EMI RE321 tape recorder heads question - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

brianoid · 13th Sep 2016, 7:37 pm

I am new to posting on this forum, so i would like to say hello in advance to my question.

As you can see I have a question regarding the heads (record and playback) of an EMI L2 RE321 portable tape recorder from the 1960's.

The issue I have regards is on the heads there is a reddish shellac type varnish to the left and right side of the head. See attachment

As you can probably see there is some of this material missing and a hole in a piece of this material.

Is there an easy fix to this? Will this damage the tape?

Any suggestions regarding a solution to this would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

p.s. Does any one have a copy of a service manual for one of these recorders, as it has been in storage for some tine and could probably do with a once over.

Thanks again

Cobaltblue · 13th Sep 2016, 7:57 pm

Hi Brian no picture as yet you need to add the picture using the Manage Attachment button.

For service info see this thread

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ead.php?t=2444

Cheers

Mike T

brianoid · 13th Sep 2016, 8:10 pm

Thanks Mike
I am just trying to upload them now.

TIMTAPE · 14th Sep 2016, 10:28 pm

The photos arent clear enough to really see but normally the tape shouldnt be wrapping around the headface that much. There should be a polished tape wear pattern in the centre of the head face. With tape heads that is normally the part to worry about. The tape only needs to make intimate contact with the vertical head gap right in the centre of the headface.

Tim

13th Sep 2016, 7:37 pm	#1
brianoid Diode Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: London, UK. Posts: 7	EMI RE321 tape recorder heads question I am new to posting on this forum, so i would like to say hello in advance to my question. As you can see I have a question regarding the heads (record and playback) of an EMI L2 RE321 portable tape recorder from the 1960's. The issue I have regards is on the heads there is a reddish shellac type varnish to the left and right side of the head. See attachment As you can probably see there is some of this material missing and a hole in a piece of this material. Is there an easy fix to this? Will this damage the tape? Any suggestions regarding a solution to this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. p.s. Does any one have a copy of a service manual for one of these recorders, as it has been in storage for some tine and could probably do with a once over. Thanks again

13th Sep 2016, 7:57 pm	#2
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,876	Re: EMI RE321 tape recorder heads question Hi Brian no picture as yet you need to add the picture using the Manage Attachment button. For service info see this thread https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ead.php?t=2444 Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk

13th Sep 2016, 8:10 pm	#3
brianoid Diode Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: London, UK. Posts: 7	Re: EMI RE321 tape recorder heads question Thanks Mike I am just trying to upload them now. Attached Thumbnails

14th Sep 2016, 10:28 pm	#4
TIMTAPE Octode Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,970	Re: EMI RE321 tape recorder heads question The photos arent clear enough to really see but normally the tape shouldnt be wrapping around the headface that much. There should be a polished tape wear pattern in the centre of the head face. With tape heads that is normally the part to worry about. The tape only needs to make intimate contact with the vertical head gap right in the centre of the headface. Tim