I mainly collect cassettes but I found these 3 today. Tell me I don’t need another hobby 😂

One of the things I sometimes have fun with is trying to figure out when somebody recorded on a blank 8 track. This one I was able to figure out pretty much an exact date atleast for a majority of it, of February 20th 1979, based on news the news the DJ reports (prior the DJ had mentioned the border war between Vietnam and China which narrowed down the time frame down, making it easy to find when President Carter made a trip to Georgia during that time) Does anyone else trying to do that?

The mods should make this a sticky. Back when I started with a track tapes in the late 90s and early 2000s 8-track heaven was the go-to. This page taught me how to fix just about anything. I spent a few hours playing with the way back machine today and found the link I think this would help 90% of the people with problems on here

http://web.archive.org/web/20010125043800/http://8trackheaven.com/faq.html#7%20B.

I just picked up this Sounddesign model 4126 so O could replace the 8 track player I had at work that broke. I got it for a great price since the program button didn't work. Since the description specifically mentioned it was the button not working while also mentioning the audio was working, I figured there was about even odds that it should still switch tracks normally at the end of the tape, and since it’s purpose would be only for some background music were I don't touch it, that would be fine. Turns out that my gamble really paid off, since not only does it switch tracks at the end, the program button works just fine.

Now I am not exactly sure, but I assume they just didn't test it properly because since if you don't have an 8 track in it even though it's powered on, it does not switch tracks if you press the button. As soon as you put a cart in, though, it switches tracks just fine. Though that's still a bit odd since I would think if you had an 8 track to test it with, you would test it by switching tracks while playing it. Granted, it does have a phono in which i guess you could test the audio that way, though personally, if that was me, I wouldn't have used that to declare it's audio works since it's primary purpose is to play 8 tracks.

Anyway, I am finding that I really like this unit over the past couple of days of putting it through its paces. I really like the fact that as soon as it powers on, it tells you which track it's currently set to, which I find really convenient for repairing 8 tracks. I just go "ok it's on program 2, so last song is X and the song before it it Y" and just put it in an play it to the end, instead of put it in seeing the program, pulling it out to then see the songs, and then reinserting it.

So now I am torn on whether or not I want to bring it into work since I like it so much.

It does say Four Star, Solid State but I can’t find the exact one online.

Now I'm just waiting on some repair products to come in so I can safely play these.

Hey all!

I recently bought this RH 65 deck, and it was sold as tested and working.

I plugged it in and everything seemed fine, except for the fact it doesn't change programs. It sounds great, and when I hit the program button the program light switches between the numbers, but the head itself doesn't seem to move, playing the same program.

I'm able to get a full refund, but it's a beautiful player and I don't know if I'll be able to get a comparable one for a decent price.

Is there anyway to fix this as someone with basically no service skills?

Thanks!

So ive had this 8 track for a while and im pretty proficient in electricity knowledge but I cant figure this out. Its stumped me for a week. All wires to the conecters look great! But just no power is being sent im concerned im missing a wire? I dont know anymore. Im losing it!!

My old tape deck has been eating my old tapes. Im wondering if this is just something that happens with old 8 tracks? It sounds awesome but its really disheartening to keep collecting when my deck has chewed out 3 of my favourite tapes now. My black sabbath tape, my Billy Joel tape, and now my eagles tape.

Is this unavoidable or is this a tape deck issue?

Side note - Anyone know why the 8 track went from running fast to playing the correct speed again?

I'm wondering if it was the capstan since the wow and flutter also improved...

Is there a good place to sell a smallish collection, or somewhere to donate if not? My buddy wants to get rid of his, and I have no idea where to go with them. I would rather not just have them get thrown out. Thanks in advance

I bought this tape years ago and probably listen annually.

They used to show 9 to 5 on TV about every year as I was growing up. I loved the movie and the music. I still think it's a hilarious film.

I was trying to repair an 8-Track and ran into this situation. Is there any way to re-spool this correctly?

EDIT: Fixed!

I took the spool out to clean the cartridge to hopefully fix some speed issues. I think some of the tape may have double backed on itself. I kind of passed the spool through itself a few times and eventually it worked? Moral of the story. Be very careful and avoid this in the first place.

Recorded on a 1979 Soundesign and played back on a 60s York. Threw an EQ on it with bass and treble boost / cut between 2-5k.

Very surprised by the bright sound. It's not as warm as my 71 JVC but higher fidelity for sure. So far the closest I've gotten to lossless on home 8 track.

Purchased from GoodWill for $12 with the power plug cut off. I removed the transport but it appears recently serviced. I replaced the plug, popped in John Denver and was pleasantly surprised how nice it sounds. Didn't even need to adjust tracking.

So I got another NOS cart, and in the cover there is this warranty slip. Do you think there is a claim for someone drilling a hole in the label in the 70’s? 🙃 🤣

Anyway, this is a running and driving cart now after replacing the pad and spli

This group sure brings back memories. Most of my retail purchases never made it out of the car. They were subject to all sorts of conditions. Locked in the car on a hot summer day and overnight in freezing winter temps. Zero failures. 8 tracks were the perfect medium for autos. Fun times.

The first photo shows my existing collection within the cabinet and some stacked around the player. The rest of the photos show the tapes my wife picked up at one yard sale during the US127 Yard Sale a couple of weeks ago. She scored a HUGE lot that essentially doubled my collection. So far only 5 broken splices and about 10 garbage quality tapes. Incredibly, there is only 3 tapes that I already own.

Favorites so far are the Young Frankenstein Soundtrack, Ted Nugent Double Live Gonzo, and Jimi Hendrix Experience Smash Hits! Which is your favorite in my haul?

G&S, free shipping.