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How to Change a Belt on an Akai Tape Recorder

Akai reel-to-reel tape recorders, which were among the best and most popular recorders in the domestic market during the 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s, were also extremely popular for commercial use and were used for some of the earliest sound recordings. Today a reel-to-reel recorder is more of a collectible or music-buff item, but these tape recorders are still great to get a nice, warm, old sound out of your recordings. Yet because of their age and the relative difficulty in getting replacement parts, it is important to know how to keep them maintained.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Press "Rewind" on your Akai tape recorder so that the tape winds completely onto the left reel. Pull both reels off their spindles.

    • 2

      Remove the screw from the casing of your Akai tape recorder. Lift off the casing with care.

    • 3

      Unscrew the metal plate that is attached to the two rollers around which the drive belt sits. Gently pull the plate away from the rollers. Carefully remove the old belt.

    • 4

      Position the new belt over the rollers of your Akai tape recorder. Replace the metal plate making sure the motor in the center of the plate engages in the center of the belt. Screw the screws back into the metal plate.

    • 5

      Replace the casing in the correct position on your Akai tape recorder and screw it back into place.

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Recording Music

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