For a link to some of the items I use and recommend for tape repair and deck service, visit my Amazon affiliate shop page: www.amazon.com/shop/fluxcondenservintageaudioelectronics?tag=onamzfluxcond-20&linkCode=ic7
Why is it always the tapes with the most interesting stuff on the label always seems to come apart at the spool? Lol. I got a bunch of cassettes from a garage sale that had someone’s recordings from 1971-1974 and tried to play the oldest tape in the bunch, and the leader popped right off the spool and the take up reel was spinning rapidly. Murphy’s Law I guess? 🤷
This video was a huge help. I recently bought a two tape album and both broke instantly where the magnetic tape connects to the plastic tape when played. I tried the method of opening the tape on an old home-made tape to see if I could do it without damaging it, but didn't have the right tool and was a bit impatient. I managed however to make use of this tape's plastic section to fish out the plastic tape on the tapes I was repairing, since the magnetic section was already exposed. It took a good few hours but somehow it worked. I could then follow your advice on how to repair them from there.
Thanks for taking the time in sharing your tips and experience. I like the way you kept in some of the problems that can arise! Trouble is now I want a nakamichi rx-505!
Imagine being able to hear your own 19 1/2 year old voice when you are sixty six! And my Mother who passed in 2007....wow! Talk about memories....all because YOU made this really handy video! Thank you. p.s. After slicing my finger with the exact-o-knife, I got a small clamp and clamped the cassette to a bookshelf and used more force than I could have if my cassette was actually in my hand. Went a LOT faster too.
That is really sweet and really cool! I experienced something like that back in February. Wall of text! I’m 22 now. So 7 years ago my pap died and all his stuff went to the attic or the basement. My Uncle now lives in what used to be my pap’s house. So around December ‘23 I asked him if I could take a drive up to the house and we could go through the attic and basement. So we did and there was a lot of old history up there. Hundreds of VHS tapes, cassette tapes, records, boxes of records bought on EBay that were never opened, CRTV’s(that unfortunately didn’t work, too rusty) like 4 VHS players, hundreds on top of hundreds of puzzles. It was amazing but it was sad all that stuff was to just sit there and not to be preserved or enjoyed. I took hundreds of records, hundreds of cassettes (which I painstakingly cleaned cause they were so moldy) I took hundreds of VHS tapes. My car was absolutely packed! Well, In the corner of the attic under a bunch of stuff there was a plastic bag full of them cassettes you could record stuff on to. They weren't marked but I thought I’d take them. I cleaned them up cause they’re really moldy. I listened to them and I could hear my mom from when she was 15 just talking about random things and recording the TV and it would cut to random radio stations. It was so wild! My mom is 50 now. I just find it Bizzare that my mom, who was 15, was recording stuff on cassettes, and 30 some years later her son, who at the time wasn’t even a thought, would be listening to them. That is spooky stuff.
thank you SO much for this video! i've recently started buying some cassettes here and there, and it's been an absolute pain trying to find thorough resources on repairing and maintaining cassettes. this video was incredibly helpful, and i'll be sure to check your channel first the next time i need any kind of audiophile help!
Thank you for this. I was able to repair some irreplaceable family tapes that had broken using this guide. (I used 1/4" wide kapton tape and cut it to size with an xacto knife). Tapes play great now and we were able to digitize them for safekeeping :)
Thanks a lot! I didn't follow everything as professional as you showed, but it was enough to fix a 42 year old cassette (adhesive tape on both sides had come loose..)to run it once for copying.....
First time watching a video in 720p60! I have half a dozen cassettes to work on already from 1972-94! That's an idea for a lockdown project! Thanks mate! 👍🏻👂🏻
Thank you!! I just borrowed my parents old box of cassettes and their little radio to listen to and pull out some of the music i remember from when i was little. And what heppens but the one cassette i was looking forward to the most split the ribbon as soon as i started playing it. I made due with what i had, which was a pair of scissors, sticky notes, scotch tape and some tweezers. It may not be the most elegant (or even proper), but the cassette is playing just fine as i type this comment. So again, thank you for this guide.
Hey Man - hugely interesting - fabulous presentation / demonstration. Been doin' this for years - more recently I have been digitising my cassettes with Audacity. Have burned a few to CD for a friend who plays these on-air - they sound fantastic!
I first was interested in how to repair the pressure pad. Your instructions and sources of material were very helpful. Great video. Loved seeing someone else using cassette players. Loved the Nakamichi cassette drive! One question: if super glue is used on the inside points of the plastic case, won't that make it impossible to reuse? I assume you would just then move tape over to a new unmarked case, correct? Are replacements available that screw together?
Thanks, Jim. Glad you found the video helpful. As far as getting the cassette open again after using super glue, it won’t be a problem if you used glue on the outer edge of the shell if you repeat the step with the Xacto blade. That’ll cut through the glue. But yes, if you use a lot of glue on parts of the shell that you can’t get a blade into, it might make reopening the shell difficult. Replacement shells are absolutely still available. Check eBay.
Very complete and informative way to repair those old tapes. One word of advice: before you touch the tape carefully wash your hands to prevent any grease on your fingers won't finish over the tape ruining the sound.
Thank you for this video and the other videos like this you might have made. I appreciate them, And need to learn as much if this sort of content that you might have made in the past or present. Thank you so much again
If you use a tape dispenser, you can pull a piece of splicing tape and cut it with the razor blade then stick one end to the razor blade parallel to the edge which helps to align it before you stick it down.
Watched to validate that I was opening the case the right way lol. I used heat resistant tape to do the repair. Trimming the sides with a blade. Great video thanks.
Tapes that are screwed together, I can easily open up and repair. Tapes that are glued or sonically welded together are a different story. I can never get them apart - always end up breaking the shell into several pieces. Then I have to transfer the reels to another cassette shell to get the tape to play again!
I have cassette tapes that are mostly sealed ones that need repair. They all have that pressure pad issue. And another tape just randomly snapped at the very end. The tape is sealed too. Some of the tapes I fixed, have the snapping right where the Lier is, because, the sticky thing comes off. Other tapes are really easy to repair. With screws in it of course. I also made a mini tape repair kit for tape parts.
