Centrex by Pioneer was a budget prices entry level audio brand spearheaded by audio giant PIONEER back in the 70's. I was proud owner of a ,centrex compact system with top mounted BSR changer back in 1975. My Dad purchased it for me for 500. U.S.D. Quite a big purchase for a spoiled 15 y.o. son. It was a truly great sounding system. A tad much for a young kid. I enjoyed it through disco era, playing it loud, pushing the 2 way Pioneer speakers to their limita. IT was a great started system with big sound. Thanks Father. I love you forever. You were a great and generous father. 😊😊❤
Although a 3 year old video, this helped me greatly today. Just bought a vintage Lloyds 8 track player, and it was squealing and playing slowly. Seems to be running good after I gave it a good cleaning with your instructions. And used some contact cleaner in the sliders for balance, volume and treble that it has, which took away the crackle when they were adjusted. Cheers!
Thank you for posting this video. I too have a TH-30 player which "ate" a tape a few nights ago. Using your advice, I was able to take the machine apart and remove the tape from the capstan. The player now works like new, thanks again!
I purchased the exact same model at a pawn shop last week for $14. Brought it home and the tapes sounded awful, despite the tape head being in top shape. I watched your video, unscrewed the four screws and, wallah, the mechanism slid out easily. Upon closer inspection, there was an inch of greasy, gummy and grimy tape on the capstan. I slowly tugged on the tape to remove it, and got to work on that dirty, greasy, gunky capstan. After about four or so swabs, it was clean as a whistle. In fact, the whole player now works great. I'm not a huge 8-track fan in terms of audio quality, but I have to admit, the Doors' L.A. Woman tape I played sounded really good. Thanks for this video...
Guess You’re Right-Cleaning the 8-track player especially the capstan makes the 8-track player last longer and so does demagnetizing it too-I, myself, have an old vintage stereo system I got from eBay and it ate up two of my 40 minute 8-track tapes so I think I’ll try this here and it should last long
Things to watch out for: Before you put that tape in your machine make sure the rubber wheel is not sticky or gummy, it'll crud up your 8 track instantly and cause the machine to ruin the next tapes you insert. The second leading cause for a machine to eat a tape is the sense foil is coming loose, it's adhesive will make it stick to the capstan.
John, A very well delivered tutorial my friend. On the few occasions, in the past, when I’ve needed to demagnetised things, tape machines included, I’ve used a degaussing coil - they too work quite well. ‘My special angel’ Bobby Helms, 1957…I doubt whether I’d become three years old when that record was released. Regards, Phil.
Phil, Interestingly, I do have a degaussing coil, but bought the demagnetizer first and have always used it. Seems to work well. I have a number of Oldies but Goodies Rock and Roll songs that I'll be highlighting in future videos. Our younger subscribers don't particularly care for the long-haired big band music. :-) Regards, John
Good video, John. It's easy to get lazy and not clean them, good reminder. Special Angel was nice to hear too, although you keep getting that angel thing all wrong. it also instantly put me into a Christmas mood, for a minute, Jingle Bell Rock. Distinctive voice.
Al, You know...I always like the Brenda Lee version. Helms sang it great, but for me there was just something about the way Brenda sang everything...like "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree". Years ago I had her her 10 Golden Years album, but wifey sold it at a yard sale. I was not a happy camper! Regards, John
8track fast lane?? You got a million of 'em . . . . lol . . . Good lesson John thanks. My 8track just started acting up today, need to open 'er up . . . have a great one . . . ;) Rog
Daniel, I, too, was always a cassette guy, but as I got older I got tired of getting up to flip them over. Up-down-up-down...drives me nuts. Even so, I still do listen to, but not as often as when I was younger. :-) Regards, John
No puns here my friend, "this" time. Now I think you have described a method to me quite well to demagnetize my Timex compass watch that I have been having problems with as of late. Thanks!
