Nakamichi 700

[EVBoy]

I bought a Nakamichi 700 Tri-Tracer at a YS. It was cheap but it has some problems. Has anyone repaired one? Are they worth working on?

[OscarEmmy]

I have the 700 II - superb sound, well worth working on, presuming it's something you can get parts for! What's the issue with it?

[OscarEmmy]

Here's my old thread on the 700 II - I imagine the 700 is very similar.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=149902

[EVBoy]

One of the VU meters is erratic and it won't rewind all the way back. Also, it has a slight buzz.

[Celadon]

I've always wanted a 700 :)

Seems to me that everything I've read about them is that they are a real bear to work on!
Hopefully others with some experience will chime in. Bet Fred Longworth would know...

That said, if it were me, I sure would put forth my best effort into getting it back into top shape :)

[Fred Longworth]

The 700 is moving into the realm where lack of replacement parts may put up serious obstacles to a full restoration. That said, here's what you should do to your 700:

(1) Treat all user-operated switches and controls with Caig DeoxIT. Treat all internal switches with DeoxIT as well. Also treat plug-in edge connectors.

(2) Lube motor(s) with Teflon-based lubricant. Lube capstan with machine oil.

(3) Replace all belts.

(4) At the very least, resurface all tires and treat with rubber rejuvenator. If a tire has a concave face from wear and shrinkage, replace it.

(5) Thoroughly clean head assembly and treat pinch roller with rubber rejuvenator.

(6) Check for warped/cracked plastic parts in tape drive. Warped/cracked plastic parts can be the largest pain in the fanny as far as a full restoration.

Hope this is useful.

Fred

[EVBoy]

Thanks for the tips. I'll give them a try.

[OscarEmmy]

One of the VU meters is erratic and it won't rewind all the way back. Also, it has a slight buzz.

And make sure the memory switch isn't depressed (stops the tape at 0000 setting even if that's half way through the tape - this can easily catch you out!)

Buzz may also be a dirty contact inside - if you open it up, there is a large PCB inside that is a push fit into a linear socket...if there is oxidation or some other break in contact, one channel can drop out and generate a buzz and a flickering VU meter (exactly what mine did before a good cleaning). Now it operates perfectly. You can tell if this is the issue by pushing gently on the edge of the board during record or playback and seeing if the fault disappears. That was how I found the problem, anyway.

[Celadon]

EVBoy --
Let us know how you make out on the 700....

Any pics of yours?
I think the 700 is a really nice lookin' machine.

[Nakdoc]

As a playback deck they are fabulous. As a recorder, it doesn't take much to get better performance. I love the deck for its history and substantial construction. I repaired one last year that needed new belts. Belt kits on eBay from Marrs communications will solve that problem. All the plug in board edge connectors will need retensioning to cure the buzz.

[koltrast]

I've just bid on one of these, not that I need yet another cassette deck, but I'm curious to find out what all the fuss was about back in the early 70's. Is headwear an issue on these machines?

[Karma16]

I've just bid on one of these, not that I need yet another cassette deck, but I'm curious to find out what all the fuss was about back in the early 70's. Is headwear an issue on these machines?

Hi,
Generally not but it totally depends on how much it has been used. Nak heads are known for long life. I have never seen a Nak with worn out heads but they probably exist. Buyer beware. Ping the seller and ask.

Sparky

[Nakdoc]

Yes, the play head does wear after a while. It is relappable, however. I have relapped a play head twice and the deck continued to meet spec.