Wow and Flutter

  • Thread starter Thread starter JimenyW
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JimenyW

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I've been recording for the last couple of months on a Concord 444 Stereophonic 444 Reel to Reel. Over the last couple of days I've been experiencing some intense wow and flutter. I've cleaned everything in the tape path. I've even replaced the tape with new tape, thinking that might've been the problem. It wasn't.

The machine is usually good for the first twenty minutes it's on, then the wow and flutter starts.

From what I've read online it looks like I probably have to replace the pinch roller or the belt. Does this sound about right? The pinch roller looks like it's still perfectly round, though the color has turned a little red around its circumference.

Also, someone suggested I use rubber rejuvenator on both the belt and pinch roller, thinking it might get some life back into them. has anyone had any luck with this?

And finally, is it expensive to replace these? Are they easy to find?

Thanks for your help in advance.
 
Don't know that model tape deck...but W&F can be caused by a few things or a combination of....capstan, pinch roller, guide rollers, reel tension...so check out all the mechanical stuff in the tape path, though it could also be a symptom of electronic issues affecting the motors.
The fact that you say it's fine for 20 minutes makes me think it's not purely mechanical.
Is it always at a certain portion of the tape spool....or after 20 minutes, it happens no matter how much tape is on the supply or take-up side...?

Try this place: http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php
If that's more of a consumer Hi-Fi deck...someone there might know it.
 
That brings back memories. A Concord 444 was my very first "real" reel to reel tape recorder. As opposed to the little toy 3" reel machines of the time. I made a deal with my dad to do extra chores over the period of six months. I did every thing he asked and on time or ahead, so he said he would buy me the machine. I was twelve when I got it, and I thought I was the man, LOL. I lugged that thing to school with me (on foot) so I could record orchestra class. While they arent all that big or heavy...that thing kicked my ass as twelve year old carrying it just over a mile to and from school. I learned so much with that thing, I wish Id never let it go from a nostalgic point of view.

But back to the point. Parts are going to be a bit tough. One thing that may help is that same machine was also badged as a National, so maybe you will find some cross referenced bets etc. Have you opened it up for a good cleaning, lets face it that thing is darned near fifty years old now?

And then a question about yours? What color are the transport "piano" keys? Mine bought new at Sears had black yeys, but I have yet to see another like it, everyone Ive seen since has while keys. Just wondering...
 
I'm just looking for a different sound then what I can do on a computer. I'm pretty satisfied with what I've got (Concord Reel to Reel and an Audio Technica Tube Microphone).

I've cleaned every little nook and cranny in the machine with denatured alcohol, as someone from another audio group suggested. It's still giving me that flutter. I'm guessing it has to be the motor, mostly because if I leave it alone for a couple of days, it works well for a little while.

The keys are white on this one.
 
Have you gone inside it for a lubrication job? Checked for dried up grease etc?
 
Yeh if it has a belt, that would be the first thing to replace -- usually not too difficult, though you'd have to find the correct match on the size. Would make sense that it's getting worse as it's getting hotter (softer).

Or, it could be a tension or tape problem. Try a different tape type.
 
Is it a capacitor start and run motor? If so change the capacitor.
My bet is brakes binding/tape tension problems.

Dave.
 
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