Mellotronists

David Jacques wrote:

>  Hello,Where would you purchase this tape head lubricant? I am having
> difficulty with one tape sticking and jamming.    David #340

__________________________________________________________________

Greetings All,  I would personally never sanction the use of
any lubricant on Mellotron tapes, except in the emergency use
prev. mentioned.

If a tape is sticking,then obviously there's buildup of material
on the tape-head, or also in the plastic turnbuckles on M400's.
Sticky tapes also caused by improper roller/pad-arm adjustments.

Try cleaning the tapehead surface GENTLY with metal polish
(non-abrasive) , removing all residual film with  IPA alcohol.
And use IPA as well along the path of tape movement.
I once found a jagged  line on one plastic roller in tapeframe,
causing a "rough-spot" again and again.

Let us know what you find David, Good Luck! -- Jerry K. --

Yeah I agree with Jerry. Buildup of crap on the heads, front guide 
strip and the tapes themselves will cause poor driving and sluggish 
(or even non) return. I used to clean all these bits including the tapes 
with isopropanol on a clean rag. You can use a silicone type polish 
on the turnbuckles (take tapes out first!!!) but don't get any on the 
tapes. I did accidentally get some on a tape once and it wouldn't 
drive properly at all until I cleaned it off with IPA. Incidentally since 
then I have replace my front guide strip with rollers - no more 
problems with sticky tapes and it runs like a dream!
John
M300#005
Hello,Where would you purchase this tape head lubricant? I 
am having difficulty with one tape sticking and 
jamming.David #340
_______________________________________________________
___________ 
Greetings All, I would personally never sanction the use 
of
any lubricant on Mellotron tapes, except in the 
emergency use
prev. mentioned.
If a tape is sticking,then obviously there's buildup of 
material
on the tape-head, or also in the plastic turnbuckles on 
M400's.
Sticky tapes also caused by improper roller/pad-arm 
adjustments.
Try cleaning the tapehead surface GENTLY with metal 
polish
(non-abrasive) , removing all residual film with IPA 
alcohol.
And use IPA as well along the path of tape movement.
I once found a jagged line on one plastic roller in 
tapeframe,
causing a "rough-spot" again and again.
Let us know what you find David, Good Luck! -- Jerry K. --