Why the Squeaking Wheel

[geode]

Just wondering why some tape reels squeak when you play them. I just cleaned all the gunk left behind by a NOS Scitch tape I was trying to record on. Sticky shed I guess. But the take-up reel squeaks when I play a tape, inthis case a Maxell which doesn't appear to shed. Something need oiling perhaps, or this a rather benign symptom I shouldn't worry about. :scratch2: Thanks for any feedback on this.

 

[jwrosenthal]

Just wondering why some tape reels squeak when you play them. I just cleaned all the gunk left behind by a NOS Scitch tape I was trying to record on. Sticky shed I guess. But the take-up reel squeaks when I play a tape, inthis case a Maxell which doesn't appear to shed. Something need oiling perhaps, or this a rather benign symptom I shouldn't worry about. :scratch2: Thanks for any feedback on this.

Wouldn't worry about it until it become pathological. If I encounter a rubbing or squeaking tape, I will unwind it, then re-feed the tape as sometimes it's just how it's sitting on the reel. Also, sometimes tape, especially tape that hasn't been run for decades (NOS or not) will squeal, so run it all the way through on FF, then wind it back and then play it again and that may help.

James

 

[geode]

Wouldn't worry about it until it become pathological. If I encounter a rubbing or squeaking tape, I will unwind it, then re-feed the tape as sometimes it's just how it's sitting on the reel. Also, sometimes tape, especially tape that hasn't been run for decades (NOS or not) will squeal, so run it all the way through on FF, then wind it back and then play it again and that may help.

James

I love these easy solutions I will give it a shot, I know these tapes haven't been played in probably 10 years or so.

 

[geode]

Great news. I ran the tape through and reversed the take-up reel. The squeaking went away. Now the tape walks off the heads and guides. It isn't very dirty. One step forward and two back it seems. Oh well, I guess since I have this nice R2R I will always have something to work on.