Dokorder 8140 4-channel Reel-toReel

Steve Morvant

Steve Morvant

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Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
3
Location
Ponchatoula, Louisiana
I just got this reel to reel from a buddy who was the original owner who had bought it new in 1977!! However, here’s my dilemma, EVERYTHING works perfectly except for the Playback which simply doesn’t!! When pressing the play button, the reels just sit there! I’m wondering if any of you may have any suggestions that I can try DIY?
 
Steve Morvant said:
I just got this reel to reel from a buddy who was the original owner who had bought it new in 1977!! However, here’s my dilemma, EVERYTHING works perfectly except for the Playback which simply doesn’t!! When pressing the play button, the reels just sit there! I’m wondering if any of you may have any suggestions that I can try DIY?
Click to expand...

Are you sure you have the tape spooled properly?
 
Steve Morvant said:
MEP, yep, it’s going in the right direction, but thanks!
Click to expand...

I don't mean going in the right direction. There is a tape path that must be followed when you spool up a tape. If you don't thread the tape correctly through the tape path, nothing happens when you hit play.
 
mep, my bad! I just checked the spooling and had to change one point but it is still not playing! The pinch wheel does come out into position against roller, but no movement in play mode.
 
Steve Morvant said:
mep, my bad! I just checked the spooling and had to change one point but it is still not playing! The pinch wheel does come out into position against roller, but no movement in play mode.
Click to expand...
Ever figure out what was wrong with the not playing problem?
 
Dr Morbius said:
Guess not.
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Too bad there was no response. These machines have a lever which engages the pinch roller. The bushing on which it rotates gets gummed up by the grease they used. You remove the lever, clean the bushing and put proper grease on it and it works. Teac machines have something similar.

Fun fact: Steve Tibbetts recorded his first LP on a Dokorder just like this one.
 
I had a Dokorder 1140 which I loved, built like a tank…..and then I got an Ampex 8-track. Was more than a bit better but 1 inch recording tape was/is expensive.
 
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