Akai / Roberts Reel to Reel
tape recorders / decks utilized a 'sleeve' / adaptor to slip over the capstan to
increase it's playback and recording speed. Tapes were recorded
at many different speeds. All the way from a very slow 15/16 ips thru 'blazing'
30ips. The slower 15/16ips and 1 7/8" speeds were typically used for 'speech' /
'spoken word' recordings where recording quality was not as important and
bandwidth demands were not there as with 'music' program recordings.
Many 'pre-recorded' tapes were recorded at 3 3/4ips and 7 1/2ips for higher
quality.
For the best recording quality, many recordists choose the faster writing speeds
of 15ips or even 30ips. This was generally reserved for recordings where the
absolute best quality sonics and sound were desired. These speeds were commonly
used for recording bands in the studio, and not too often for 'home' use (not
many 'consumer / home' machines would do more than 7.5 ips anyway).
Of course the faster the tape moves, the shorter the recording time available.
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|
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(click on the above thumbnails to
enlarge the photos)
AKAI / ROBERTS-Rheem
7.5ips "SHORT"
SPEED SLEEVE
REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
CAPSTAN BUSHING / SPEED CHANGE SLEEVE ADAPTOR
FOR DECKS WITH AN OUTER
'RIDGE' / 'LIP'
ON THE PINCH ROLLER
MADE OF "HARD, NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY" IN THE USA!
for sale
This is a new capstan bushing / speed change sleeve adapter for
certain Akai & Roberts-Rheem Reel to Reel Tape decks, whose rubber pinch roller
has a small ridge or lip on the outside edge (the 'edge' or 'lip' was originally designed into these pinch rollers to keep
the speed sleeve and I suppose the tape 'in place' but was really un-necessary,
as the speed sleeve generally stays in place by it's own pressure),
such as the;
FITS:
Akai
M9 / M-9, 1800 series, X-1800SD,
1800-DSS X-2000S, X-2000SD,
& X-5000-W *(some
"5000" models may require the "short" version shown as the next
option below if yours has a 'lip / ridge' on the pinch roller),
models and
Robert's /
Rheem model 770X-SS, 771X SS, 778X and maybe others
.
AGAIN, units with the "RIDGE / LIP" on the outer
edge of the rubber pinch / pressure roller.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
This allows the faster, better quality, 7.5 ips playback / recording
speeds to be achieved. Without this you will only be able to do
the slower speeds of 1 7/8ips and 3 3/4 ips.
If yours is misplaced then here's the fix.
These are new speed sleeves machined
individually and made of
"HARD ALLOY
NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM", not soft brass,
that has a short life, so the locking dovetail will not wear. These fit snug
on most capstans*** and will stay on with
a perfect fitting "locking notch"
joint machined into it.
A note about “WoW & Flutter”’; Due to the current manufacturing processes
under which these are made at the machine shop, there will generally
be some minimal degree of ‘WoW & / or Flutter’, which will likely be
more noticeable on ‘higher’ / ‘sustained’ notes and at the higher
speed range. “WoW” is a slower, cyclical variance of speed.
“Flutter” is a cyclical variance of tone in the ‘higher’ ranges of
sound. Unless you are playing back music with quite “sustained”
notes, such as long, steady ‘violin notes’ or sustained ‘operatic’
notes or test tones, you likely won’t notice it. The effect will
however, be magnified when you playback a tape that has also been
recorded utilizing this sleeve. If you are listening to ‘spoken
word’ you’ll likely never notice it at all, nor with most music.
Also, if playing back at the slower speeds it will be less
noticeable, if at all. If you are looking for ‘perfect’ or near
perfect “WoW & Flutter” specs, this sleeve probably isn’t for you,
but if your need is simply to ‘re-visit’ some old tapes you’ll
likely be more than satisfied (frankly, all tape
decks have some flutter by design, and certainly 45-65 years after
it was originally built, that will most likely be magnified).
NEW BATCH, JUST IN!
$38.50
Shipped
Shipping within the United States is included in
price.
Other destinations have an additional shipping charge.
Orders for this product taken by Phone vs via
the "Buy Now" button will incur a $5.00 surcharge.
