Don't even know the brand name for sure

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rockenheimer
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Rockenheimer

New member
I posted this in the "Newbies" and it was recommended that I try it here. So here goes.

The capstan on my eight track keeps turning... even when the tape is not (ie. "pause" or "stop".) Is that normal? Because it's making a noise (slight, but a noise nonetheless) that appears to be picked up by track Number One, and only THAT track. I listened to it, isolated the track, and you can't hear it ON that track itself, but you CAN hear the capstan turn. I get a reading on the VU and everything.
Is that capstan supposed to always turn like that or is something broken?
 
:eek: Uhhh, your SIAB must have a name? Get the maker on the net and ask. Sometimes it's even worth the telephone/cell free long distance call to get someone on the line and toss the ball in their home court.

Since I don't know what kind of gear you refer to, and if I did know I probably wouldn't know the answer, get the maker on the phone.

Bug the hell out of them until you get an answer.

Green Hornet :p :p :)
 
It's common for many makes and models of tape recorders to have the capstan constantly spinning and especially so for belt drive machines which take a bit of time to get up to speed.

The main reason why designers have the capstan spinning all the time is because it makes for a more constant pitch and more reliable speed that doesn't drift which would cause you to re-tune your instruments on overdubs more often.

If it is making an audible squeak, you might be able to oil it or have it done professionally if your not sure of what you're doing.

Cheers! :)
 
The Mystery of the Spinning Capstan

Yes indeed, it appears that that sucker always DOES spin - thanks a lot for you time, all, I really appreciate your input.
I'm back home now (I sent those entries into the forum from my work place). I had a chance to sit down with it and give it a go and lo and behold, the NOISE HAS STOPPED! I figure that since it had been years since it had been put to any kind of serious use, it needed a spin to work the rust out, so to speak. All I know is the noise has ceased and desistetedt, ceased and desistetd, the noise has stopped. Thank you all! This site is a great find!
 
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