Playback speed slower

[ido1957]

I have a Tascam 424MKIII four track. I recently noticed that the speed or pitch of the songs is slower when I play them back. So I have to increase the pitch/speed on playback - I adjust until it is in tune with my keyboard.
I thought it was just one motor and the speed would stay consistent on record and playback. I'm hoping I don't have to buy another one of these tape decks to remedy the problem - service would probably cost as much as another one off eBay. Anyone ever experience this ?

 

[Tim Gillett]

It seems likely the capstan motor or perhaps the capstan belt or both is worn out. The motors are not particularly sturdy. Fortunately they are generic and only cost a few dollars. Main cost would be fitting them.

Tim

 

[andyhix]

Not too long I go I had a problem where the playback would kinda get variable - slow down intermittently. I ended up ordering a new belt online (ebay I think - but it may have been directly from tascam) and it solved the problem. Installing it wasn't too bad, but it involved taking a LOT of screws out, and paying fairly close attention to what goes where. For instance, as I put it back together, I put a grounding lug thingy on the wrong side of something or other and the whole machine had a horrible 60 Hz hum. I had to take it all apart again to find the goof. Anyway, it's definately an easy fix, but don't get too drunk before you start doing it, or you'll screw something up. DAMHIKT.

I'd say if the belt didn't fix the problem (which I'd bet it will), THEN replace the motor.