Watkins Copicat MK3 Bypass and Tension - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

clarisso11 · 21st Sep 2020, 12:20 pm

Hi everyone,

Over the last weeks I've been working on repairing a Watkins Copicat MK3 tape delay, with some success. I think it's mostly repaired, but I was hoping to get some insight from experienced users for two remaining problems:

1. Bypass: At the moment, none of the guitar signal is coming through, unless the effect is engaged. Is this how the machine is supposed to work?
I should say that my unit has been modded in the past, with Input 2 converted to output, and a footswitch jack added.

2. Tension: Currently there is a lot of modulation going on with the delays, but the delays sound normal if I manually increase tape tension by pushing the tension arm out.
I have tried new tapes and adjusting the arm on the inside vs the arm on top, hoping to increase the pull of the spring.
Is this simply a case of replacing the spring, or a problem with tape length, or something else entirely?

Many thanks!

21st Sep 2020, 12:20 pm	#1
clarisso11 Diode Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: York, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1	Watkins Copicat MK3 Bypass and Tension Hi everyone, Over the last weeks I've been working on repairing a Watkins Copicat MK3 tape delay, with some success. I think it's mostly repaired, but I was hoping to get some insight from experienced users for two remaining problems: 1. Bypass: At the moment, none of the guitar signal is coming through, unless the effect is engaged. Is this how the machine is supposed to work? I should say that my unit has been modded in the past, with Input 2 converted to output, and a footswitch jack added. 2. Tension: Currently there is a lot of modulation going on with the delays, but the delays sound normal if I manually increase tape tension by pushing the tension arm out. I have tried new tapes and adjusting the arm on the inside vs the arm on top, hoping to increase the pull of the spring. Is this simply a case of replacing the spring, or a problem with tape length, or something else entirely? Many thanks!