Head Cleaning Fluid


I've just received my "new" to me Akai 747 reel to reel recorder. Beautiful! With aluminum Quantegy 499 reels it looks just great!
I have a question regarding what should I use to clean the heads. I've read on Internet that many Pro's recommend 99% Alcohol for the heads. And just moistened cotton swab for rubber wheels. I would like to ask you opinion before I start messing around.
I also purchased Teac demagnetizer. There is an instruction included there on how to use it properly. But I've heard many people are skeptic about demagnetizing the heads. Thanks in advance!
sputniks

Showing 1 response by ketchup

Radio shack sells actual tape head cleaner in 2 fl. oz. bottles. The ingredients are Isopropanol, Ethanol, and Methanol. It's $4.99. The number is 44-1113.
You can also clean the heads with a small piece of lint free cotton cloth wrapped around a Q-tip. Sometimes Q-tips like to leave remnants of themselves on the heads.
Alcohol or tape head cleaner will dry out the rubber parts. A lot of people use Formula 409 on the rubber parts.

Good luck with the player and better luck finding some reasonably priced reels!