Thank you from Romania, Brasov - followed your instruction and for one cassette by opening it I found out that one of the plastic roles was off, still inside but the pin that was holding that was missing - used a sewing pin to manufacture one and everything was back in place - this cassette is coming from my dead father-in-law so it has sentimental value - loved the joke about hemoroides - piles, never realised that piles is the equivalent of that - translation in Romanian/traducere romana - multumesc din Brasov, Romania - am urmat instructiunile de aici si la o caseta am descoperit in interior ca una din rolele de plastic cazuse si axul ei disparuse - am facut un alt ax dintr-un ac de cusut si acum totul e la loc - casetele astea sunt de la socrul meu care a decedat si au valoare sentimentala - am apreciat gluma despre hemoroizi - piles (mormane) - nu am stiut ca piles poate insemna si hemoroizi pt britanici
Thanks so much for a great video. I'll use this to guide me through a critical repair I need to make on a demo song I did more than 30 years ago . . . the only copy I have. Let's hope I'm as successful as you were. Thanks again.
Today i put a screwdriver into a cassette, and then ripped it apart (it was sonically connected, literally put a screwdriver into the tape path and bent it , exploded in my hands lol ). Took the spool and put it onto the replacement . I then taped down one side and got both the sides spoiled close as possible. The tricky part imo is getting the top tape shell back on without pressing into the tape on the tape path . I’ve never felt more accomplished AND IT WORKS . The tape is now worthless but it has exclusive stuff i cannot find online . Always pre wind new tapes, the factory splice sometimes snaps from being so old
Great video .. i'll have to save it incase I need this information in the future. Do you have videos on how to fix tapes that are running slowly or ones that have broken cases? I have at least a dozen tapes (possible more, once I test them all) that have the slow running issue. Another tape is going to have to pulled apart to figure out what's going on it with it. It's frozen and the tape don't move in it no matter what I do. These are all pre-recorded tapes from the 70s-90s mostly.
Thanks for the information. I was able to open and repair a sealed cassette that was about 40 to 45 years old. I was able to digitize it but I may have to do it again. There were variations in tape speed part way through the tape. The tape recorders I have need maintenance as they have been used in a decade or more. One hasn't been used in several decades.
I managed to open the case using a hacksaw on the four corners .When you have opened it please make sure that you have the case with the roller pins facing up towards you otherwise it will be MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ! Cheers Eddie
I just got my The Doors Classics cracked in two and NOTHING broke. Dropped some glue in the top holes and snapped it back together. I use sponge and double sided tape for new pads.
Awesome video!! I just got back from the Swapmeet and got my hands on a nat “king” cole Unforgettable cassette. I have the same in CD and vinyl record format . My favorite song (I love you) for sentimental reasons sounds like it was recorded on a cheap 8 track cartridge and with the recording cassette the same song sounds a lot smoother .then it snapped at the end and this video came in handy. Thanks for helping me out.
Nice video of repairing broken tape .It is broken between lead tape and the mag tape ,so good solution.If the magnetic tape itself is broken then howvyo fix with your tools on the splicer andvthe blue tape .
Not specifically, but generally this is an easy fix. In the hub there’s a small insert that can be removed. Remove the insert, align the leader with the hub and snap the insert back in to hold the leader in place.
So. I dunno if that was the magic sauce or not but thanks. :D So I was using this same splicing hit to fix an old ZZ Top tape I had because the old tape was coming off. I was worried until I watched this again and realized (maybe) I was cutting the splicing tape too short. Got it a little longer and now no issues. For a minute there I thought the tape was too thick because it was getting stuck on the pinch wheel. 3/4s of an inch it seemed to matter in my case.
That was awesome. I wish I would've known about the "post-it". My Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms cassette I've had since it's release in 1985, parted last year. I've got older tapes that are still going strong. But that cassette was special. It always sounded amazing in my system.
it would be more helpful if you could position the camera such that we the audience could see what you're doing with the blade. as it is the magnifier's rim is blocking our view.
The main problem I'm having using scotch tape is any tape deck I tried playing on, all autostopped right at the splice. Is the tape too thick or is the play head grabbing the edge of the tape? I've repaired a dozen tapes and every single one had the autostop issue.
Ronaldo, is the scotch tape on the back of the magnetic tape (no music side) or the front (music side)? The tape should be on the back side. Is the magnetic tape cut at the seam or is there an flap of tape remaining? There should be no flap of tape. Is the scotch tape cut exactly to the width of the magnetic tape and perfectly lined up with it? If there’s any scotch tape extending beyond the magnetic tape or if the tape path isn’t completely straight at the splice, that could trigger the auto stop. Also, make sure there’s no sticky residue. If none of those things are present, then yes, I would conclude that the scotch tape is either too thick or rigid and that’s why the auto stop is getting triggered.
@@FluxCondenser Everything you described I've done correctly, and I did find out it was me splicing the tape on the music side! Oh well, I'll need to fix the other tapes. Thanks for your response! No clue about tape gap tolerance. also I'm using the normal brand of scotch tape from Walmart.
I love finding thrift store home recorded tapes! As well as pre-recorded. But the home recording ones are my fav as they are sometimes sample gold! Best one I have found is some lady singing and playing organ at a church and the reverse side is a brother and sister playing in a room and at one point the sister yells at the brother who is being mean and he laughs at her so funny, but he gets in trouble. Another one is some little kid names eric who is playing the recorder or flute for his grandma and he seemingly plays random notes but is super serious and it’s amazing! I can’t wait to sample some of these. Another good one is a creepy self-hypnosis tape from the 60’s.... talks about consciousness and mental fortitude etc lol also found some y2k conspiracy tapes as well... those are cool too
What is this tool you’re using to pry the cassette casing during the disassembly? My Journey greatest hits tape just did what your Fleetwood Mac tape did, and I’m crushed…I’ve been listening to it since I was like 5. 33 now. Thanks for this tutorial!
A tip...get tapes from a charity shop and practice taking them apart, adding/removing leader tape, splicing...tapes that would be the very last thing you would normally buy...in my case, any opera, rap or chamber music! There are Tape Repair Kits, splicing blocks and splicing tape available on line....be prepared!
