[sdiy] OT Tape play heads

[Kylee Kennedy]

Was there ever a book or instructions on how Laurie Anderson built hers? I
see a few diagrams online and definitely a bridge on each side of the tape
head for alignment.

Kylee

On Sunday, April 29, 2018, Phillip Gallo <philgallo at gmail.com> wrote:

> Sounds like a fun project.
>
> The fidelity of playback audio depends in a major way upon:
> -Playback vs. original recording rate of travel for the tape,
> -Matching alignment of tape orientation for record/playback,
> -Degree of intimacy between tape and and tape head gap.
>
> Would seem to me the bow methodology frustrates all the above but most
> likely in an interesting and highly listenable way.
>
> As to tape head it would be my guess that a Full-Track Mono playback head
> would be the best solution to reduce output variation due to tape
> orientation.
> I doubt a transcription quality head vs. a commercial audio head would
> provide much difference and mono heads in the transcription arena are
> easier to source.
> I've assumed you are using a 1/4" tape format due to your mention of Reel
> to Reel.
>
> I had the thought that if you record with a stereo format that differing
> angular approaches to the mono head could vary well result in interesting
> timbral change, at least to some degree.
>
> The speed of the recorded material vs. playback rate would seem to be an
> interesting issue.  When you drag the bow slowly,  high-frequency record
> bias could enter the audio frequency range.
> If you record at 15ips vs 1- 7/8ips ( pls. excuse the S.O.M) manual bowing
> (playback) would produce very different sounds for an identical recorded
> audio target.
>
> As to the electronics, two crucial characteristics govern the frequency
> response for output, tape rate of travel and the heads natural 6dB/8ve
> roll-off.   Since you have a variable rate for tape movement it could be
> that just compensating for the head response, rolling off high end at a
> frequency you just might empirically determine, is the way to go.
>
> Lots of opportunities for fun!  Don't hesitate to post some audio and keep
> us up to date on progress.
>
> regards.
> p
>
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