I know nothing about de-magnetizing a Timex compass watch. I barely know how to de-magnetize a tape player. :-) But I do wish you success, my friend. Regards, John
Hello John, The tape works in other machines. This machine worked fine until I demagnetized it. It sounds like an open channel when I play it. I think I will just use this machine for parts now. I must have done something to the head with the tool. I tried other tapes in this machine and it does the same thing. Thanks
Hi joernone, I just wanted to tell you. I enjoy your demonstration video of keeping the 8 Track Player clean and efficiently. I just recently bought a rare Vintage Sony TC-8W 8 Track Player from the mid 1970's. That's the one. That stands up with brown panels on both sides. My brother-in-law also bought me a nice Electrophonic 8 Track Player and Recorder Model TRD-118 (S). It does not power up at all? So I remove all the 4 screws at the bottom of the casing panel. Trying to have a look at the inside. The inside look a little gunky on some parts. But the outside of the 8 Track Player looks great. I don't know? If it's the power cord or loose wires nor cables? Thanks. Kind Regards, Phil
Can you use CRC to clean with? I got some CRC 226 that is 35 or 40 years old. I used it on my Realistic sta 2000 to eliminate the scratchy knobs and now they work good.
On a second issue I have a few cassette players that run slow. It's not the belt and I can't see an adjustment on the motor. Any ideas? Thanks so much for your time.
Years ago I messed around a bit with slot-car racing. That was a lot of fun, but the hobby eventually faded away. I can't remember why. Anyway, I am familiar with that oil you mentioned, but doubt I need it for this capstan, as it regularly gets oiled. But I'm glad you reminded me of it. One never knows what future needs will arise. Regards, John
Slot cars are one of those things that seem to come and go. I did see they have some new ones out that are controlled through smart phone apps that looked interesting.
I just pulled my TH-30 out of storage and I need to get a new belt for it. Also, my demagnetizer came in the mail today so I am going to demag this unit and my Pioneer CT-F8282 tape deck and Pioneer CT-301 tape deck and my sony TC-560D reel to reel and while I am at it, my VCR and Beta decks. I am going to be a demagnetizing fool LOL. Thanks for posting this video. You still have that unit? Hey is that a pioneer SX-880 that you played your 8track on?
I have the same demagnetizing tool and demagnetized a cassette player head. When I did I tried to play it and from then on all it does is make a noise when I push play. It sounds like an open channel but nothing from the tape. Can't say it's static because it's not. What did I do did I ruin the tape head? I may have touched it with the demagnetizing tool. Please let me know. Thanks
Billie, It's OK if you touch the head with the demagnetizing tool. It almost can't be avoided, which is why the tip is covered in that red rubber. But off hand I'd say you should thoroughly clean the head like I showed in this vid, to include the rubber wheels and everything else in the area, then after it dried try playing the tape again. If you still get nothing then try playing the same tape in a different machine. If the tape doesn't play in the second machine, then you might have magnetized the head in the first machine, which means it's now magnetically erasing instead of playing the music. It could also just be some sort of machine failure. Regards, John
Just curious. Where did you get the demagnatizer-ma-callit from? I hope it's not something that needs bought on the Internet, but if so, no biggie. I wonder if it's best to try cleaning my 8-Track player first and if the 8-track still doesn't work, then use the demagnatizer or something. I just don't want to spend more than I need too. The 8-tracks I have are in pretty good shape for the most part. It's just trying to figure out if it's just completely dirty or broke beyond repair. This 8-track is a hybrid player. The radio still works on the 8-track, but the 8-track mechanism of the player wont budge. Any help is appreciated. I'm glad there are people across the Internet that still works on this stuff and is willing to share this knowledge. I really like the song at the end. Haven't heard that song in a long time. Pretty music. =) I've thought of splicing plastic ear swab tubes to make them longer. Since this is just a light side project I have no idea if it's even salvagable, it still sounds fun to do at the same time.