Excellent instructions. I was able to remove the split the shell on my sonic youth "day dream nation" fairly easily pulling apart the shell by putting a small screw driver in holes on bottom of the shell. There is no leader on the side that is available to me. The tape split at the very beginning and the hub has nothing attached to it. What should I do ? I was thinking I could get the splice tape it to the hub and underneath the magnetic tape. Is that a good idea?
Taping to the hub is unlikely to hold. There’s a clip or pin in the hub that’s used to attach the tape. Remove the pin or clip and lay the tape over the recessed area and then reinsert the pin or clip to hold it in place. You can attach the magnetic audio tape to the hub this way, but as magnetic tape is fragile (especially as it ages) it won’t like being bent and held to the hub this way and it’s likely to break again. For a long-term solution, get some leader tape and splice a 6-8” piece to the magnetic audio tape. Then, attach the leader to the hub. You may consider temporarily holding the shell together so you can fast forward the tape and do the same on the other hub. Good luck, hope this helps.
@@FluxCondenser yeah thank you it does. I was looking for the clip or pin in the hub but I could not find it. I was considering buying a repair kit that comes with the leader tape and splicing tape. Even though I allready bought a replacement copy , I am still curious to fix this one. Thanks
@@FluxCondenser I was able to actually figure out just now that some of the tape and leader was so tightly wound around the hub I couldn't see the clip or pin. I carefully removed it from the hub and now I see that all I need to do is splice the magnetic tape together.
@@FluxCondenser yeah I was considering buying a leader cassette for _2.75 on splic it.com along with the cassette splic kit. Will the leader cassette be usefull when reparing cassettes? I can link to product. Do you have promo code or anything with splicit.com?
Thanks for this video, I got a Jim Croce cassette with no pressure pad, and a blank cassette just begging to have its pressure pad put in the Croce cassette
Where are you located? I have an old Memorex 45 cassette that came off at the leader just like this one. (Unexposed) Sadly there are no screws and I don’t want to mess it up?
totally brilliant. the pot-it tip VERY helpful. personally, if tape still plays and not avilable on YT etc., I would dupe it, in case rwpair does’nt work 100% on brecored blank BASF caettes diacard top and side SM components(if fitted), if tape is jamming-de-spooling(one at top, & two side-arms.
You can do this with VCR tapes as well, there’s a couple of extra parts in them, mainly the locks on the tape reels, and sometimes a little T piece that goes between them that have to be set in accurately, but the principle is the same. And most VCR tapes have screws.
You mention we want the blue tape on the 'inside' because the 'outside' has all the information. But magnetic stuff and this 'special' blue tape should not 'block' the information right? I see somewhere else where they suggest putting the tape on both the inside and outside?
You don’t connect leader tape to the spool using tape. If you look closely, you’ll see there’s a tab on the hub which can be removed and then you can slip the tape in place and secure it with the tab. Good luck!
Some good hints and an excellent run-though thank you. Although the tape should definitely go INSIDE the side "posts", otherwise the rollers are not functioning efficiently (I have checked this on a couple of transparent pre-recorded bodies). I also prefer the "bend until it creaks" method of opening the bodies, then using a sharp edge like yours, if required - they usually come apart quite readily without cutting. EDIT: upon further research, it seems that both routes are used, (even in otherwise identical cassettes), so I change my advice to "it definitely doesn't matter!"
Reopening the case over and over is definitely problematic, as these shells weren’t designed to be opened at all once they were sealed. In the event that the case would need be reopened, repeating the procedure should work. And hopefully, any extra glue that was used internally would easily break once the outer shell was cut apart.
I don’t have a brand preference. Just get something that’s specifically designed for splicing the type of tape you’re repairing. Cassette splicing tape is frequently labeled as ⅛” and 8-track and reel-to-reel tape is usually specified as ¼”. Hope this helps.
I have a Cobra announce cassette that is a 20 second tape which loops, for an old answering machine. The tape got snagged inside itself and I had to open the case. Now I can't figure out how to rewind the tape so it can be listened to. Have you ever done this?
It sounds like yours may loop similarly to an 8-track. If so, you may want to watch a video showing how 8-tracks loop on the spool from the outside and leave the spool from the inside. If I find out more, I’ll let you know.
I did a quick search for “cassette tape loop” and it seems that there are a number of ways to accomplish this, but none seem to use a method similar to 8-track. They simply use various schemes to loop the tape inside the cartridge. I’d suggest doing the same search on Google and look at the images to see if you see a scheme that will work for your tape. To get 20 seconds with a simple loop, your tape player will have to work at a slower than standard speed. Or, the tape will have to take a more complicated path to allow for 20 seconds worth of tape. Good luck.
Hi bro I have 25 yrs old panasonic cassete my Mom marriage was in it. Can you help me how I connect to you. In the casseste some white particles are freezed.
Wow, seems like a lot of work for those non-screw tapes! So I don’t ruin a nice one, looks like I’ll need to go purchase some throwaways to practice on. 😅
HELP - Today a tape of my Grandfather telling the family history broke at the beginning of Side One at the Take-up Reel/Supply wheel. I attempted to open the cassette with the blade and STOPPED. This is too precious for me to break. Do you fix tapes? If not, do you know where I could send it for a repair.
Kathy, I wish you luck getting the tape repaired. I don’t take in work as I do this for a hobby only. I’m not certain who could do the repair for you. I’m sure there’s someone out there if you decide to not continue with the repair yourself. Perhaps a Google search will bring something up. If you do continue with the repair, and carefully follow the instructions, you really shouldn’t have any issues. Additionally, if you’re not sentimentally attached to the cassette’s shell, once you get the tape opened and fixed, you could opt to transfer it to a replacement shell that uses screws to seal the case. That’ll make completing the repair easier and if it breaks again, you’ll have nice, easy access. You could sacrifice another tape to get such a shell, or buy a replacement shell which are available online. Good luck!
I have one cassette tape that gets very stiff on the reel, and when played it gets chewed up. If i squeeze the tape with my fingers it gets loose again. What is at fault here? Too much pressure pulling the tape on the reel?
Chris, if you repeat the process as I showed using an Xacto to score the seam, there shouldn’t be any issue getting the case back open. Simply prying it open without cutting into the seam first, though, could result in a crack. Hope this helps.
