tapedelay records motor buzz

["roel" <q-mailing-list@xs4all.nl>]

well,  update and some questions left.

now that i got my somewhat vintage H-H tape echo, i am sorting out the
problems on this old unit, and try to fix them.

i have resoldered the erase head, since it instantly removes all sound
from the tape now and then, i noticed the cable leading to this head was
loose. i have intensively cleaned the in- and output jack connectors,
tightened loose screws and adjusted the tape speed do-not-adjust pot to
its default settings (someone had turned it anyhow)..

the tape which lays on the unit has now broken two times, the felt pads
etc seem just a little dirty, and are not damaged in any way. the rubber
pinch roller which pushes against the capstan is totally dried out and is
damaged too, like it has all kinds of scratches in it.
before the tape breakes i noticed it to curl a little... i.e. in the
aluminium tape container the tape isnt exactly at its side, but it starts
bending to the side, and eventually laying almost flat in the container.
finally the tape starts running less smooth and finally breaks when it
winds around the capstan. i guess this is caused by the dried out pinch
roller?

now left is one artifarct, the motor buzz, which seems to get recorded on
the tape, even when running the unit without any input signal. can this be
caused by the dried out pinch roller?

i have ordered a new frontpanel and a maintenance set, which should
include different kinds of felt and a new pinch roller.

since i'm getting REALLY enthousiastic on real analog tape and looping,
i'll be picking up a tape recorder too soon :) see what i can do with two
tapedevices looped..

best, roel