Sabrina, Hello there. It's very good to hear from you. It's very important to periodically demagnetize a tape head. If the head becomes too magnetized, then each time a tape moves across it a small part of the audio/music will be removed. Eventually, the tape will be completely erased. Remember, the tracks on any tape (8-track or cassette) are nothing more than easily altered magnetic lines. I bought my demagnetizer on eBay for less than $20.00. Good deal all around. Here's a link to a seller: www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Tape-Deck-Head-Demagnetizer-Reel-to-Reel-Cassette-8-Track-VHS-SONY-TEAC-/400527079408?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item5d414637f0 And be sure to give the machine a good cleaning as I did in this video. About every 25-hours it should be done. Just be sure to slowly approach the tape head with the demagnetizer. Start about 3-feet away and move slowly inward. When done, withdraw it in the same manner. Failure to do it properly will permanently magnetize the head, which not only means the head will need to be replaced, but it will also spell disaster for any tape you decide to play. Have at it. You can do it. Regards, John
Pity the 8-track. It really was a halfway decent format, especially considering the era in which it was developed and brought to market. Virtually all the complaints about it could be traced to a lack of maintenance. Most folks didn't maintain their machines very well, if at all, and with the 8-track, maintenance was absolutely critical if you wanted it to last. I took care of the factory 8-track in my '74 Cutlass and it sounded as good the day I sold it in 1993 as it did when my dad bought the car new.
I have a problem with a 8 track it needs pushing to the left to play good what can I adjust I need the wheel type spring that holds the cart in place to be a bit looser bit its so tight help ! thanks
Paul, Hello there, my friend, it's good to hear from you. Sorry for the delay, but I'm on a YT leave of absence right now and will be for the next few months. Too many things to do around the house to spend a lot of time on the computer. I'm way behind on the honey-dos. Anyway, the problem you're experiencing is fairly common. In fact, one of my other 8 track players is doing the same thing. It's usually a machine/tape cartridge wear issue. Sometimes a good spray cleaning with contact cleaner and lube/oil will fix the problem, so I'd start with that. Also know that the tape cartridge presses against a lever attached to a small micro-switch that turns on the motor. Over the years those levers generally become flatter and require readjustment so they again properly press against the cartridge. When you have to push your tape to the left to get it to play you're overcoming that flatness. Just take it apart and see what's what. I'll bet the switch lever is your main problem, but do give the entire mechanical mechanism a good clean and lube as well. Just go for it. Regards, John
joernone hi to update you I adjusted micro switches no good so ended up changing the little white roller on the left as you look in the slot and now that seems to of lined the tape up great 😀
It is a cheap unit, but with care it continues to play right along. But of course, original Panasonic (and Sony) manufacturing quality was very hard to beat. Regards, John
I dare say 95 percent of 8 track and audio cassette players have never been cleaned. No wonder they develop problems. Do I detect higher resolution (or better lighting) in your latest video?
Ansel, Where have you been? You must have missed the test vid I posted showing much improved clarity. I polished the plastic camera lens cover and set the camera to a higher resolution. I also not upload at a higher MP4 quality. I took the teas vid down after a pile of folks said it looked great. Regards, John
Centrex by Pioneer was a budget prices entry level audio brand spearheaded by audio giant PIONEER back in the 70's. I was proud owner of a ,centrex compact system with top mounted BSR changer back in 1975. My Dad purchased it for me for 500. U.S.D. Quite a big purchase for a spoiled 15 y.o. son. It was a truly great sounding system. A tad much for a young kid. I enjoyed it through disco era, playing it loud, pushing the 2 way Pioneer speakers to their limita. IT was a great started system with big sound. Thanks Father. I love you forever. You were a great and generous father. 😊😊❤
Although a 3 year old video, this helped me greatly today.
Just bought a vintage Lloyds 8 track player, and it was squealing and playing slowly.
Seems to be running good after I gave it a good cleaning with your instructions. And used some contact cleaner in the sliders for balance, volume and treble that it has, which took away the crackle when they were adjusted.
Cheers!
50’s music is so special! Love to listen to it. Thanks for the video, good stuff to know!
Thank you for posting this video. I too have a TH-30 player which "ate" a tape a few nights ago. Using your advice, I was able to take the machine apart and remove the tape from the capstan. The player now works like new, thanks again!
Great video. I haven't bought a vintage unit yet, I'm just in the learning stage, but I learned a lot from your video. Thanks for posting.
