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I just gave up on restoring a 1970s reel-to-reel tape deck after sinking $300 into it.

I found a dusty old unit at a flea market for $40 and thought it would be a cool project. After buying new belts, a head cleaner, and paying a guy to look at the motor, it still just makes a sad whirring sound. I guess some tech is just meant to stay in the past. Has anyone else tried fixing old audio gear and actually gotten it to work?
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3 Comments
matthewmartin
That's the worst feeling, when you're in too deep to quit but it's clearly not coming back. Those old motors are basically sealed units, so if it's not the belt or a simple cleaning, you're stuck. My dad's old 8-track player did the same thing, just a sad hum before it gave up for good.
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adamr14
adamr142mo ago
Yeah, that's a real bummer and I feel you. Matthewmartin is right about those old motors being a dead end sometimes.
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the_viola
the_viola2mo ago
Sometimes you just have to know when to walk away, right @matthewmartin?
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