Reel to Reel Symptom

  • Thread starter Thread starter wedge
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wedge

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I have a Tascam 22-2 -- the same one that had Sticky Shed -- and after I cleaned the thing thoroughly, I recorded a tune onto it. On first listen, it sounded great. On second listen, there seemed to be some subtle dropouts here and there, but I couldn't be sure. On third listen, there definitely were dropouts. This was in the span of a week, and the only thing I did with the machine was to listen to this one song 3 or 4 times. Seems to me that signal degradation that fast is a symptom of an undiagnosed problem. Any ideas? The heads seem to be a bit worn, and were when I purchased it. I've actually bought a replacement headstack, but I haven't received it yet. Could the state of the heads be the reason? I inspected the tape path and didn't see any undo buildup of oxide...
 
Could be the tape to. But if it's new tape that is unlikely.
 
It could also be a guide post or tape lifter that still has a bit of sticky shed dirt on it and is acting like a magnet at pulling oxide of the current tape you are have the drop out problems with.

If the heads are worn, odds are the guides and lifters are as well and they too could be tearing away at your tape and causing drop outs.

The entire tape path must be considered when looking into these types of problems.

Cheers! :)
 
Sticky shed is no quick easy task to remove. It can linger at levels that are hard to detect. The best cleaner you can buy over the counter is denatured alcohol. You can find it at any hardware or home improvement store, but don't use it on the rubber pinch roller. To clean the capstan, remove the pinch roller so it doesn't get dripped on.

Put that beast on her back; remove the head cover and attack! (hmm.... just thought of my wedding night :eek: ). Anyway, scour the tape path with denatured alcohol and a chamois cleaning stick (available at Radio Shack). Don't forget to examine the inside of the take-up reel for loose peices of sticky shed left over from the old tape.

Also make sure the smooth (least worn) sides of all tape guides are turned toward the tape.
Have you demagnetized yet? Static from a heavily magnetized tape path can also cause dropouts.

:cool:
 
Sounds most like tape dropouts.

Like, your tape is failing you.
 
As it turns out, the guy sending me the new headstack is degaussing it, so I don't have to worry about that, at least for the time being. At the risk of sounding ignorant, what exactly are the "guides" and the "lifters" on the 22-2? I'm sure I could deduce the right answer, but a quick nod to each piece would be helpful, as I don't have the manual...
 
yo Wedge -

I noted your comment about not having the manual -

tascam parts probably has them still available for a 22-2, but just for easy info -

go to adobe.com and download adobe acrobat reader, so's you can open .pdf files

then go to tascam.com - service - manuals - and get the BR20 manual - it is the last in the 22-2 line, very similar, same tape path mechanics, and you will be a step ahead.


all the best

b-h
 
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