I purchased the exact same model at a pawn shop last week for $14. Brought it home and the tapes sounded awful, despite the tape head being in top shape. I watched your video, unscrewed the four screws and, wallah, the mechanism slid out easily. Upon closer inspection, there was an inch of greasy, gummy and grimy tape on the capstan. I slowly tugged on the tape to remove it, and got to work on that dirty, greasy, gunky capstan. After about four or so swabs, it was clean as a whistle.
In fact, the whole player now works great. I'm not a huge 8-track fan in terms of audio quality, but I have to admit, the Doors' L.A. Woman tape I played sounded really good.
Thanks for this video...
If you can find blank 8-traks would good quality tape, they will sound better than type-I cassettes. The tape goes faster.
Thanks Jhone I now feel like I can fix my tape deck. I allways learn something new from your videos thank pal and keep up the good work.
Don,
You're welcome, my friend. I'm glad it helps.
Regards,
John
Hard to believe so Sweet music comes out from this rare vintage！
Thanks for this one, John. I need to demagnetize my tape decks but didn't really know how to do it. I've learned something today!
Glad to hear it, Art. In a few I'll be watching your just-posted updates. I'm looking forward to it.
Regards,
John
I love this guy! Great demo too..
Guess You’re Right-Cleaning the 8-track player especially the capstan makes the 8-track player last longer and so does demagnetizing it too-I, myself, have an old vintage stereo system I got from eBay and it ate up two of my 40 minute 8-track tapes so I think I’ll try this here and it should last long
Things to watch out for: Before you put that tape in your machine make sure the rubber wheel is not sticky or gummy, it'll crud up your 8 track instantly and cause the machine to ruin the next tapes you insert. The second leading cause for a machine to eat a tape is the sense foil is coming loose, it's adhesive will make it stick to the capstan.
John,
A very well delivered tutorial my friend. On the few occasions, in the past, when I’ve needed to demagnetised things, tape machines included, I’ve used a degaussing coil - they too work quite well.
‘My special angel’ Bobby Helms, 1957…I doubt whether I’d become three years old when that record was released.
Regards,
Phil.
Phil,
Interestingly, I do have a degaussing coil, but bought the demagnetizer first and have always used it. Seems to work well.
I have a number of Oldies but Goodies Rock and Roll songs that I'll be highlighting in future videos. Our younger subscribers don't particularly care for the long-haired big band music. :-)
Regards,
John
now that john is not putting some new restoring vids on yt, i look at this oldies again,lol, have a nice christmas and happy newyear john !!
Thanks very much John for you reply I will have a go at what you suggest . Paul UK .👍
Good video, John. It's easy to get lazy and not clean them, good reminder. Special Angel was nice to hear too, although you keep getting that angel thing all wrong. it also instantly put me into a Christmas mood, for a minute, Jingle Bell Rock. Distinctive voice.
Al,
You know...I always like the Brenda Lee version. Helms sang it great, but for me there was just something about the way Brenda sang everything...like "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree". Years ago I had her her 10 Golden Years album, but wifey sold it at a yard sale. I was not a happy camper!
Regards,
John
Great job. Thank you
8track fast lane?? You got a million of 'em . . . . lol . . . Good lesson John thanks. My 8track just started acting up today, need to open 'er up . . . have a great one . . . ;) Rog
Clean her up, Rog. It cures many problems.
Regards,
John
I never messed around with 8 tracks, I was always a cassette kinda guy but it's interesting to see what's inside the player.
Daniel,
I, too, was always a cassette guy, but as I got older I got tired of getting up to flip them over. Up-down-up-down...drives me nuts. Even so, I still do listen to, but not as often as when I was younger. :-)
Regards,
John
Interesting sidetrack down 8track lane. =D You did another fine job too.
Thank you, my friend. Man does not live by radios alone. LOL
Regards,
John
No puns here my friend, "this" time.
Now I think you have described a method to me quite well to demagnetize my Timex compass watch that I have been having problems with as of late.
Thanks!
I know nothing about de-magnetizing a Timex compass watch. I barely know how to de-magnetize a tape player. :-) But I do wish you success, my friend.
Regards,
John
Nice job :) Even CD, DVD / Blu-Ray players need cleaning from time to time...
James,
Thanks. And yes they do, my friend.