These enable you to play /
use the faster 7.5 ips tape speed if your deck requires a capstan sleeve
to do that. We are always investigating which Akai Reel decks these will
fit. We do know it will fit the above listed decks. This is a "work-in-progress".
As soon as we discover
additional models that this sleeve will or will not
fit, we will post that info.
STUDY THE PHOTOS CLOSELY TO DETERMINE THE FIT FOR YOUR DECK.
We know these do not fit X-4000D, 4000DB, 4000DS,
4400 or some of the
"M-" series as they use a different sleeve.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
"I ordered
one and it doesn't fit"...Click
Here.
|
|
(click on the above thumbnails
to enlarge the photos)
AKAI / ROBERTS-Rheem
7.5IPS
4000 SERIES
SPEED ADAPTOR
REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
CAPSTAN BUSHING / SPEED CHANGE SLEEVE / ADAPTER
MADE OF "HARD, NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY" IN THE USA!
for sale
This is a new speed change sleeve / adapter
for certain versions of Akai & Roberts Reel to
Reel Tape decks such as the;
FITS:
Akai
GX-360*, GX-365D*, 3000D, GX-4000D, GX-4400 / GX-4400D,
GX-4000D, GX-4000DB, GX-4000DS,
GX-4000DS
MKII, (all of the "4000" series), 4400
'Convert-A-Deck'
and
Roberts 450 & maybe the 990 reel to reel decks and possibly others.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
This allows the faster 7.5 ips (15 ips on the
GX-360*
& GX-365D*,
but you will need a small lock washer and the correct / corresponding,
smaller pinch roller)
playback / recording speeds to be
achieved. Without this you will only be able to do
the slower speeds and won't be able to achieve the higher quality recording /
writing speeds of 7.5ips.
If yours is misplaced then here's the fix.
These are new speed sleeves PAINSTAKINGLY
machined individually* and made of
"HARD ALLOY
NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM",
not soft brass,
that has a shorter life.
*(We actually
modify them slightly from the originals, so they 'lock' better on the capstan, reducing capstan 'spin'
and potential for 'slowing speed')
Included
fastener my look like the photos or may be a 'Whiz Nut' depending on
supplies at the time. (not currently in photos above).
A note about “WoW & Flutter”’; Due to the current manufacturing processes under which these
are made at the machine shop, there will generally be some minimal degree of
‘WoW & / or Flutter’, which will likely be more noticeable on ‘higher’ /
‘sustained’ notes and at the higher speed range. “WoW” is a slower, cyclical
variance of speed. “Flutter” is a cyclical variance of tone in the ‘higher’
ranges of sound. Unless you are playing back music with quite “sustained”
notes, such as long, steady ‘violin notes’ or sustained ‘operatic’ notes or
test tones, you likely won’t notice it. The effect will however, be
magnified when you playback a tape that has also been recorded utilizing
this sleeve. If you are listening to ‘spoken word’ you’ll likely never
notice it at all, nor with most music. Also, if playing back at the slower
speeds it will be less noticeable, if at all. If you are looking for
absolutely ‘perfect’ or near perfect “WoW & Flutter” specs, this sleeve probably isn’t
for you, but if your need is simply to ‘re-visit’ some old tapes you’ll
likely be more than satisfied (frankly, all tape decks
have some flutter by design, and certainly 45-65 years after it was
originally built, that will most likely be magnified).
NEW BATCH, JUST IN!
$48.50
for Sleeve, Nut**
and Washer**
Shipped
Shipping within the United States is included in
price.
Other destinations have an additional shipping charge.
"Just
to say the new Akai capstan speed
sleeve completely sorted out the problems
with my machine - sounds sweet!
Thanks." - Miles, UK
"Hello Jerry, Just wanted to let
you know the Akai speed sleeve I ordered arrived today. I
appreciate the fast service and the helpful comments you made
during the ordering process.
I look forward to doing business again in the
future!
Thanks again," - Dave S., Michigan
"Tried the speed adapter last night, and it worked fabulously." - Tim in CT.
