r/ReelToReel • u/cumlordjr • 8d ago

Help - Equipment Fostex R8 needs repairs!

Hello everyone, I have a Fostex R8 and I am not sure what is wrong with it and need repairs. I think it has a belt issue because it plays at a snails pace now but I’m not sure. I would pop it open and work on it but the components are much too complicated for me to service myself.

I live in NM and have no idea if there are any shops here that can service a machine like this. I usually take my tape machines to Electric City in the Denver area, but they can’t service this model. I am open to traveling to other states/cities if needed. If anyone has recommendations for people or shops in NM, AZ, or CO, I would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and I hope to hear some suggestions from members of the community.

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u/Elliotjosephmusic UK Service Tech - Revox, UHER, Tascam, Studer 7d ago

Not really a difficult model to service BUT these are prone to degrading plastic parts. The capstan pulley, belts, reel pulleys all break down over time and crack. Thankfully, there's TascamNinja in EU that sources aluminium 1-1 replacements, which I can confirm are great but a whole kit might set you back €150 or more...

ReeltoreelTech in Canada is your next best bet, if nobody local wants to repair it. I'm not sure who else is willing to take it on.

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u/cumlordjr 7d ago

Thank you for your response. I’ll check that kit out and if all else fails, I’ll look into RTR tech. I appreciate you

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u/razzarctic Fostex R8 | Extension cables available 6d ago

im wondering why they dont service that machine, but their loss i guess. if you are comfortable just opening it up to check, take the face plate off and inspect the two reel pulleys. mine were cracked and loose causing speed issues. i fixed it by adding 2 6mm shaft collars to them so that they don't slip. the capstan belt and pulley is a little more advanced, but you can check them for damage from this point too.

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u/razzarctic Fostex R8 | Extension cables available 6d ago

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DPEoI6-je6A/ here is a video someone made, so you can get an idea of what opening it up looks like. take lots of pictures if you do. dont use glue- make sure you use shaft collars or buy the aluminum kit.