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The saga continues - Head relapping

G

gustavoa

Active Member
Hi..

Just finished my first ever head-relapping, head block alignment etc.
Reconfigured Otari MX-5050 head block for 1/2 and 1/4 track play and 1/4 track recording. I relapped both playback heads and bought the recording head already lapped by JRF Magnetic Services. Record and playback heads are Pioneer heads.
The Recording head lapped by JRF is a joy to look at. The craftsmanship is just incredible.
The worst thing was getting the proper tape to head "wrap", and the fact that I lost one of the little screws that fix the head to the base and spent 1 hour looking for it (no spares).
So far, it sounds great with no issues. I can use Bias and EQ adjustments just as before, old tapes sound fantastic and recordings are crystal clear.

It was something I wanted to do and now I've done it.
Included two photos please comment the good or the bad !
 

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They look beautiful and shiney to me, and if they sound good too... It is so nice when you teach yourself a new trade! Well done.

So, you can use Pioneer heads in an Otari? I did not know these can be interchanged. Can I use Otari heads in my 909? I have this old (new I think) Otari head block kicking around, not sure if they are mono or stereo heads (4 connections at backs) - this might save me the trouble of re-lapping.

OtariBlock_zpsaea0988f.jpg
 
Yes Otari heads and Pioneer heads are interchangeable, John French from JRF told me so, and now I have proof they work !
For the looks of it, it seems those are 1/2 track heads. The 909 use 1/4 track heads.
Now I can tell you from experience, relapping heads is no game. It's time consuming and you need to have good strong hands (arthritis free) or you'll pay the price the next day.
 
Well, that is interesting... Of course I would need two playback heads as well.

I understand it is a lot of work from your previous thread, where you were practicing on a less valuable set. My 'ol dad used to play with cutting gemstones in the 60's, and he used to secure stones the size of these heads on a wooden handle with some sort of thermal glue. It held the stone tight, even on a polished surface - and to release the grip you put it in the freezer, and it popped off. I wonder if that might work. I would probably need something as I do feel a bit of arthritis in the joints from time to time.
 
In the article I read about head relapping it said there was some kind of a kit with a handle were you use to put the head and makes it easier to work it, but I could not find that kit anywhere in the web.
 
You are probably talking about the Nortronic Handylap kit that was made many years ago, you won't be able to find it nowadays. But you can make your own kit with the instructions given at the end of the file. The 3M diamond lapping films are sold by a few online retail shops for precision tool sharpening. In UK, Workshop heaven comes to mind.
 
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