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How to Repair Reel-to-reel Recorders

Reel-to-reel tape recorders were used frequently between the 1950s and mid- 1990s. Beginning in the late '50s, many electronics companies such as Sony, Wollensak and Ampex began producing light and inexpensive tape recorders for the average American household. Many of these reel-to-reel recorders can be found in garages, attics and thrift stores. Three common problems occur with reel-to-reel tape recorders. Use a relatively simple method to determine which one of the three problems is the issue.

Things You'll Need

Rubbing alcohol
Cup
Cotton swabs
Screwdriver
3-in-1 oil
Replacement tubes

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 1/4 of a cup of rubbing alcohol into a cup.
- 2
  Dip a cotton swab into the alcohol. Rub the wet tip across the tape head in a small circular motion. This process will remove any dust and acetate that has rubbed off of your tape. After many years of use, buildup can lead to your tape recorder not functioning properly.
- 3
  Put a tape on the tape player and press play. If you hear the content of your tape, the tape player is functioning properly. If the tape spins very slowly, your motor needs lubrication. If your audio sounds faint, replace the tubes in your tape recorder.
- 4
  Unscrew the body screws on your tape recorder. Often screws are placed on the sides as well as the back.
- 5
  Look into the body of the recorder. You will see a motor.
- 6
  Drip some oil into the cylinder of the motor.
- 7
  Remove the tubes from the machine taking note of their position. Read the side of each tube. Replacements will need to be purchased for these tubes if your machine is acting sluggishly.

Antiquing