alignment?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Peck
  • Start date Start date
Yup, exactly as Dave said. Don't mean to sound like an echo but just to confirm that there are flat spots on the heads and lifters and the pinch roller looks glossy. There is really no way to tell (other than with specialized tools and a tech) how bad it is or whether there is even or uneven wear (on the heads). One thing's for sure is that there is significant head wear and a high use machine. Sure you could treat the pinch roller with a rubber conditioner but this won't do much to bring you machine up to spec, considering the cond of the heads. I think your earlier issues sort of pale in comparison to this.

Possible solution: If the recorder didn't cost you much ($200??) then I don't think I'd even take it to a tech or even have the heads relapped. I'd sell it for parts (if you can't get your money refunded by the seller) and look for another lower use machine. A local Tascam deal would be my choice. It's not worth fixing this Fostex, imho.

Basically, the machine is worth whatever shape the heads are in.
 
A Reel Person said:
........................;)
Click to expand...

Shit, I'm all mixed up from all this going from post to post to yet another post! :eek: Ok, so whatever I wrote above, just insert Otari instead of Fostex! ;)

I'm now confused as to which poster has this or that machine and how much it cost and where he picked it up etc ........ AHHHH!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Other than this slight hickup, my advice still stands! :D ;)
 
Last edited:
Btw, Dave, it's a good thing you're patrolling replies like a hawk! :D ;)
 
Heh, yeah. "Patrolling".

.........................;)
 
Yes, "patrolling" or "The act of moving about an area especially by an authorized and trained person or group, for purposes of observation, inspection, or security."

:D :D :D :D ;) ;) ;) ;)
 
Nah,... not quite!

It was particularly memorable because I had to ask what kind of tape drive it was, just a few posts back. :eek:
 
cjacek and reel person.... thanks for the help. I bent the tension arm straight again... and the tracks synced up now on playback. So I guess that was the problem after all.

So, apparently I have a pretty worn down machine from your guys' observations on the heads, pinch roller, and guides. That sucks... but I guess I am going to keep using it for the time being because it seems to be doing okay at the moment.

So what does that mean if the pinch roller looks slick? What should a good pinch roller look and feel like? It's funny to hear that my machine looks like it's been heavily used, because the tech I took it to said it was in really good shape. I'm glad you guys know what you're talking about though. At least someone seems to... :)
 
Just because the heads are that worn, (appx 50%), doesn't mean it doesn't sound good.

Just to say it's moderate/high wear that's probably closer to developing minor issues, but at this time may likely be able to be calibrated to spec. Those heads are canditates for relapping, if any heads are. It's not the end of the world. The most significant drawback to "worn out" heads is a severe dropoff of high frequencies. If you don't have that problem, your heads are still workable. It would be fine to lap the heads and rotate the lifters, perhaps if you considered servicing this unit (or having it serviced). ;)
 
What are the heads supposed to look like? Are they supposed to come to a rounded point? That could be my problem too then, because I know they got some flatness there in the middle.
 
The heads on the 38 and TSR-8 look somewhat flat in the middle when brand new. They are not smoothly rounded at the apex.
 
Peck said:
It's an otari (mx5050 MK1). 8 track 1/2"... this sucks bad. :eek:

Is there going to be any way to find a replacement for it? I'm beginning to freak out a little bit. or i'll just bend it back like you said...
Click to expand...

didn't nirvana and/or the White Stripes record on that model?

I've had the same problem with the tension arm. The machine I had was bent worse than yours. All you have to do is take a wrench and bend it back, it sounds too simple to work but that's all you have to do if you can get it straight.

Yeah make sure you're not in "all repro" mode. At least that's how they labeled it on the MKIII. It should be in SEL-REP while tracking.
 
Beck said:
The heads on the 38 and TSR-8 look somewhat flat in the middle when brand new. They are not smoothly rounded at the apex.
Click to expand...

:) Relief.
 
I don't think the white stripes ever recorded on that model. if they did, please let me know the cuts/album. as far as I know, they have always gone into pro studios, starting with their first two in detroit. if they had an earlier demo or something that was recorded on an otari that you have if you can copy it and send it to me that would be awesome. I also don't know anything about nirvana recording on one of those but it would help to explain the atrocious sound quality on bleach. I say atrocious very lightly, I think its a very good album. I have heard that the console on that album was a tac so that mixed with a 5050 might explain it. anybody know for sure??
 
FALKEN said:
I don't think the white stripes ever recorded on that model. if they did, please let me know the cuts/album. as far as I know, they have always gone into pro studios, starting with their first two in detroit. if they had an earlier demo or something that was recorded on an otari that you have if you can copy it and send it to me that would be awesome. I also don't know anything about nirvana recording on one of those but it would help to explain the atrocious sound quality on bleach. I say atrocious very lightly, I think its a very good album. I have heard that the console on that album was a tac so that mixed with a 5050 might explain it. anybody know for sure??
Click to expand...

Bleach was recorded on a 1/2" eight track. Someone in this forum mentioned an Otari model earlier on another thread. Not the most stellar sounding recording but enjoyable. Also suitable for that music in the late 80s. I've got it on vinyl. The "With the lights out" compilation show the 456 tape track sheet.
 
Nirvana recorded Bleach with the newer model Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track (single unit) MKIII or whatever. They have the exact unit on display in Seattle at the Experience Music Project. I don't know what mixing board they used though...
 
Peck said:
Nirvana recorded Bleach with the newer model Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track (single unit) MKIII or whatever. They have the exact unit on display in Seattle at the Experience Music Project. I don't know what mixing board they used though...
Click to expand...

With that record, I don't think it really matters, because in my mind you could probably get a better recording with just about any of these tape decks. It's good, I like it alot, but it's not like Nevermind or something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top