All I gotta say you’re brave if you do it on a 1990 cassette tape because it’s not like they’re still making them but the rarity of original tapes from the 1990s or before it’s just priceless. Minus one from the history collection
Do all cassettes play poorly in your machine or just one individual tape? If you’re having trouble with all cassettes, the machine may be at fault. You could have issues with belts slipping or a worn pinch roller. The pinch roller needs to be perfectly round, if not, playback speed will vary as you describe. Consider cleaning the pinch roller using a Q-tip and a liquid solution made specifically for that purpose. Pinch roller cleaners are available online. I don’t recommend alcohol for pinch rollers, but alcohol can be used on the tape heads. If you determine that the issue is the pinch roller, and cleaning doesn’t improve the situation, you’ll have to replace the roller. If that’s the case it’s a good idea to replace all the belts as well. If only one of your tapes is exhibiting this issue, first inspect the pressure pad and make sure it’s in good shape and secured properly. Check the shell and make sure it isn’t warped. If it is, you’ll need to transfer the tape to a replacement shell. Looking at the magnetic tape itself, make sure that it’s flat and not curled. If it is, or looks worn or distorted in any way, the tape will probably never play well again. If the tape seems fine externally, the shell will have to be opened to investigate what’s causing the problem. Tapes often have two slip-sheets between the tape spools and shell, so check that they aren’t worn or causing friction. Also check that the tape path is correct as shown in the video and that the wheels are spinning freely. Good luck!
Just because im curious..What disadvatanges are there to not trimming the broken ribbon and putting a tiny touch of super glue and putting them back together that way?
I have learned to take the right sized screwdriver and twist it in the top holes of the cassette, the holes that decide if you can record or not on the tape...that will start the opening, then work your way around.
Kennynva, that’s a common method as well. I know many have good luck with prying and that’s great if it works for you. I always go for the blade method myself as I consider it less likely to mar or damage the shell.
@@FluxCondenser What do you think about using a soldering iron to make the holes in the top so it can auto read some these cassettes that read normal that are chrome.
Ouch! That sounds like a bad idea to me. It’s gonna smell horrible. It’s gonna leave an unsightly hole with deformed plastic that’ll have to be trimmed down. It might deform the shell permanently so it no longer fits in the machine. And, it may damage the tape inside. Open the shells, remove the tape and cut some nice clean slots with a blade or Dremel if you must. Or, transfer the tape to a suitable chrome shell.
Hi! I own a few magnetic tapes from the ‘70s and I was wondering if there was any way that I could save them from ripping apart (I should mention that even if I touch it lightly the tape rips in pieces)
@@FluxCondenser Ugh. Thanks. After posting my question here I found another video of a guy using a cool iron to smooth out Ampex tape. That wouldn’t work on cassette tape?
I’ve had that Fleetwood Mac live album on vinyl since I was a kid and while it’s not one of their most popular albums I absolutely love it. Yeah, this tape probably ain’t worth $10, but I really wanted to listen to it ;-)
My tapes look great but the sound is dragging not the tape deck because then I put a another tape in and plays no problem ? Pads look great and tape looks fine but dragging sound ? Please help it’s not the tape deck
Usually when a tape seems to drag, it is caused from rewinding and playing the same section over and over. This causes the edges of the tape bind against the wall of the shell resulting in the tape to drag. To fix this rewind the tape to the beginning and fast forward to the end. This will smooth out any uneven windings.
For a link to some of the items I use and recommend for tape repair and deck service, visit my Amazon affiliate shop page: www.amazon.com/shop/fluxcondenservintageaudioelectronics?tag=onamzfluxcond-20&linkCode=ic7
Coming in 4 years late but, as someone who is starting to collect tapes again, this is insanely helpful.
Why is it always the tapes with the most interesting stuff on the label always seems to come apart at the spool? Lol. I got a bunch of cassettes from a garage sale that had someone’s recordings from 1971-1974 and tried to play the oldest tape in the bunch, and the leader popped right off the spool and the take up reel was spinning rapidly. Murphy’s Law I guess? 🤷
Yup, Murphy’s Law. Or maybe, Dolby’s Law.
I think it's pretty important to work with very slow moving super gel glue. That cheap stuff flows like water and will destroy everything lol
Thanks, helped me fix my Pink Floyd’s the Wall Tape
Fantastic! I wore out my cassette of The Wall when I was kid.
This video was a huge help. I recently bought a two tape album and both broke instantly where the magnetic tape connects to the plastic tape when played. I tried the method of opening the tape on an old home-made tape to see if I could do it without damaging it, but didn't have the right tool and was a bit impatient. I managed however to make use of this tape's plastic section to fish out the plastic tape on the tapes I was repairing, since the magnetic section was already exposed. It took a good few hours but somehow it worked. I could then follow your advice on how to repair them from there.
Glad to hear, Jay. Congrats on getting it fixed.
Thanks for taking the time in sharing your tips and experience. I like the way you kept in some of the problems that can arise! Trouble is now I want a nakamichi rx-505!
My pleasure. Sorry about the hit the video will have on your wallet, though ;-)
Your patience pays off!
Imagine being able to hear your own 19 1/2 year old voice when you are sixty six! And my Mother who passed in 2007....wow! Talk about memories....all because YOU made this really handy video! Thank you. p.s. After slicing my finger with the exact-o-knife, I got a small clamp and clamped the cassette to a bookshelf and used more force than I could have if my cassette was actually in my hand. Went a LOT faster too.
That is really sweet and really cool! I experienced something like that back in February. Wall of text!
I’m 22 now. So 7 years ago my pap died and all his stuff went to the attic or the basement. My Uncle now lives in what used to be my pap’s house. So around December ‘23 I asked him if I could take a drive up to the house and we could go through the attic and basement. So we did and there was a lot of old history up there. Hundreds of VHS tapes, cassette tapes, records, boxes of records bought on EBay that were never opened, CRTV’s(that unfortunately didn’t work, too rusty) like 4 VHS players, hundreds on top of hundreds of puzzles. It was amazing but it was sad all that stuff was to just sit there and not to be preserved or enjoyed. I took hundreds of records, hundreds of cassettes (which I painstakingly cleaned cause they were so moldy) I took hundreds of VHS tapes. My car was absolutely packed!