**While
the original style of 'top nuts' are not currently practical to source or manufacture,
we are now including a 'hex nut' and lock washer that,
while lacking in the cosmetics of the original, does function fine.
You typically do not need any tools to tighten or loosen as fingers
usually do the trick.
Included
Hex nut and Washer now made of 'Non-Magnetic',
'Stainless Steel' (not currently in photos above).
These sleeves / speed adaptors
enable you to play /
use the faster 7.5 ips tape speed if your deck requires a capstan sleeve
to do that. We are always investigating which Akai Reel decks these will
fit. We do know it will fit the above listed decks.
This is a "work-in-progress".
As soon as we discover
additional models that this sleeve will or will not
fit, we will post that info.
STUDY THE PHOTOS CLOSELY TO DETERMINE THE FIT FOR YOUR DECK.
We know these
"4000" sleeves
do not fit X-150D, 1700, 1710-W, X-1800SD,
1800-DSS, X-2000S & X-5000-W models and Robert's model 1680 / 1725 8L
III, 770X 771X SS. or the "M-"
series as they use a different sleeve
(shown on this page, above this version).
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
IF:
"*you ordered one
and it doesn't fit", "it's too small" or it's "too snug"...Click
Here.
|
|
(click on the above thumbnails
to enlarge the photos)
AKAI / ROBERTS-Rheem
15ips / 30ips 'SHORT'
SPEED SLEEVE
REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
CAPSTAN BUSHING / SPEED CHANGE SLEEVE / ADAPTER
MADE OF "HARD, NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY" IN THE USA!
for sale
This is a new 15ips**
/ 30ips*
capstan bushing / speed change sleeve / adapter for certain Akai
& Roberts-Rheem Reel to Reel Tape decks.
**HOWEVER,
NOTE; YOU WILL NEED THE ORIGINALLY SUPPLIED, SMALLER DIAMETER RUBBER
PINCH ROLLER TO ALLOW CLEARANCE WHEN MACHINE IS IN 'STOP' MODE.
WE DO
NOT HAVE THE RUBBER PINCH ROLLERS AVAILABLE, ONLY THE METAL 15IPS
SLEEVE. If you do not have the smaller pinch roller
for 15ips, you can likely get one made or source an original to 'machine
smaller'. Try www.terrysrubberrollers.com for that possibility.
These will fit and MAY**
allow 15 ips**
speed on such Akai reel to reel tape decks as the;
Akai M-9, 1800 series,
X-1800SD,
1800-DSS models and Robert's / Rheem model
770X SS, 771X SS, 778X and maybe others
.
Should also function on the Akai M-8 / M8,
X150D, X-150D, 1700, 1710, 1710-W, 1710W, 1710W/L, 1720, 1720W, X-2000S,
X-2000SD & X-5000-W models and Robert's model
720A, 997,1630, 1680, 1725
8L III and maybe others.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
**This
allows the fastest speed of 15 ips playback / recording (*or
potentially 30ips playback / recording speeds on the Akai GX-365D*)
speeds to be achieved so if you have tapes recorded at 15ips, you can
now play them back correctly. Also, if you are making new recordings and
want the best quality sound possible, then increase the 'writing' /
recording speed to 15 inches per second. This sleeve
was primarily utilized to transfer reel to reel tape to a 'built-in'
"8-Track Cartridge" deck on such tape machines as the Akai X-1800SD.
As an 8-Track cartridge moved at 3.75 ips, you needed to run the
deck at it's 'slow' speed. However, if the reel tape you were
transferring to the 8-track was recorded at 7.5 ips, it would be too
slow, thus the 15 ips sleeve would make the reel tape speed correct.
This sleeve will allow that.
If yours is misplaced then here's the fix.
These are new speed sleeves machined
individually and made of "HARD
ALLOY NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM", not soft brass, that has a
short life, so the locking dovetail will not wear. These fit snug
on most capstans*** and will stay on with
a perfect fitting "locking notch"
joint machined into it.
