For all "tapeheads"
Here is something that can be VERY difficult to find nowadays!
There are cleaning accessories for tape machines and then there are REAL cleaning accessories ..... sure you can sometimes find a "cleaning tape" but one of those should be your absolute last resort for cassette machine cleaning. If you enjoy the thought of running "sandpaper like" material across your heads, go for it!
The only REAL way to clean the heads and transport path of a 1/4" or cassette format machine is to do some hard work, painstakingly careful cleaning BY HAND using tools such as those in this kit.
Most "heads" are difficult to see the face of when installed in a machine, that is where the mirror comes in handy (also good to inspect your mouth while clean your teeth according to my wife!)
Two of the tools fit together which allows the mirror to reach much further down into the machine.
This is an absolute gem of an antiquity, from the 1970's but it remains in great shape and useful (if you have a tape machine that is!)
HINT:
Don't forget that after your "head, capstan and general tape path cleanup" you should always de-magnetise your heads. For that you will need a de-magnetiser tool (often called a wand), these are also becoming very difficult to find but every "tape head" should have one.
RAINBOW - Tape Machine Maintenance Kit
Manufactured in Hong Kong
Distributed in Australia by RAINBOW
Part # RA-7
Circa 1970's
Intended for use with either 1/4" or cassette tape machines, head cleaning, capstan, rollers and (if fitted) tension arm rollers - anywhere that the tape comes into contact with will over time leave oxide particles behind (Brown dust)
Housed in a standard size cassette case
Opens up to reveal:
15mL bottle for head cleaner liquid EMPTY! After 50 years, and while being stored, the original liquid was removed. Substitute with a good head cleaning liquid formula, often a dilute solution of isopropyl alcohol for the head face ONLY, never use this solution on the rubber rollers/capstan etc - take a look around online if you wanted to see what other tapeheads are using.
Pack of soft felt pads - UNOPENED
Brush tool (Soft Nylon head)
Felt brush tool (nice gentle felt for safely cleaning the head face) with one HALF USED felt pad - the outer section (showing in the photographs) is new, the other half has been used - these special felt pads are simply pulled out or pushed in, friction fit.
Angled mirror to take a good look at the tape path and head face in particular, when inspecting for cleanliness, face scratching or problematic gap wear.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED (just a couple of times many years ago and then we developed our own tools specific to the Nakamichi, Tascam, Studer and Revox machines we were using, so this kit was barely used even after the time of purchase.
Very Good overall
CLEAN
Nice new felt pads available in the kit
Clean soft nylon brush
Clean mirror
NO damage to any component of the kit OR the cassette case
Since examining the condition of this kit, taking some photographs etc I have now sealed it within clear plastic to maintain the condition - it will be supplied the same way.