Well, In the corner of the attic under a bunch of stuff there was a plastic bag full of them cassettes you could record stuff on to. They weren't marked but I thought I’d take them. I cleaned them up cause they’re really moldy. I listened to them and I could hear my mom from when she was 15 just talking about random things and recording the TV and it would cut to random radio stations. It was so wild! My mom is 50 now.
I just find it Bizzare that my mom, who was 15, was recording stuff on cassettes, and 30 some years later her son, who at the time wasn’t even a thought, would be listening to them. That is spooky stuff.
thank you SO much for this video! i've recently started buying some cassettes here and there, and it's been an absolute pain trying to find thorough resources on repairing and maintaining cassettes. this video was incredibly helpful, and i'll be sure to check your channel first the next time i need any kind of audiophile help!
Great video. Straight forward, no nonsense approach to this common problem. You’re the Bob Ross of cassette repair, an artist! Happy Accidents!
Thanks!
Yeah, this is much better than the Scotch tape method I used when I was a kid😂
I bought a splicing kit and have undertaken many repairs after watching this video 😁
Thank you for this. I was able to repair some irreplaceable family tapes that had broken using this guide. (I used 1/4" wide kapton tape and cut it to size with an xacto knife). Tapes play great now and we were able to digitize them for safekeeping :)
I just found cassette shields had screws :) Thanks!
Superb tutorial! You explained everything in detail while clearly showing each step you were doing. Appreciate the help. Thank you
Very good instructions easy to follow keep up the good work thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks a lot! I didn't follow everything as professional as you showed, but it was enough to fix a 42 year old cassette (adhesive tape on both sides had come loose..)to run it once for copying.....
Glad it helped!
First time watching a video in 720p60! I have half a dozen cassettes to work on already from 1972-94! That's an idea for a lockdown project! Thanks mate! 👍🏻👂🏻
Have fun. I’ve got piles waiting for my attention as well. You’re right, great project for lock-down!
I would add that half of them are older than I am! They include J.J. Cale 'Naturally' and Pink Floyd 'Wish You Were Here'.
@@dominicjames8559 You have good taste, young man ;-)
@@FluxCondenserthank you sir! I'll let you know if I have any success. 👍🏻👂🏻
Aaaaand...
I'm sorry that you have piles!!! 💣💥👊🏻😅😆😂
Thank you!!
I just borrowed my parents old box of cassettes and their little radio to listen to and pull out some of the music i remember from when i was little. And what heppens but the one cassette i was looking forward to the most split the ribbon as soon as i started playing it.
I made due with what i had, which was a pair of scissors, sticky notes, scotch tape and some tweezers. It may not be the most elegant (or even proper), but the cassette is playing just fine as i type this comment. So again, thank you for this guide.
Hey Man - hugely interesting - fabulous presentation / demonstration. Been doin' this for years - more recently I have been digitising my cassettes with Audacity. Have burned a few to CD for a friend who plays these on-air - they sound fantastic!
I first was interested in how to repair the pressure pad. Your instructions and sources of material were very helpful. Great video. Loved seeing someone else using cassette players. Loved the Nakamichi cassette drive! One question: if super glue is used on the inside points of the plastic case, won't that make it impossible to reuse? I assume you would just then move tape over to a new unmarked case, correct? Are replacements available that screw together?
Thanks, Jim. Glad you found the video helpful. As far as getting the cassette open again after using super glue, it won’t be a problem if you used glue on the outer edge of the shell if you repeat the step with the Xacto blade. That’ll cut through the glue. But yes, if you use a lot of glue on parts of the shell that you can’t get a blade into, it might make reopening the shell difficult. Replacement shells are absolutely still available. Check eBay.
such an amazing video! So informative, you've saved my beloved pre-recorded no-screw tape! Thank you so much
Very complete and informative way to repair those old tapes. One word of advice: before you touch the tape carefully wash your hands to prevent any grease on your fingers won't finish over the tape ruining the sound.
Thank you for this video and the other videos like this you might have made. I appreciate them, And need to learn as much if this sort of content that you might have made in the past or present. Thank you so much again
If you use a tape dispenser, you can pull a piece of splicing tape and cut it with the razor blade then stick one end to the razor blade parallel to the edge which helps to align it before you stick it down.
Watched to validate that I was opening the case the right way lol. I used heat resistant tape to do the repair. Trimming the sides with a blade. Great video thanks.
Hi, my tape snapped from the roller. It was not the tape was cut in the middle. It was snapped from the end / beginning. Can I still fix it? Thanks.
Tapes that are screwed together, I can easily open up and repair. Tapes that are glued or sonically welded together are a different story. I can never get them apart - always end up breaking the shell into several pieces. Then I have to transfer the reels to another cassette shell to get the tape to play again!
Great information. I’m pretty sure I’ll end up in the emergency room if I try to cut apart a cassette shell with an X-Acto knife though!
Going to use this to fix my new Heart tape. Thanks :)
Good luck. Let us know how it works out.
I have cassette tapes that are mostly sealed ones that need repair. They all have that pressure pad issue. And another tape just randomly snapped at the very end. The tape is sealed too.
Some of the tapes I fixed, have the snapping right where the Lier is, because, the sticky thing comes off.
Other tapes are really easy to repair. With screws in it of course. I also made a mini tape repair kit for tape parts.
Thanks! You are like the Bob Ross of tape repair!
Thanks for the clear instructions
Thank you from Romania, Brasov - followed your instruction and for one cassette by opening it I found out that one of the plastic roles was off, still inside but the pin that was holding that was missing - used a sewing pin to manufacture one and everything was back in place - this cassette is coming from my dead father-in-law so it has sentimental value - loved the joke about hemoroides - piles, never realised that piles is the equivalent of that - translation in Romanian/traducere romana - multumesc din Brasov, Romania - am urmat instructiunile de aici si la o caseta am descoperit in interior ca una din rolele de plastic cazuse si axul ei disparuse - am facut un alt ax dintr-un ac de cusut si acum totul e la loc - casetele astea sunt de la socrul meu care a decedat si au valoare sentimentala - am apreciat gluma despre hemoroizi - piles (mormane) - nu am stiut ca piles poate insemna si hemoroizi pt britanici
Glad it helped, Unul! Nice hack with the sewing pin.
