # 1 and 2 Philips screwdriver DeOxIt D5, either in a spray can, or better yet, in the...

Otari MX5050 series – Summary

The Otari MX5050 tape decks are a commercial grade RTR machine that was marketed towards recording studios, TV, and radio stations. Generally speaking, they were not designed for the home audio market, although many...

Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck Sales

As of April 2023, I have sold my sound contracting company after 38 years, to do reel to reel tape deck sales and repairs full time! As of July 2023 we have over 300...

Frequency Response Charts – What Do They Mean???

I own a couple of tape deck analyzers, that help me set levels and frequency response settings within each tape deck that I service. One analyzer is the Nakamichi T-100 unit that dates from...

Reel to Reel Table Replacement/Adjustment

A common occurrence with reel to reel tape decks is the shifting of the reel tables that the take-up and supply reels fit onto. If a deck is handled roughly during shipping, or if...

Defective Hitachi Brand Transistors

Here’s something to be aware of… We’ve known that a number of Akai reel to reel tape decks suffer from bad 2SC458 transistors, and up until recently, we thought that only Akai decks were...

Reel-to-Reel Service

We service all makes and models of reel to reel tape recorders, ranging from 1950 mono tube machines to the last generation 2” 24 track studio decks. We have 30 years of experience servicing...

Akai GX-77 Tech Info

The Akai GX-77 was Akai’s last, and top of the line 6 head auto reverse 7” reel to reel machine. It was manufactured roughly from 1981 to 1985, and is a unique tape deck...

Repairing stuck pinch roller on all Teac/Tascam models

One of the most common problems with many versions of Teac and Tascam models is a seized or slow moving pinch roller bearing assembly. This causes the pinch roller to engage very slowly or...