Thanks for the kind words and the responses! Every time I think about deleting this video, seems someone posts some kind words about it. Sorry about the audio track. It seems that something went wrong with the upload to YouTube and it left the audio with a lot of flanging. I didn’t save the original; otherwise I would upload a new version. If I still owned the deck I would re-do the whole thing, but that is unfortunately not the case. Thanks Again!
I have had my pioneer rt 909 almost 20 years and i am still enjoying the beautiful sound of this machine whether i am playing a tape or recording a tape its a great deck. Thanks for posting this it makes love my pioneer rt 909 more.
This makes my neurons glow warmly. When I was in college learning broadcasting, I learned how to splice and edit tape on a unit very similar to this. I don't care what modern technologists say, there was a warmth to the old reel-to-reel that CD's and MP3's will never have (I imagine the vinyl guys say the same thing).
It certainly is one of the best! Smooth, Quiet, Dependable and just one nice looker for sure. It is fun to own just for either playing material for that vintage factor, or just for a show piece. Enjoy the deck if you decide to get one and THANKS for the comment!
I was watching an episode of Knight Rider and saw one of these in it. I was hooked ever since then. I've done some homework on it and its considered the BMW of open reel tape decks. After seeing this demo, I must get one. My dad has a Pioneer 1020L that's older than me and it still works. I must have this RT-909.
The timer button probably lets the machine start in play or rec. mode if powered on with an external timer of any kind connected to main chord. Many cassette decks has the same feature.
Loved your explanation! I just inherited one of these units in almost mint condition except, as you pointed out, for the capstan belt, which I'll replace shortly. I'm looking forward to recording some of my CD's into tape just for the vintage factor. Really sweet deck.
Sorry soundtechguy, but anyone who knows these decks knows to NEVER clean the pinch rollers with any kind of alcohol. The original rollers will melt. Some of the aftermarket replacements will as well. Use soapy water first and if they don't get clean use an emory board to re-dress them in play mode. Don't use a tape you care about, or lock the tensioners in place with string and do it that way.
Dirty pinch rollers can be easily identified by merely looking at them. They can be cleaned with denatured alcohol and a paper towel. However, dirty rollers usually present more of a problem with tape spill more so than inconsistent speed. This sounds more like a stretched drive belt.
What kind of problems would dirty pinch rollers cause? Someone just gave me one of these machines and I am having problems with the tape playing at a consistent speed or even playing at all.
Great video, I have an RT-909 (1980), RT-901 (1979) and on the RT909, the repeat button sends the tape reverse to forward when the counter reads "9999" and the timer switch puts the deck into play when you use an external power cord timer and record when power is applied with the 2 record safety switches are down.
Thanks for the kind words and the responses! Every time I think about deleting this video, seems someone posts some kind words about it. Sorry about the audio track. It seems that something went wrong with the upload to YouTube and it left the audio with a lot of flanging. I didn’t save the original; otherwise I would upload a new version. If I still owned the deck I would re-do the whole thing, but that is unfortunately not the case. Thanks Again!
weberaudio 1 month ago
I have had my pioneer rt 909 almost 20 years and i am still enjoying the beautiful sound of this machine whether i am playing a tape or recording a tape its a great deck. Thanks for posting this it makes love my pioneer rt 909 more.
soulexperence 1 month ago
This makes my neurons glow warmly. When I was in college learning broadcasting, I learned how to splice and edit tape on a unit very similar to this. I don't care what modern technologists say, there was a warmth to the old reel-to-reel that CD's and MP3's will never have (I imagine the vinyl guys say the same thing).
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Shawnallenkitchen 1 month ago
It certainly is one of the best! Smooth, Quiet, Dependable and just one nice looker for sure. It is fun to own just for either playing material for that vintage factor, or just for a show piece. Enjoy the deck if you decide to get one and THANKS for the comment!
Soundtechguy 2 months ago
I was watching an episode of Knight Rider and saw one of these in it. I was hooked ever since then. I've done some homework on it and its considered the BMW of open reel tape decks. After seeing this demo, I must get one. My dad has a Pioneer 1020L that's older than me and it still works. I must have this RT-909.
lobecosc 2 months ago
my favorite reel to reel. old school masterpiece! thanks weberaudio
legendhunter47 3 months ago
The timer button probably lets the machine start in play or rec. mode if powered on with an external timer of any kind connected to main chord. Many cassette decks has the same feature.
Great video btw.
linmajon 3 months ago
Loved your explanation! I just inherited one of these units in almost mint condition except, as you pointed out, for the capstan belt, which I'll replace shortly. I'm looking forward to recording some of my CD's into tape just for the vintage factor. Really sweet deck.
diegator 5 months ago
NICE EXPLANATION THANKS !
sergioluna80s 5 months ago
Sorry soundtechguy, but anyone who knows these decks knows to NEVER clean the pinch rollers with any kind of alcohol. The original rollers will melt. Some of the aftermarket replacements will as well. Use soapy water first and if they don't get clean use an emory board to re-dress them in play mode. Don't use a tape you care about, or lock the tensioners in place with string and do it that way.
yiddishlion 8 months ago
Very awesome deck! Pioneer made a lot of good equipment back in the day.
Vinylrecordsneverdie 9 months ago
Dirty pinch rollers can be easily identified by merely looking at them. They can be cleaned with denatured alcohol and a paper towel. However, dirty rollers usually present more of a problem with tape spill more so than inconsistent speed. This sounds more like a stretched drive belt.
Soundtechguy 10 months ago
What kind of problems would dirty pinch rollers cause? Someone just gave me one of these machines and I am having problems with the tape playing at a consistent speed or even playing at all.
sexyguitarman999 10 months ago
Hey, great info. Thanks. I'm dreaming of getting this one for myself some day.
djbacon 1 year ago
Dude, awesome video!
animolar 1 year ago
Awesome! THANKS for addithing that detailed information. I am sure it will help those viewing this video.
weberaudio 1 year ago
Great video, I have an RT-909 (1980), RT-901 (1979) and on the RT909, the repeat button sends the tape reverse to forward when the counter reads "9999" and the timer switch puts the deck into play when you use an external power cord timer and record when power is applied with the 2 record safety switches are down.
ppeterso22 1 year ago
thanks!!! this was really helpful for me
inebriated42 1 year ago