A note about “WoW & Flutter”’;
Due to the current manufacturing processes under which these are
made at the machine shop, there will generally be some minimal
degree of ‘WoW & / or Flutter’, which will likely be more noticeable
on ‘higher’ / ‘sustained’ notes and at the higher speed range. “WoW”
is a slower, cyclical variance of speed. “Flutter” is a cyclical
variance of tone in the ‘higher’ ranges of sound. Unless you are
playing back music with quite “sustained” notes, such as long,
steady ‘violin notes’ or sustained ‘operatic’ notes or test tones,
you likely won’t notice it. The effect will however, be magnified
when you playback a tape that has also been recorded utilizing this
sleeve. If you are listening to ‘spoken word’ you’ll likely never
notice it at all, nor with most music. Also, if playing back at the
slower speeds it will be less noticeable, if at all. If you are
looking for ‘perfect’ or near perfect “WoW & Flutter” specs, this
sleeve probably isn’t for you, but if your need is simply to
‘re-visit’ some old tapes you’ll likely be more than satisfied
(frankly, all tape decks have some flutter by design, and certainly
45-65 years after it was originally built, that will most likely be
magnified).
$54.50
Shipped
NOW SOLD OUT. SORRY.
(includes
Postal 1st Class
shipping to any of the US states.
Other locations slightly higher.)
These enable you to play / use the faster 15 ips tape speed if your deck
requires a capstan sleeve to do that and YOU ALREADY HAVE THE SMALLER
15IPS RUBBER PINCH ROLLER, OR HAVE A SOURCE FOR ONE, OR HAVE 'FILED
DOWN' AN ORIGINAL. We are always investigating which Akai Reel decks
these will fit. We do know it will fit the above listed decks. This is a
"work-in-progress". As soon as we discover additional models that this
sleeve will or will not fit, we will post that info. STUDY THE PHOTOS
CLOSELY TO DETERMINE THE FIT FOR YOUR DECK.
We know these do not fit X-4000D, 4000DB, 4000DS, 4400 or some of the
"M-" series as they use a different sleeve.
Ps. I see a few 'worried comments' out on the web
about 'wow and flutter' if you decide to 'machine / file / sand'
down a normal pinch roller to use for 15ips, or how to calculate the
'exact', correct diameter. The pinch roller simply 'follows' the
rotation of the capstan. It's diameter does not affect the speed,
and unless you are egregiously errant in your 'filing / sanding' of
the pinch / pressure roller, it
won't have an audible affect on "WoW & Flutter". It's diameter only
needs to be reduced enough to one; allow clearance for the tape to
fit between the capstan sleeve and the pinch roller when in the
'STOP' position and two; not to be so large in diameter as to put
undue pressure on the tape / capstan when in 'PLAY' (this second
point is the more critical of the two and it would be good to know
the diameter of whatever pinch roller was original to get 'close' to
in dimension). The best way to 'machine' down a rubber roller / tire
/ wheel for most folks is to use your drill press, with an
'accurate' fitting mandrel thru the bushing of the pinch roller
(making sure the mandrel is not too snug, or loose [allowing
'run-out'] and not to use too much torque so as to deform the soft,
bronze bushing). Then use some 150-180 grit sand paper or emery
board at 90 degrees to remove the necessary material. Follow this
with a wash down of a rubber recondition such as 'Rubber-Renue'.
Of course follow all safety rules doing any of the above, with any
of the above mentioned machines / materials / supplies / chemicals
etc. Oh, and also, don't stick a knife in an electrical socket,
razor blades are sharp, if the sign says "bridge out" don't keep
driving, don't wear a neck tie while operating shop machinery, don't
eat the silica desiccant (it's not 'tapioca'), don't stick your
tongue on a frozen flagpole in winter, don't try and iron your shirt
while wearing it (yes, that's an actual warning label), never use a
match or open flame to check a fuel level, don't eat dishwasher
pods, and don't etc...etc....etc...!.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
"I ordered
one and it doesn't fit"...Click
Here.
|
(click on the above thumbnails
to enlarge the photos)
NEW ADDITION
AKAI / ROBERTS-Rheem
ORIGINAL / OEM
15ips / 30ips*
KIT
SPEED SLEEVE and
CORRESPONDING PINCH ROLLER
FOR AKAI
X-360 AND GX-365 REEL TO REEL TAPE DECKS
for sale
This is a new 15ips
/ 30ips*
capstan bushing / speed change sleeve / adapter for certain Akai
& Roberts-Rheem Reel to Reel Tape decks.
