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Author Topic: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close  (Read 7273 times)

Offline docb

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Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« on: March 10, 2011, 03:19:15 PM »
I have been working on pulling the manual together for a new DIY kit version of the Technics tape path mod we do. It will include brake pads, ball bearings, ceramic edge guides, precision washers and a very thorough manual in PDF format. Hope to have it ready by next week. Price TBA.
Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President for Life, Bottlehead Corp.
Managing Director - retired, The Tape Project

Offline Satch

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Re: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2011, 11:55:47 AM »
I just picked up a Technics RS 1500 yesterday. Excellent condition, everything works and it sounds pretty darn good as it is. $350.00

Dan, that sounds like a cool way for me, over here on the East Coast, to get my RS 1500 up and running with a Bottlehead preamp.

Ray Satcher

Offline docb

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Re: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2011, 01:27:17 PM »
I'm working up the pricing right now and figuring out the vendor list. This kit and the procedures will be simplified a fair amount from what we do here when we do a tape path mod because most users won't have some of the specialized equipment required for some of the more finicky technical adjustments like a scope, tentelometer, various tension gauges, etc. The kit will probably end up around $150. The kit will include brake pads, adhesive for them, assembly lube, ball bearings to replace the fixed guides and ceramic edge guides for them, sandpaper for honing the ceramic guides, precision ground shims for the bearings, replacement ball bearings for the tension arms, a spring scale, Allen wrenches and chamois swabs. There are some regular maintenance supplies needed that will not be included in the kit, like Formula 409, VM&P Naptha, isopropyl alcohol, a DMM, and some hand tools.
Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President for Life, Bottlehead Corp.
Managing Director - retired, The Tape Project

Offline docb

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Re: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« Reply #3 on: April 07, 2011, 09:10:42 AM »
Parts are starting to show up and I will be putting an order page up on the Bottlehead web site in the next day or two. I'll post a link when it is ready.
Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President for Life, Bottlehead Corp.
Managing Director - retired, The Tape Project

Offline docb

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Re: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2011, 05:05:47 PM »
OK, the order page for the Technics tape path mod kits is live and I have put just a few kits together to test the waters. We are just awaiting a shipment of assembly lube and as soon as it arrives we should be able to get them out the door -

http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=223&rn=451&action=show_detail
Dan "Doc B." Schmalle
President for Life, Bottlehead Corp.
Managing Director - retired, The Tape Project

Offline ironbut

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Re: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« Reply #5 on: April 08, 2011, 05:23:36 PM »
Excellent news!
I think folks will be surprised how much of a difference these mods make to a properly operating Technics.
steve koto
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Offline Listens2tubes

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Re: Tape path mod kit for Technics getting close
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2011, 08:50:32 PM »
Would be great on an Otari machine. Hmm... especially in kit form.
Neal - Ampex Fineline F-44, 3 - Otari MX5050BII-2, Revox A77 Mk II , Teac A 4010s, 4070, Sony TC102A, Magnecord 1020, Systemdek IIX/Dynavector Karat 17D2MKII, CEC CD3300 CDP, K Works NanoMax DAC, Van Alsine Transcendence Eight+ tube preamp, Dynaco MkIV amp pair, Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v1