@@FluxCondenser thank you - nice job once again with this video than brings back to life vintage things
Thanks so much for a great video. I'll use this to guide me through a critical repair I need to make on a demo song I did more than 30 years ago . . . the only copy I have. Let's hope I'm as successful as you were. Thanks again.
Today i put a screwdriver into a cassette, and then ripped it apart (it was sonically connected, literally put a screwdriver into the tape path and bent it , exploded in my hands lol ). Took the spool and put it onto the replacement . I then taped down one side and got both the sides spoiled close as possible. The tricky part imo is getting the top tape shell back on without pressing into the tape on the tape path . I’ve never felt more accomplished AND IT WORKS . The tape is now worthless but it has exclusive stuff i cannot find online . Always pre wind new tapes, the factory splice sometimes snaps from being so old
Great video .. i'll have to save it incase I need this information in the future. Do you have videos on how to fix tapes that are running slowly or ones that have broken cases? I have at least a dozen tapes (possible more, once I test them all) that have the slow running issue. Another tape is going to have to pulled apart to figure out what's going on it with it. It's frozen and the tape don't move in it no matter what I do. These are all pre-recorded tapes from the 70s-90s mostly.
Thanks for the information. I was able to open and repair a sealed cassette that was about 40 to 45 years old. I was able to digitize it but I may have to do it again. There were variations in tape speed part way through the tape. The tape recorders I have need maintenance as they have been used in a decade or more. One hasn't been used in several decades.
Nice work. Will save your tutorial on tape repairing
I used your video to fix my Joe Cocker cassette...thanks
Well done, glad I could help.
I managed to open the case using a hacksaw on the four corners .When you have opened it please make sure that you have the case with the roller pins facing up towards you otherwise it will be MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ! Cheers Eddie
Awesome! Thanks. So you only put the tape on one side only? So frustrating, lol.
I just got my The Doors Classics cracked in two and NOTHING broke. Dropped some glue in the top holes and snapped it back together. I use sponge and double sided tape for new pads.
this is some bob ross level relaxation
Awesome video!! I just got back from the Swapmeet and got my hands on a nat “king” cole Unforgettable cassette. I have the same in CD and vinyl record format . My favorite song (I love you) for sentimental reasons sounds like it was recorded on a cheap 8 track cartridge and with the recording cassette the same song sounds a lot smoother .then it snapped at the end and this video came in handy. Thanks for helping me out.
Nice video of repairing broken tape .It is broken between lead tape and the mag tape ,so good solution.If the magnetic tape itself is broken then howvyo fix with your tools on the splicer andvthe blue tape .
Is it possible to flatten tape that is twisted or does it have to be discarded unfortunately?
Do you have a feature on reattatching leader to hub?
Not specifically, but generally this is an easy fix. In the hub there’s a small insert that can be removed. Remove the insert, align the leader with the hub and snap the insert back in to hold the leader in place.
So. I dunno if that was the magic sauce or not but thanks. :D So I was using this same splicing hit to fix an old ZZ Top tape I had because the old tape was coming off. I was worried until I watched this again and realized (maybe) I was cutting the splicing tape too short. Got it a little longer and now no issues. For a minute there I thought the tape was too thick because it was getting stuck on the pinch wheel. 3/4s of an inch it seemed to matter in my case.
That was awesome. I wish I would've known about the "post-it". My Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms cassette I've had since it's release in 1985, parted last year. I've got older tapes that are still going strong. But that cassette was special. It always sounded amazing in my system.
what kind of blue tape did you use splice them together?
Super helpful tutorial, great deck btw.
great video - i have a few tapes needing work so will be back once i have my tools to do the job!! Love the tape deck by the way that's a beauty!!
it would be more helpful if you could position the camera such that we the audience could see what you're doing with the blade. as it is the magnifier's rim is blocking our view.
The main problem I'm having using scotch tape is any tape deck I tried playing on, all autostopped right at the splice. Is the tape too thick or is the play head grabbing the edge of the tape? I've repaired a dozen tapes and every single one had the autostop issue.
Ronaldo, is the scotch tape on the back of the magnetic tape (no music side) or the front (music side)? The tape should be on the back side. Is the magnetic tape cut at the seam or is there an flap of tape remaining? There should be no flap of tape. Is the scotch tape cut exactly to the width of the magnetic tape and perfectly lined up with it? If there’s any scotch tape extending beyond the magnetic tape or if the tape path isn’t completely straight at the splice, that could trigger the auto stop. Also, make sure there’s no sticky residue. If none of those things are present, then yes, I would conclude that the scotch tape is either too thick or rigid and that’s why the auto stop is getting triggered.
@@FluxCondenser Everything you described I've done correctly, and I did find out it was me splicing the tape on the music side! Oh well, I'll need to fix the other tapes. Thanks for your response! No clue about tape gap tolerance.
also I'm using the normal brand of scotch tape from Walmart.
thank you, i will def try this with a few older tapes
Nice work man, thank you for your video
Nice work bro, thanks for your sharing
Can you show which items you specifically used in this presentation? I don't know what to buy on your Amazon page.
I love finding thrift store home recorded tapes! As well as pre-recorded. But the home recording ones are my fav as they are sometimes sample gold! Best one I have found is some lady singing and playing organ at a church and the reverse side is a brother and sister playing in a room and at one point the sister yells at the brother who is being mean and he laughs at her so funny, but he gets in trouble. Another one is some little kid names eric who is playing the recorder or flute for his grandma and he seemingly plays random notes but is super serious and it’s amazing! I can’t wait to sample some of these. Another good one is a creepy self-hypnosis tape from the 60’s.... talks about consciousness and mental fortitude etc lol also found some y2k conspiracy tapes as well... those are cool too
Very thorough.
What is this tool you’re using to pry the cassette casing during the disassembly? My Journey greatest hits tape just did what your Fleetwood Mac tape did, and I’m crushed…I’ve been listening to it since I was like 5. 33 now. Thanks for this tutorial!
A tip...get tapes from a charity shop and practice taking them apart, adding/removing leader tape, splicing...tapes that would be the very last thing you would normally buy...in my case, any opera, rap or chamber music! There are Tape Repair Kits, splicing blocks and splicing tape available on line....be prepared!