This
allows the fastest speed of 15 ips playback / recording (*or
potentially 30ips playback / recording speeds on the Akai GX-365D*)
speeds to be achieved so if you have tapes recorded at 15ips, you can
now play them back correctly. Also, if you are making new recordings and
want the best quality sound possible, then increase the 'writing' /
recording speed to 15 inches per second.
A note about “WoW & Flutter”’;
Due to the current manufacturing processes under which these are
made at the machine shop, there will generally be some minimal
degree of ‘WoW & / or Flutter’, which will likely be more noticeable
on ‘higher’ / ‘sustained’ notes and at the higher speed range. “WoW”
is a slower, cyclical variance of speed. “Flutter” is a cyclical
variance of tone in the ‘higher’ ranges of sound. Unless you are
playing back music with quite “sustained” notes, such as long,
steady ‘violin notes’ or sustained ‘operatic’ notes or test tones,
you likely won’t notice it. The effect will however, be magnified
when you playback a tape that has also been recorded utilizing this
sleeve. If you are listening to ‘spoken word’ you’ll likely never
notice it at all, nor with most music. Also, if playing back at the
slower speeds it will be less noticeable, if at all. If you are
looking for ‘perfect’ or near perfect “WoW & Flutter” specs, this
sleeve probably isn’t for you, but if your need is simply to
‘re-visit’ some old tapes you’ll likely be more than satisfied
(frankly, all tape decks have some flutter by design, and certainly
45-65 years after it was originally built, that will most likely be
magnified).
$145.00
Shipped
ONLY 1-2 AVAILABLE.
(includes
Postal 1st Class
shipping to any of the US states.
Other locations slightly higher.)
These enable you to play / use the faster 15 ips tape speed
on the Akai X-360 and 30ips on the Akai X-365.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
|
Click here for:
MORE
REEL
TO REEL
ACCESSORIES
***
"I ordered one and it
doesn't fit"...
So
occasionally we'll get the call / email,
"Hey, I ordered one of these and it doesn't fit my machine!"
There are typically one of four reasons this happens or 'could'
happen.
1) The 'wrong' sleeve was ordered (this happens about 10% of the
time and is about 80% of the reason for them not fitting. There are 4 different options on this page. The page covers
all of the Akai / Roberts decks that require sleeves (as far as
we've discovered), and you must 'scroll' down to the correct sleeve,
based on it's 'fit list'. Usually it's someone needing a "4000"
series, and they've simply ordered the first 'sleeve' they come to,
without reading the 'fit list' or looking carefully at the photo.
2) The capstan on the deck is compromised in some way.
Typically it's a build-up of 'tape debris / goo / residue' mixed
with other substances such as oils and migrated lubes, nicotine,
etc. There's only a couple hundredths of a mm clearance / tolerance
with our speed sleeves and it doesn't take much for the sleeve to
fit too snugly, get stuck or not go on very far at all. Sleeves MUST
be installed on 'CLEAN' capstans with no residual goo or surface
corrosion or pitting or ANYTHING. The best way to clean the capstan
shaft is with cotton swabs and a solvent (lacquer thinner or
Alcohol, or Acetone or similar, 'non-oily' solvent). If you suspect
corrosion / pitting to the surface, you can try some 'finer' grade
Scotchbrite pad (NOT sandpaper unless it's finer than say about 1000
grit).
Other reasons for this can be a capstan that is not 'true' (bent).
Again, due to the close tolerance of the sleeve, it wouldn't take
much of a bend (although there's not much of a reason for a capstan
to ever get bent). A bent / tweaked capstan might have visible
'wobble' when turning, especially at the highest speed, but may
require inspection with a 'known straightedge'.
The capstan has been 'hit' on the front of it at some time, causing
a bit of a 'mushroom' at the tip (think of how a chisel gets
after it's been hit quite a few times with a hammer). Could have
been caused by someone taping on the end with a hammer, maybe during
servicing to remove a stuck / tight flywheel from the bushing. You
might be able to 'feel' a 'mushroomed' tip. You may need a
'micrometer' to inspect it with.
