Question for the Ghost, or anyone…?

[monty]

My Fostex ¼” model 80 seems to have a worn head. The groove looks like it’s about as deep as a tape is thick. It looks like a straight, flat groove, so I don’t think the tape is riding up over the edge of the groove. Seems like the tape should be making good contact, and it still sounds okay. So if it sounds okay, then it’s nothing to worry about…?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

It may "sound" ok but if the head is wearing down, it will affect the frequency response of the deck because of the newer contour of the head.

Odds are as well that all of the tape guide posts and lifters are wearing flat too and this all can lead to tape damage and excessive tape shedding and drop outs from less then perfect contact surfaces.

If you use this deck a decent amount, it might be worth getting the heads re-lapped by a competent service provider to re-shape the head back to a normalized shape and then reposition the alignment so that you get back normal tape to head contact pressure.

www.jrfmagnetics.com is a specialist in this area of service and you may want to contact them to get an estimate on the job.

Good luck!

Cheers!

 

[monty]

It may "sound" ok but if the head is wearing down, it will affect the frequency response of the deck because of the newer contour of the head.

Odds are as well that all of the tape guide posts and lifters are wearing flat too and this all can lead to tape damage and excessive tape shedding and drop outs from less then perfect contact surfaces.

If you use this deck a decent amount, it might be worth getting the heads re-lapped by a competent service provider to re-shape the head back to a normalized shape and then reposition the alignment so that you get back normal tape to head contact pressure.

www.jrfmagnetics.com is a specialist in this area of service and you may want to contact them to get an estimate on the job.

Good luck!

Cheers!

This guy said he'd do it for $50...wadaya think...?

http://www.magneticheadcompany.com/

 

[The Ghost of FM]

From looking at his website, he seems to have bought out the remaining inventory from a failed company that specialized in mostly consumer tape heads.

I don't know if he has the expertise needed for working with your particular heads which are 8 channel but odds are he is competent if he made the offer of service in the first place.

I would still trust JRF magnetics more to do the job properly as they are professional head specialists. They also may be more expensive then your buddy in his basement/tar paper shack?

Let your wallet decide for you.

Cheers!

 

[monty]

He isn't my buddy. You're my buddy. Now get outta town!

Even if I had the head lapped, I’m not equipped to put it back into the correct alignment.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Well,

Either way, you're going to need a full service facility to do the job then.

Perhaps check out Fostex's website and see if they list any authorized service centers in your area.

Odds are, there is a local solution for you considering you live on the west coast where there is a heavy concentration of service providers and distributors.

Good luck, Buddy!

 

[monty]

Well,

Either way, you're going to need a full service facility to do the job then.

Perhaps check out Fostex's website and see if they list any authorized service centers in your area.

...but that would cost (gasp) money!!!

 

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

Even if I had the head lapped, I’m not equipped to put it back into the correct alignment.

How bout the one on your shoulders

 

[The Ghost of FM]

...but that would cost (gasp) money!!!

Oh, right!

I forgot who I was talking to for a moment!

My apologies.

Best bet for YOU then, is to ignore the problem and hope it goes away.

Head wear, shmead wear! Big hairy deal! It's a sign of character, like hairy palms or something?

Pick up another deck at the next swap meet for 20 bucks...problem solved.

Cheers!

 

[monty]

Now now...no need for witty retorts. It's only a half assed hobby for me...not a pro here. I have other decks as well as the digital stuff if I want to get serious.

 

[monty]

Maybe it’s about half a tape’s thickness of wear. I believe it’s the same amount as when I got it, and I haven’t used it hardly at all. How much wear space does a head initially have in it? I know it depends on the head, but since a head wears from day one of use, there must be an allowable amount in each head…no?

 

[monty]

Mr Ghost...are you there?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

I'm here!

I just lost a huge reply I was going to write to you!

Damn computers!

 

[monty]

I'm here!

I just lost a huge reply I was going to write to you!

Damn computers!

That sux!

I have a couple of those older TEAC 4 track R to R's from the 70's or 80's. I think one goes at about 7" per second and the other may go at 15". Shouldn't I get better sound out of those than an 8 track cassette?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

That sux!

I have a couple of those older TEAC 4 track R to R's from the 70's or 80's. I think one goes at about 7" per second and the other may go at 15". Shouldn't I get better sound out of those than an 8 track cassette?

If they're in decent condition then yes, you should.

Especially the one that can run at 15ips.

Cheers!

 

[monty]

If they're in decent condition then yes, you should.

What if I drop them off my roof onto a concrete driveway?













hehe

 

[The Ghost of FM]

You'll hurt your driveway!

ps;

just between you and me...did you really meet that girl at the flea market in the wheel chair?

 

[monty]

You'll hurt your driveway!

ps;

just between you and me...did you really meet that girl at the flea market in the wheel chair?

Yes...and I chopped off her head.