I have a TEAC X-7R that I recently put into service. It squeals in one direction when playing certain tapes. It only squeals when pulling forward (onto the right reel). It squeals much louder on the recording tape than it does on the header tape. I am sure everyone will say that it is tape squeal...It that the only possible cause? It doesn't squeal on my Pioneer RT-701, the unit it was recorded on. Could it be a tape guide or the capstan? Is there anyway I can test it to see what it may be? I have swapped the tape guides around and I have cleaned everything real good but it is still there and it is fairly loud & annoying! Thanks for any info! Franksta

Can you let the playing tape slide through your fingers, feel the vibration or modulate it a bit by placing sometension on it? That may help determine if it's the tape itself.

More likely you have some dry bearings in that new rig.

-Ed

Franksta,
there is a difference in the tape-travelpath between Teac X-7 and Pioneer RT707.
Your Pioneer have the plastic-roller to the left and no rolling tension-rollers as the Teac.
Check the tension-rollers if the small washers is missing on either side.
Can also be the tape...if you can play other tapes without the screachy sound on the Teac, big chance the tape is dry.
What brand of tape do you have ? :)

Also, check if the Pinch Roller shaft is dry. Spin the roller with your finger. It should move freely. Don't overlook the Capstan/Flywheel assembly. Check all parts that move while the tape is running as well as in Stop mode. Try to isolate the noise.

Ron

OK guys, Thanks! I just tried a different tape and it doesn't do it on it. I had an off brand on it recently and it squealed a little. Then I had a Scotch 207 Premium tape in it. It squealed terribly! I just thought that something had come out of adjustment because it was being consistent! I tried a Maxell UD and it is as quiet as possible! That is my first experience with R2R tape squeal! I had no idea it could be that bad! Funny though the Scotch tapes don't do it on my Pioneer RT 701! I guess I will use the Scotch and what ever other brands on it and just the Maxells on the TEAC! Is there any real solution to the problem if a particular tape squeals on a deck? I have included a shot of the X-R7 and the tapes involved. I have twenty 1200 ft. Ampex 631's that I found still sealed! I haven't tried them on the TEAC yet. i hope they don't squeal! I will let you know. The X-7R is nice but I think I still prefer the straight forward design of the RT-701 best! Thanks for anymore info! Franksta

Hi again, it's the Scotch 207 that is drying out.
Had the same problem recently with 207 and Scotch Classic.
Those Ampex 631 are good tapes, I use them all the time. :yes:

:) I had the same problem with Ampex 456. It was so bad that the motors stalled. Not good! The Pioneer motors are stronger.

Ron