Quote:
Originally Posted by Eidolon
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The only time any tape has come into contact with the head drum on this machine is when a tape is first put in, and the machine winds it around the drum and spins it through a little, to determine the tape length. I've never kknwoingly put a damaged tape through...
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That sounds like enough for a dirty tape to scratch the head drum. The drum rotates quite quickly so damage can also happen quickly. Tapes can scratch the drum just as a faulty or dirty mech can scratch tapes. Specs Bros recommends all used tapes be cleaned before playing. Easier said than done of course. I value good VHS decks which can wind tapes without lacing them up, or only over the A/C head for timing. Similarly Sanyo Betacords which do the same for Betamax tapes.