Testing repaired Grundig TK-17 reel-to-reel recorder

I got this old lady from a thrift store, where she was in good -though not perfect- conditions. After some SERIOUS cleaning, re-greasing and replacing the main drive belt and the worn-out mains cable (yikes!) she worked like a charm -all electronics and main motor appear in order. Rubber parts are a bit worn out more due to time than due to use.

The only problem seems to be that tracks 1-2 sound too muffled, and upon closer inspection it appears that some of the yellow loctite stuff they used back must have got on the heads -_- Tracks 3-4 sound loud and clear, but all reels I have (well, 2 of them for now) are recorded track 1-2 first.

All in all, it was an interesting restoration mini-project :-)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• grundig
• tk-17
• reel
• to
• tape
• recorder
• 1965
• TK17

[Cheshire308]

I've got a TK17L (had it from new - probably 50 years!) but I can't work out how to get at the fly wheel (there's lots of electronics/mechanics over the top of it) to change the drive band which has broken - do you know of a youtube video which shows how to do that? Many thanks

[Velktron]

@Cheshire308 Hi there :-) Though I'm much younger than the TK itself (heh) I managed to fix it by watching the video of this old gentleman here: WNj1XoF7ubg

It's for a TK 19, but it's very similar to the TK17. The trick is to remove all the screws fastening the head assembly to the chassis, AND the tricky screw that holds the "Magic Eye" tube fastened to both (without damaging it!), as that video shows at about 3:30. Watch out, I had to use WD40 and pliers to loosen mine enough.

[Cheshire308]

Many thanks. I'll have a go at it this weekend.