Regards,
John
Hello John, The tape works in other machines. This machine worked fine until I demagnetized it. It sounds like an open channel when I play it. I think I will just use this machine for parts now. I must have done something to the head with the tool. I tried other tapes in this machine and it does the same thing. Thanks
Hi joernone, I just wanted to tell you. I enjoy your demonstration video of keeping the 8 Track Player clean and efficiently. I just recently bought a rare Vintage Sony TC-8W 8 Track Player from the mid 1970's. That's the one. That stands up with brown panels on both sides. My brother-in-law also bought me a nice Electrophonic 8 Track Player and Recorder Model TRD-118 (S). It does not power up at all? So I remove all the 4 screws at the bottom of the casing panel. Trying to have a look at the inside. The inside look a little gunky on some parts. But the outside of the 8 Track Player looks great. I don't know? If it's the power cord or loose wires nor cables? Thanks. Kind Regards, Phil
Can you use CRC to clean with? I got some CRC 226 that is 35 or 40 years old. I used it on my Realistic sta 2000 to eliminate the scratchy knobs and now they work good.
Nice job buddy my 8track car player it feels like I have to pull it back in order to work. Any ideas thanks
would like to add I have already changed the foam and plays fine in my other machine .
On a second issue I have a few cassette players that run slow. It's not the belt and I can't see an adjustment on the motor. Any ideas? Thanks so much for your time.
joernone I found a very nice oil at Hobby Town for RC car bearings that is a super thin synthetic oil in a bottle with a needle oiler. works fantastic
Years ago I messed around a bit with slot-car racing. That was a lot of fun, but the hobby eventually faded away. I can't remember why. Anyway, I am familiar with that oil you mentioned, but doubt I need it for this capstan, as it regularly gets oiled. But I'm glad you reminded me of it. One never knows what future needs will arise.
Regards,
John
Slot cars are one of those things that seem to come and go. I did see they have some new ones out that are controlled through smart phone apps that looked interesting.
My players are like operating a Rolls Royce I recently had to soldier my track change wire back on.
I just pulled my TH-30 out of storage and I need to get a new belt for it. Also, my demagnetizer came in the mail today so I am going to demag this unit and my Pioneer CT-F8282 tape deck and Pioneer CT-301 tape deck and my sony TC-560D reel to reel and while I am at it, my VCR and Beta decks. I am going to be a demagnetizing fool LOL. Thanks for posting this video. You still have that unit? Hey is that a pioneer SX-880 that you played your 8track on?
I have the same demagnetizing tool and demagnetized a cassette player head. When I did I tried to play it and from then on all it does is make a noise when I push play. It sounds like an open channel but nothing from the tape. Can't say it's static because it's not. What did I do did I ruin the tape head? I may have touched it with the demagnetizing tool. Please let me know. Thanks
Billie,
It's OK if you touch the head with the demagnetizing tool. It almost can't be avoided, which is why the tip is covered in that red rubber. But off hand I'd say you should thoroughly clean the head like I showed in this vid, to include the rubber wheels and everything else in the area, then after it dried try playing the tape again. If you still get nothing then try playing the same tape in a different machine. If the tape doesn't play in the second machine, then you might have magnetized the head in the first machine, which means it's now magnetically erasing instead of playing the music. It could also just be some sort of machine failure.
Regards,
John
Just curious. Where did you get the demagnatizer-ma-callit from?
I hope it's not something that needs bought on the Internet, but if so, no biggie. I wonder if it's best to try cleaning my 8-Track player first and if the 8-track still doesn't work, then use the demagnatizer or something.
I just don't want to spend more than I need too. The 8-tracks I have are in pretty good shape for the most part. It's just trying to figure out if it's just completely dirty or broke beyond repair. This 8-track is a hybrid player. The radio still works on the 8-track, but the 8-track mechanism of the player wont budge.
Any help is appreciated. I'm glad there are people across the Internet that still works on this stuff and is willing to share this knowledge. I really like the song at the end. Haven't heard that song in a long time. Pretty music. =)
I've thought of splicing plastic ear swab tubes to make them longer. Since this is just a light side project I have no idea if it's even salvagable, it still sounds fun to do at the same time.
