I mentioned in a recent email I have very nice ReVox Vintage turntable now in my collection. It is a very easy piece of gear to own. Automatic activation when you swing the linear arm across. Push a button to drop gently on that precious vinyl. One other great feature is a fast forward, and back, making track selection simple.

I had prepared my latest box of super-clean sparkling Vinyl, and all set to run through and write notes for the listings on the OnVinyl website. The first ten records played were great, then…oh dear. The platter was spinning erratically with no regard for life and limb. Fortunately, no records were harmed in the process.
Back to square one. I’m going to set up another appointment with Peter, my turntable specialist, to have sorted. Suggestions are pitch control issue possibly from a faulty potentiometer, cracked solder joint, Capacitor, or we are too close to the sun or it’s allergic to my cat…..who knows. More to report soon hopefully.
 
One of the delights from our recent purchase is a very tasty ReVox B77Mkii Reel to Reel machine also acquired. This unit was in particularly nice condition with very little wear after 45 years.   Included, as with the turntable, original service manuals and circuit diagrams.

Haven’t mentioned this one before as was waiting to have the servicing completed.

My buddy Greg, the electronics guru, has been though everything and meticulously checked the operation. Some components were replaced including capacitors, resistors and trim pots, and completed a speed check, calibration, etc.. The R to R has had the refurbishment completed and now running sweet as a nut.

We needed to import, at great expense, new 1/4  inch tape to run tests, calibrations, and a good old listen. The original tapes included were purchased in the early 80’s and had degraded. Tape can have a finite life and storage conditions are critical.

Latest update: The Turntable is off again to get speed issue sorted and may take a bit of analysis. The Reel to reel is all sounding great apparently and hope to pick up soon to check out myself.

Also we have the ReVox audio amplifier A750, and synthesizer tuner B760 to be checked. But more about those soon!

Owning and maintaining vintage gear can be a challenge. It’s critical you have specialists that are passionate about this type of equipment. The quality of the ReVox gear shines through, in a similar way to a lovely original Merecedes Benz auto, but requires care and attention. We have been lucky that all of the replacement components have been available. We are ‘not out of the woods’ yet with work to be completed on the Amplifier and Tuner.
Watch this space for a further update.
 
All the best, David and Otis.

**Photos are of the Reel to Reel in various states of repair.