Excellent instructions. I was able to remove the split the shell on my sonic youth "day dream nation" fairly easily pulling apart the shell by putting a small screw driver in holes on bottom of the shell.
There is no leader on the side that is available to me. The tape split at the very beginning and the hub has nothing attached to it. What should I do ? I was thinking I could get the splice tape it to the hub and underneath the magnetic tape. Is that a good idea?
Taping to the hub is unlikely to hold. There’s a clip or pin in the hub that’s used to attach the tape. Remove the pin or clip and lay the tape over the recessed area and then reinsert the pin or clip to hold it in place. You can attach the magnetic audio tape to the hub this way, but as magnetic tape is fragile (especially as it ages) it won’t like being bent and held to the hub this way and it’s likely to break again. For a long-term solution, get some leader tape and splice a 6-8” piece to the magnetic audio tape. Then, attach the leader to the hub. You may consider temporarily holding the shell together so you can fast forward the tape and do the same on the other hub. Good luck, hope this helps.
@@FluxCondenser yeah thank you it does. I was looking for the clip or pin in the hub but I could not find it. I was considering buying a repair kit that comes with the leader tape and splicing tape. Even though I allready bought a replacement copy , I am still curious to fix this one. Thanks
@@FluxCondenser I was able to actually figure out just now that some of the tape and leader was so tightly wound around the hub I couldn't see the clip or pin. I carefully removed it from the hub and now I see that all I need to do is splice the magnetic tape together.
Ah, fantastic! Yes, I was surprised to hear that there was no leader as most prerecorded cassettes have one (though not all).
@@FluxCondenser yeah I was considering buying a leader cassette for _2.75 on splic it.com along with the cassette splic kit. Will the leader cassette be usefull when reparing cassettes? I can link to product. Do you have promo code or anything with splicit.com?
Thanks for this video, I got a Jim Croce cassette with no pressure pad, and a blank cassette just begging to have its pressure pad put in the Croce cassette
Where are you located? I have an old Memorex 45 cassette that came off at the leader just like this one. (Unexposed) Sadly there are no screws and I don’t want to mess it up?
totally brilliant. the pot-it tip VERY helpful. personally, if tape still plays and not avilable on YT etc., I would dupe
it, in case rwpair does’nt work 100%
on brecored blank BASF caettes diacard top and side SM components(if fitted), if tape is jamming-de-spooling(one at top, & two side-arms.
You can do this with VCR tapes as well, there’s a couple of extra parts in them, mainly the locks on the tape reels, and sometimes a little T piece that goes between them that have to be set in accurately, but the principle is the same. And most VCR tapes have screws.
Yes, all tape recording media is relatively similar and can be repaired with splicing techniques. Even digital formats.
You mention we want the blue tape on the 'inside' because the 'outside' has all the information. But magnetic stuff and this 'special' blue tape should not 'block' the information right? I see somewhere else where they suggest putting the tape on both the inside and outside?
Bro,you are the MAN
Joe Jackson is the man. I’m just a fan.
can i get a link to the pad replace kit?
Sure thing: www.ebay.com/itm/25-Brown-Pressure-Pads-Cassette-Tape-Repair-Peel-and-Stick-Felt-Free-Sleeves/392881992224?hash=item5b79977220:g:Q1EAAOSwP5JdH-~W
@@FluxCondenser Ty
Question: My leader tape came off the spool. How would one re-connect it so it's strong? Thanks for the video!
You don’t connect leader tape to the spool using tape. If you look closely, you’ll see there’s a tab on the hub which can be removed and then you can slip the tape in place and secure it with the tab. Good luck!
Some good hints and an excellent run-though thank you. Although the tape should definitely go INSIDE the side "posts", otherwise the rollers are not functioning efficiently (I have checked this on a couple of transparent pre-recorded bodies). I also prefer the "bend until it creaks" method of opening the bodies, then using a sharp edge like yours, if required - they usually come apart quite readily without cutting. EDIT: upon further research, it seems that both routes are used, (even in otherwise identical cassettes), so I change my advice to "it definitely doesn't matter!"
The original case was only glued on the outside. How will u open this case again if needed with the glue on the interior of it?
Reopening the case over and over is definitely problematic, as these shells weren’t designed to be opened at all once they were sealed. In the event that the case would need be reopened, repeating the procedure should work. And hopefully, any extra glue that was used internally would easily break once the outer shell was cut apart.
Which brand and size of adhesive tape would you recommend here ?
I don’t have a brand preference. Just get something that’s specifically designed for splicing the type of tape you’re repairing. Cassette splicing tape is frequently labeled as ⅛” and 8-track and reel-to-reel tape is usually specified as ¼”. Hope this helps.
I have a Cobra announce cassette that is a 20 second tape which loops, for an old answering machine. The tape got snagged inside itself and I had to open the case. Now I can't figure out how to rewind the tape so it can be listened to. Have you ever done this?
It sounds like yours may loop similarly to an 8-track. If so, you may want to watch a video showing how 8-tracks loop on the spool from the outside and leave the spool from the inside. If I find out more, I’ll let you know.
I did a quick search for “cassette tape loop” and it seems that there are a number of ways to accomplish this, but none seem to use a method similar to 8-track. They simply use various schemes to loop the tape inside the cartridge. I’d suggest doing the same search on Google and look at the images to see if you see a scheme that will work for your tape. To get 20 seconds with a simple loop, your tape player will have to work at a slower than standard speed. Or, the tape will have to take a more complicated path to allow for 20 seconds worth of tape. Good luck.
Great information thanks for posting this tutorial.
Hi bro I have 25 yrs old panasonic cassete my Mom marriage was in it. Can you help me how I connect to you. In the casseste
some white particles are freezed.
It sounds like the tape may have been kept in damp conditions, and got mouldy.
Hey, my tape wont spin in the walkman its jammed what to do?
There could be so many reasons for that. Can you describe in more detail what’s happening? Do other tapes play correctly in the Walkman?
What splicer are you using? It really stays in the groove without any extra help!
Yes, it works really well. I believe I purchased that one from Splicit. Check them out here: www.splicit.com
@@FluxCondenser perfect!
