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Cassette Deck Repair

I have a Yamaha TC520 in near mint cosmetic condition but it's not working. The mechanism will not fully engage at all times when I try to play a tape. In other words the levers don't depress fully. When I do get some sound it's from one channel only and a bit distorted.   I was interested in taking it to a repair shop in the S.F. Bay Area after I had read reviews on how many people were raving about their vintage gear sounding better than ever after servicing from this shop. When I called he told me he doesn't work on Cassette Decks, too difficult. I was frankly kind of shocked.  I know of another repair shop that is much closer to me but I have some issues with the guy and his over all skills.  Any suggestions? Is it worth fixing? I would utilize it as background music while working on hobbies. Thanks in advance.  
zar
9 responses Add your response
jond's avatar
jond
5,752 posts
 
zar I don't know anyone in the Bay area, east coast here but this name came up in a recent thread about Nak cassete decks.
Willie Herman. Nakamichi repair guy. Probably the best out there. 925-376-2146. willy@willyhs.com 
If he repairs Naks chances are he can work on your Yamaha if you don't find anyone local. Good luck!
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Due to it's age, it likely needs a good refurbish. Then at the very best it might be worth close to what that will cost. Unless you have some sort of emotional attachment to this deck, I would find another way to accomplish the background music.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,641 posts
 
You would be better off getting a new one than trying to get a 30 + year old one fixed! Here is one for around a 100 bucks!!
https://www.parts-express.com/pyle-pt649d-dual-cassette-deck--248-4672
livin_262002
187 posts
 
Call Norman @ Sertech Electronics in San Jose. I've had a few cassette decks refurbished by him. He's good.

clio09
3,353 posts
 
Roger Modjeski of Music Reference/RAM Tubes (Tube Audio Store) can fix it. He has worked on many different decks including Nakamichi. The shop is in East Bay in San Pablo. The question you need to answer is whether it is worth fixing. In my opinion if you are using it for background music probably not based on the prices I see on eBay for this deck. I can tell you it will cost a minimum of $95 for Roger to look at it. If it needs work it goes up from there.
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
749 posts
 
Imho, it’s not worth the cost of repair unless it’s a great 3-head deck, e.g. Nakamichi, Tandberg or Revox.  I just hope my Dragon (rebuilt by Hermann, he’s the best!) outlasts me.
zar OP
185 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded and I am contemplating both sides, fix or dump.  Jond, thanks for that link as I am in the 925 area code. San Jose is a bit of a drive but i will consider it if it comes to that. Thanks again.
livin_262002
187 posts
 
Willy usually doesn't service non Nakamichi. You could check with him but I really doubt.
moto_man
354 posts
 
Hate to say it, since I have a bunch of old cassettes from college, and a near new dual cassette deck, but junk it.  With current technology, for background music or serious listening, streaming is the way, either from a server or a streaming service.  Much easier, no repairs necessary, and will sound better than any cassettes.
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