Dodgy left channel on tape only

[Northerner]

So I'm loving my relatively new Sharp GF9494E and usually listen to it using my ipod and radio and its fabulous

The question I have is that on tape you sometimes get like foggy interference on the left channel only. The right is clear and on radio and mic line-in its perfect on both channels. You get the noise even if theres no tape in when you press play so its nothing to do with the head. I've also cleaned more than once every single switch in it and the record bar. I did think it was the record bar as sometimes i seem to be able to get rid of it doing the quick fix of repeatedly pressing the record button but as I said I've cleaned the bar probably 4 times with switch cleaner and then a blast of air.

Its not a big problem but its just a bit irritating as other than this the 9494 is pretty much perfect!

Any suggestions?

Cheers

 

[baddboybill]

Have you tried adjusting azimuth on head?? Or possibly a loose wire on tape head or bad ground

 

[Northerner]

The tape plays really clearly on the right channel and even on the right, behind the interference of course so I thought the head would be fine. Its a weird noise though, its not a constant noise, its fluctuates and when you press stop and the power cuts it fades over a second or so rather than ends immediately.

I'll have a look for any loose wires around the head though, thanks

Don't know what I'd do about a bad ground?...presumably this would be a dodgy connection...I've got the service manual but its in German!

 

[baddboybill]

The tape plays really clearly on the right channel and even on the right, behind the interference of course so I thought the head would be fine. Its a weird noise though, its not a constant noise, its fluctuates and when you press stop and the power cuts it fades over a second or so rather than ends immediately.

I'll have a look for any loose wires around the head though, thanks

Don't know what I'd do about a bad ground?...presumably this would be a dodgy connection...I've got the service manual but its in German!

Try and make video of sound it's making

 

[docs]

Sounds to me like bad oxidation on the record arm to be honest.

 

[Northerner]

Sounds to me like bad oxidation on the record arm to be honest.

That would make sense...So would that need a dismantle and light abrasion?...how tricky are these to dismantle do you know?

I use Servisol, is there a better switch cleaner that might shift it?

 

[baddboybill]

Sounds to me like bad oxidation on the record arm to be honest.

That would make sense...So would that need a dismantle and light abrasion?...how tricky are these to dismantle do you know?

I use Servisol, is there a better switch cleaner that might shift it?

I would take apart record bar as last alternative. Check ground and solder joints first. Also make sure the sheathed wires from head to pre amp are not cut or damaged as this would also cause noise.

 

[Northerner]

Ok thanks Bill, will check those first