Sabrina,
Hello there. It's very good to hear from you.
It's very important to periodically demagnetize a tape head. If the head becomes too magnetized, then each time a tape moves across it a small part of the audio/music will be removed. Eventually, the tape will be completely erased. Remember, the tracks on any tape (8-track or cassette) are nothing more than easily altered magnetic lines.
I bought my demagnetizer on eBay for less than $20.00. Good deal all around. Here's a link to a seller:
www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Tape-Deck-Head-Demagnetizer-Reel-to-Reel-Cassette-8-Track-VHS-SONY-TEAC-/400527079408?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item5d414637f0
And be sure to give the machine a good cleaning as I did in this video. About every 25-hours it should be done. Just be sure to slowly approach the tape head with the demagnetizer. Start about 3-feet away and move slowly inward. When done, withdraw it in the same manner. Failure to do it properly will permanently magnetize the head, which not only means the head will need to be replaced, but it will also spell disaster for any tape you decide to play.
Have at it. You can do it.
Regards,
John
Is that an SX-780 receiver?
Pity the 8-track. It really was a halfway decent format, especially considering the era in which it was developed and brought to market. Virtually all the complaints about it could be traced to a lack of maintenance. Most folks didn't maintain their machines very well, if at all, and with the 8-track, maintenance was absolutely critical if you wanted it to last. I took care of the factory 8-track in my '74 Cutlass and it sounded as good the day I sold it in 1993 as it did when my dad bought the car new.
I have a problem with a 8 track it needs pushing to the left to play good what can I adjust I need the wheel type spring that holds the cart in place to be a bit looser bit its so tight help ! thanks
Paul,
Hello there, my friend, it's good to hear from you. Sorry for the delay, but I'm on a YT leave of absence right now and will be for the next few months. Too many things to do around the house to spend a lot of time on the computer. I'm way behind on the honey-dos.
Anyway, the problem you're experiencing is fairly common. In fact, one of my other 8 track players is doing the same thing. It's usually a machine/tape cartridge wear issue. Sometimes a good spray cleaning with contact cleaner and lube/oil will fix the problem, so I'd start with that. Also know that the tape cartridge presses against a lever attached to a small micro-switch that turns on the motor. Over the years those levers generally become flatter and require readjustment so they again properly press against the cartridge. When you have to push your tape to the left to get it to play you're overcoming that flatness.
Just take it apart and see what's what. I'll bet the switch lever is your main problem, but do give the entire mechanical mechanism a good clean and lube as well. Just go for it.
Regards,
John
joernone hi to update you I adjusted micro switches no good so ended up changing the little white roller on the left as you look in the slot and now that seems to of lined the tape up great 😀
Paul,
Glad to hear it, my friend. Most troubles with 8 tracks usually turn out to be of a mechanical nature. Good show.
Regards,
John
I am amazed at how cheap the internals of that pioneer are compared to my 68 Panasonic.I suppose that its a cheaper pioneer in their lineup.
It is a cheap unit, but with care it continues to play right along. But of course, original Panasonic (and Sony) manufacturing quality was very hard to beat. Regards, John
The insides of your's kinda looks like the insides of the Montgomery wards units and the JC penny units and sound design.
What is a demagnatizer
Brian,
Go here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassette_demagnetizer
Regards,
John
Didn't clean the pinch roller?
Eric,
LOL I now have about a hundred of them, so it would have taken a bit too long.
Regards,
John
The inside look just like a TR 169
I dare say 95 percent of 8 track and audio cassette players have never been cleaned. No wonder they develop problems. Do I detect higher resolution (or better lighting) in your latest video?
Ansel,
Where have you been? You must have missed the test vid I posted showing much improved clarity. I polished the plastic camera lens cover and set the camera to a higher resolution. I also not upload at a higher MP4 quality. I took the teas vid down after a pile of folks said it looked great.
Regards,
John
Not true. Cleaning cassettes were everywhere when cassettes were still being sold in stores. Everyone knew you had to clean the heads once in a while.
simplicity
Don,
Right. Gotta love it.
Regards,
John
I would definitely demagnetize