This might be remedied by a fine toothed file applied just to the
very tip of the capstan to 'bevel' it. I've seen this a couple
times on decks we've service here at the shop. Unless you have a
proper 'thread die' set, I wouldn't do this on a 4000 series.
3) We shipped the wrong one (hasn't happened yet in 2+ decades, but
I'm sure there'll be a 'first')
4) We made it with a bore that's too small. Each of these are
finished by hand, and test fit to two different original capstans
(yes, we have them from original decks). Even in doing that, we'll
still get one that through that fits our 'test' examples, but will
be too snug or won't go on very far, or even start on another deck
(you should be able to install and remove the capstan sleeve with
only your fingers. No tools should be required). It doesn't happen
very often, but it has. If this happens, and you're ABSOLUTELY SURE
it's not for "reason #2" let us know.
A recent example of a sleeve not fitting;
A person called said the sleeve we sent him was too tight, and now
'stuck' about 3/4 of the way down on their Akai GX-4000D. My
first assumption was that they ordered the 'wrong' sleeve (as is
almost always the reason when a "4000" is involved). I looked
at their original order, and they ordered the correct one. My
next thought was that we shipped the wrong one. After a
couple more questions, I knew they received the correct one. I
asked if the capstan was clean and they, of course, assured me it
was. To help them with the removal of the capstan, the
customers wife 'Face-Timed' with me as they were having a hard time
trying to figure out how to remove it. I could see a build-up
of tape residue on the pinch roller of this deck they had just
picked up at an Estate sale (I certainly could assume the capstan
wouldn't look much better). They were able to remove it by
prying behind it with a couple screw drivers, flanking the capstan.
I was on the verge of resigning myself that I had sent a 4000 series
sleeve that was 'too snug' (hadn't happened yet on a "4000 series",
but I figured it was just simply a first). At the same time, I
noticed there wasn't a 'storage pin' on the face of the unit, and
then remembered that on "4000" series decks, the sleeve was stored
under the head cover when not in use. This was all 'news' to
the new owner of the deck. I had him pull the head cover off
the deck and sure enough, there was the original capstan sleeve and
knurled nut / cap. He was astounded. I had him remove it
from the storage pin and try and install it, and it too wouldn't go
on very far at all. I then told him he needed to clean and
possibly burnish the surface of the capstan (as discussed above),
and then his original should fit (as would've mine). I also
pointed out that he of course no longer needed the one he ordered
from me, and gave him the address to send it back.
This call took just short of an hour of shop time (mostly being on
the phone while he located tools ( a couple of screwdrivers) to
remove the stuck sleeve). Yes, we charged our re-stocking fee.
Amounted to about $7.00 for almost an hour of shop time on the
phone. WooooHooo. Oh well, that's how it goes sometimes.
|
(click on the above thumbnails
to enlarge the photos)
AKAI / ROBERTS-Rheem
7.5ips 'LONG'
SPEED SLEEVE
REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
CAPSTAN BUSHING / SPEED CHANGE SLEEVE / ADAPTER
MADE OF "HARD, NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY" IN THE USA!
(10/7/2024)
SORRY,
THIS "LONG VERSION" IS CURRENTLY BACK ORDERED.
WE DO NOT HAVE AN ETA.
DO NOT ORDER THIS "LONG" VERSION. ONCE THEY'RE BACK IN STOCK WE
WILL REMOVE THIS NOTICE.
for sale
This is a new capstan bushing / speed change sleeve / adapter for
certain Akai & Roberts-Rheem Reel to Reel Tape decks such as the;
FITS:
Akai M-8 / M8, Universal 44S, X150D, X-150D, X-165D, 1700, 1710, 1710-W, 1710W, 1710W/L, 1720,
1720W, 1740X, & X-5000-W
* (some "5000" models may require the "short" version shown as the next
option below if yours has a 'lip / ridge' on the pinch roller), models
and Robert's model 720A,
770,
770X (same as
Akai M-8), 997, 1630, 1680, 1725 8L III and maybe others.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
This allows the faster, better quality, 7.5 ips playback / recording
speeds to be achieved. Without this you will only be able to do
the slower speeds of 1 7/8ips and 3 3/4 ips (while some of these decks were originally designed to play 15ips as well, this
required a '15 ips kit' which had an 'optional', additional and different speed
sleeve and a smaller pinch roller. At this time we are not manufacturing either
the 15ips sleeve nor is there a source for the smaller 15ips pinch roller).
