Buyer says tape deck doesn't work, sounds like Sticky Shed

[Roozter]

Yeah, I agree with you. These machines are irreplaceable and it would be better to keep them in the family. However, when you need money fast...

Exactly. Cant knock anyone for doing what they need to do.

If I ever upgrade or stop using my machine, I think I might start searching for an apprentice of sorts. Someone who's shown aptitude, and dedication. Ill teach them to do everything, then pass the machine/board on to them, on the condition that he does the same thing.

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

The guy has not responded, so maybe it was the tape ... I'll update this thread when more info surfaces.

Also, I did declare the value of the selling price if that matters at all, and I believe I required a signature.

I forgot to mention... If in fact the machine does come back to you, and if it does come back damaged, give me a list of parts you need and Ill dig through my other (dead) 80-8 to see if I can get you the proper replacements...maybe you could trade me for some of that glorious Scotch you have!

 

[lonewhitefly]

UPDATE: BAD TAPE !

excerpts:

"The reels I have do say Ampex 456 on them, but they look completely different.
One has a black backing & the other has glossy brown backing, so who knows what they are.
I did try something and found a solution, I found the tape sticking on the first tape guide (not the idler wheel).
So I bypassed that guide and then everything ran great!!! (go figure).
I did not have any shedding issues until I let it play for a long time, then 1 tape did start to shed.
Thanks for the info on the tape issues, when you have some time, please explain "Baking" procedure for me.
I will need to buy the correct tape (after cleaning the heads, thanks for the info)"

"Sorry for freaking out, I didnt have & take enough time with the deck (and have your info) to figure out the issues.
I now can do a better test tomorrow and get somewhere..... (and record some stuff!!!)"

 

[rayc]

An apology! Wow, how rare is that?
Sorted?

 

[Hammerstone]

Oh man, Donny, if he's gonna continue to use bad 456...evidently he didn't *quite* get the message... At this point it really is out of your hands, but you might want to explain to him one more time, make sure he has the appropriate links here. But with this communication, I don't think you're in any way liable.

If I ever upgrade or stop using my machine, I think I might start searching for an apprentice of sorts. Someone who's shown aptitude, and dedication. Ill teach them to do everything, then pass the machine/board on to them, on the condition that he does the same thing.

You're making me want to move back to Columbus!

 

[lonewhitefly]

One more update today, basically confirmation that everything is working properly!:

"She is running great this morning.....
I had a (??new??) pancake BASF Studio Master 911 and took apart a 1/4" reel, got longer screws from home depot
and put the tape & reel together. Recorded 3 songs onto the tape and this tape is running smooth.....

So, is this a good brand ?? It looked new.....

Thanks again for your help, now I need to dig out my DX-8 and add it to this deck!!!"

So I'm gonna mail him a reel (and said I would look through my tapes for anything he maybe could use), but looks like he's on his way with the 911.

WOW -- an eBay problem that became a success story !

 

[Beck]

That's awesome!!!

 

[gentlejohn]

I'm really pleased this story has a happy ending! 'The good will out' as they say.

 

[rayc]

Vendor happy, buyer happy and someone else excited about analogue.

 

[radi0j0hn]

With eBay, the customer is always right., even if they are not. Take it back.

Thanks, Beck for your input.
It was an eBay/Paypal sale. I have 800+ feedback with 100% rating, so hopefully it should count for something should he try a dispute. "

Glad he figured it out, otherwise you are screwed by any whiner.

 

[radi0j0hn]

Sound like respooled cart-machine tape.

I bought some HUGE pancake spools of tape that turned out to be for loading the cart machine cartridges once used in radio stations. It was worthless. I suspect there is a lot of it still floating around as surplus. The black backing and the fact that you could tow a car with it may be clues?