Wow, seems like a lot of work for those non-screw tapes! So I don’t ruin a nice one, looks like I’ll need to go purchase some throwaways to practice on. 😅
Do you do repairs for others? If not, how do I find someone in my area with this skillset?
Hi, Wendy. Sorry, no I don’t take in work. Why not give it a try yourself?
Thanks for the video. I fixed one of my tapes using regular clear scotch tape. Luckily, it was just unglued from the blue lead. 😎😎😮
Very good video , very helpful thank you
Thanks Man. You helped save an oral history interview about MGM history from 1967!! Great Video.
HELP - Today a tape of my Grandfather telling the family history broke at the beginning of Side One at the Take-up Reel/Supply wheel. I attempted to open the cassette with the blade and STOPPED. This is too precious for me to break. Do you fix tapes? If not, do you know where I could send it for a repair.
Kathy, I wish you luck getting the tape repaired. I don’t take in work as I do this for a hobby only. I’m not certain who could do the repair for you. I’m sure there’s someone out there if you decide to not continue with the repair yourself. Perhaps a Google search will bring something up.
If you do continue with the repair, and carefully follow the instructions, you really shouldn’t have any issues. Additionally, if you’re not sentimentally attached to the cassette’s shell, once you get the tape opened and fixed, you could opt to transfer it to a replacement shell that uses screws to seal the case. That’ll make completing the repair easier and if it breaks again, you’ll have nice, easy access. You could sacrifice another tape to get such a shell, or buy a replacement shell which are available online. Good luck!
I want to get that blue tape. What does it call and where can I get it? Thx 🙏🏻
it comes with the kit, plenty of them for sale online.
I have one cassette tape that gets very stiff on the reel, and when played it gets chewed up. If i squeeze the tape with my fingers it gets loose again. What is at fault here? Too much pressure pulling the tape on the reel?
I have many cassetts. in my home and i lovet to lisen music on them❤
Question would the super glue break the case if you needed to go back and repair it?
Chris, if you repeat the process as I showed using an Xacto to score the seam, there shouldn’t be any issue getting the case back open. Simply prying it open without cutting into the seam first, though, could result in a crack. Hope this helps.
What device is that, what does it call and where can I get it? Thanks. 🎉
All I gotta say you’re brave if you do it on a 1990 cassette tape because it’s not like they’re still making them but the rarity of original tapes from the 1990s or before it’s just priceless. Minus one from the history collection
I'd wager that a repaired tape is worth more than a broken one. Granted I could be wrong, I'm new to cassettes, but that's my guess.
I have à problem with my cassette, sound is like wave its variable . Go down and up, do you can help me for repaire my cassette 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Do all cassettes play poorly in your machine or just one individual tape? If you’re having trouble with all cassettes, the machine may be at fault. You could have issues with belts slipping or a worn pinch roller. The pinch roller needs to be perfectly round, if not, playback speed will vary as you describe.
Consider cleaning the pinch roller using a Q-tip and a liquid solution made specifically for that purpose. Pinch roller cleaners are available online. I don’t recommend alcohol for pinch rollers, but alcohol can be used on the tape heads. If you determine that the issue is the pinch roller, and cleaning doesn’t improve the situation, you’ll have to replace the roller. If that’s the case it’s a good idea to replace all the belts as well.
If only one of your tapes is exhibiting this issue, first inspect the pressure pad and make sure it’s in good shape and secured properly. Check the shell and make sure it isn’t warped. If it is, you’ll need to transfer the tape to a replacement shell. Looking at the magnetic tape itself, make sure that it’s flat and not curled. If it is, or looks worn or distorted in any way, the tape will probably never play well again.
If the tape seems fine externally, the shell will have to be opened to investigate what’s causing the problem. Tapes often have two slip-sheets between the tape spools and shell, so check that they aren’t worn or causing friction. Also check that the tape path is correct as shown in the video and that the wheels are spinning freely.
Good luck!
Just because im curious..What disadvatanges are there to not trimming the broken ribbon and putting a tiny touch of super glue and putting them back together that way?
Well, it’s not the traditional approach and the super glue is likely to perhaps not be flexible which could cause issues.
I have learned to take the right sized screwdriver and twist it in the top holes of the cassette, the holes that decide if you can record or not on the tape...that will start the opening, then work your way around.
Kennynva, that’s a common method as well. I know many have good luck with prying and that’s great if it works for you. I always go for the blade method myself as I consider it less likely to mar or damage the shell.
@@FluxCondenser What do you think about using a soldering iron to make the holes in the top so it can auto read some these cassettes that read normal that are chrome.
Ouch! That sounds like a bad idea to me. It’s gonna smell horrible. It’s gonna leave an unsightly hole with deformed plastic that’ll have to be trimmed down. It might deform the shell permanently so it no longer fits in the machine. And, it may damage the tape inside. Open the shells, remove the tape and cut some nice clean slots with a blade or Dremel if you must. Or, transfer the tape to a suitable chrome shell.
Hi! I own a few magnetic tapes from the ‘70s and I was wondering if there was any way that I could save them from ripping apart (I should mention that even if I touch it lightly the tape rips in pieces)
I wish I could help, but I’m not sure what would be the best approach with tapes that have become that delicate.
Tape baking, you may want to send them to a professional service to transfer however
Any suggestions for flattening wrinkled sections of old cassette tape?
No. Once it’s wrinkled, it’s wrinkled.
@@FluxCondenser Ugh. Thanks. After posting my question here I found another video of a guy using a cool iron to smooth out Ampex tape. That wouldn’t work on cassette tape?
But Holy Cow,,!! That must be a Zeppelin Jam tape,, the way yer going down to the tightest degree !! But I love it,, tks
I’ve had that Fleetwood Mac live album on vinyl since I was a kid and while it’s not one of their most popular albums I absolutely love it. Yeah, this tape probably ain’t worth $10, but I really wanted to listen to it ;-)
My tapes look great but the sound is dragging not the tape deck because then I put a another tape in and plays no problem ? Pads look great and tape looks fine but dragging sound ? Please help it’s not the tape deck
Usually when a tape seems to drag, it is caused from rewinding and playing the same section over and over. This causes the edges of the tape bind against the wall of the shell resulting in the tape to drag. To fix this rewind the tape to the beginning and fast forward to the end. This will smooth out any uneven windings.