If yours is misplaced then here's the fix.
These are new speed sleeves
machined individually and made of
"HARD ALLOY
NON-MAGNETIC 7075 ALUMINUM", not soft brass,
that has a short life, so the locking dovetail will not wear.
These fit snug on most capstans*** and will stay on with
a perfect fitting "locking notch"
joint machined into it.
A note about “WoW & Flutter”’; Due
to the current manufacturing processes under which these are made at the
machine shop, there will generally be some minimal
degree of ‘WoW & / or Flutter’, which will likely be more noticeable on
‘higher’ / ‘sustained’ notes and at the higher speed range. “WoW” is a
slower, cyclical variance of speed. “Flutter” is a cyclical variance of
tone in the ‘higher’ ranges of sound. Unless you are playing back music
with quite “sustained” notes, such as long, steady ‘violin notes’ or
sustained ‘operatic’ notes or test tones, you likely won’t notice it.
The effect will however, be magnified when you playback a tape that has
also been recorded utilizing this sleeve. If you are listening to
‘spoken word’ you’ll likely never notice it at all, nor with most music.
Also, if playing back at the slower speeds it will be less noticeable,
if at all. If you are looking for ‘perfect’ or near perfect “WoW &
Flutter” specs, this sleeve probably isn’t for you, but if your need is
simply to ‘re-visit’ some old tapes you’ll likely be more than
satisfied
(frankly, all tape decks have some flutter by design, and certainly
45-65 years after it was originally built, that will most likely be
magnified).
(10/7/2024)
SORRY,
THIS "LONG VERSION" IS CURRENTLY BACK ORDERED.
WE DO NOT HAVE AN ETA.
DO NOT ORDER THIS "LONG" VERSION. ONCE THEY'RE BACK IN STOCK WE
WILL REMOVE THIS NOTICE.
$38.50
Shipped
Shipping within the United States is included in
price.
Other destinations have an additional shipping charge.
(10/7/2024)
SORRY,
THIS "LONG VERSION" IS CURRENTLY BACK ORDERED.
WE DO NOT HAVE AN ETA.
DO NOT ORDER THIS "LONG" VERSION. ONCE THEY'RE BACK IN STOCK WE
WILL REMOVE THIS NOTICE.
These enable you to play /
use the faster 7.5 ips tape speed if your deck requires a capstan sleeve
to do that. We are always investigating which Akai Reel decks these will
fit. We do know it will fit the above listed decks.
If you do not see yours listed PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL or CALL to
ask if it will, as we do not know yet. This is a "work-in-progress".
As soon as we discover
additional models that this sleeve will or will not
fit, we will post that info.
STUDY THE PHOTOS CLOSELY TO DETERMINE THE FIT FOR YOUR DECK.
We know these do not fit X-4000D, 4000DB, 4000DS,
4000DS MKII, (all of the "4000" series), 4400 or some of the
"M-" series as they use a different sleeve.
Akai 1730-SS and 1730D-SS do not require a speed
sleeve, as their 'speed control' is to the right of the input level
pots.
"Just
to say the new Akai capstan speed
sleeve completely sorted out the problems
with my machine - sounds sweet!
Thanks." - Miles, UK
"Hello Jerry, Just wanted to let
you know the Akai speed sleeve I ordered arrived today. I
appreciate the fast service and the helpful comments you made
during the ordering process.
I look forward to doing business again in the
future!
Thanks again," - Dave S., Michigan
"Tried the speed adapter last night, and it worked fabulously." - Tim in
CT.
(Above
text, in it's entirety, including 'fit list' property of
www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright
Information' page for details)
"I ordered one and
it doesn't fit"...Click
Here.
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