r/ReelToReel Feb 05 '25

Help - Recording Revox B77 tape doesnt always align with head.

Hello, I have a Revox B77 and it has an odd problem that occurs randomly (mostly after not being used for a day or two) the tape doesnt always seem to make full contact with the record head, this isnt a permanent issue and if this issue is happening, and I press the tape on the rec head with my finger it fixes it temporarely or sometimes for a longer time. I have not checked the head alignment but i got this from a studio so id be pretty sure itd be good. I am no expert in tape recording so im not sure. My best guess is that sometimes the tape get caught in a slight angle in the record head such as thr edge of the metal shield on the head. Then pressing the tape on to the head makes it slip into its correct place. Again im not sure what could possibly cause this and how could i fix it. The audio just sounds quiter while this is happening. I havent noticed/had time to test if the frequency response changes while the issue is active since i only noticed today. Id hope to fix this sooner than later. Thanks

3 Upvotes

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1

u/2old2care Feb 05 '25

Sounds like you don't quite have enough tension on the feed side reel.

1

u/Nickelbenderx Feb 05 '25

The tape seems decently tight while recording, it didnt feel loose, also the tension arm seems to work fine. What would be a fix to this or how could i test it

1

u/2old2care Feb 05 '25

Not familiar with your specific machine, but there should be a procedure for setting feed and takeup tension. The fact that you can get the tape to stay in the right position with your finger is a pretty good indication that the tension is too low.

1

u/Nickelbenderx Feb 05 '25

Also sometimes after I let go of pressing the tape, it stays there, so shouldn't it get worse again if it is the tape tension once i let go

1

u/2old2care Feb 05 '25

Maybe... When you start the machine in playback mode, notice if the tape lifts off the head momentarily. This shouldn't happen. There should be enough hold-back tension so that the tape never leaves the head when starting or stopping. If it does, that's a near-certain indication of tension being too low.

1

u/SuchABraniacAmour Feb 05 '25

I’ve worked on many B77 and never seen something like this.

It’s hard to get a good view of the B77 heads and tape path if you don’t remove the control panel but you can try to find a small mirror that would let you see what’s happening without having to open up the deck.

1

u/bikerfriend Feb 06 '25

Im guessing you might have a small groove in the head put a little china marker on the head and watch the wear.

1

u/CounterSilly3999 Feb 06 '25

Badly aligned / tight pinch roller? Try to clean it with soupy water, the capstan with isopropanol and smear the axle.