Guys, I have 5 reel to reel decks, my first one was this Pioneer deck and it is in pristine condition. This deck is the one that made me fall in love for analog sound again.

Nice job on the motors, and a great easy tip on how to remove the bearing (s) The tensioner can be disassembled by turning the cap counter-clockwise. It's only snugged by hand so it will turn by hand. The RT-1011 isn't an introductory model. The "better" models offer more features. It is comparable to the TEAC 2300 and other similar Teac models in sound quality and technical specs. (I own and like Teac and Pioneer, Revox, etc.) The RT-1020L and RT-1020H (15ips) are the same machine except for 4 channel playback feature, and the RT-1050 is a two track with 15ips and selectable equalization, better specs because it's a two track format (wider tracks).... the mechanism and circuits are otherwise the same as the 1011, exactly the same.

I dont know why I am watching this or how I ended up here, haha. Never even heard of reel to reel, but should I need to fix one, here we go. I watched the whole thing over tea and biscuits. Yes I have a job.

Great video! still have my 1011L 40 + years and still going strong with only minor issues

Thanks for the video! I need to change the belts on mine, this showed me everything I'll need to know. Also appreciate your letting us in on your source for belts. Much better than throwing caution to the wind with many of the fleabay sellers!

Fantastic video, thank you so much. Saved for my RT-1011L’s upcoming maintenance. (Also ordered the belt kit & rubber cleaner/restorer).

Excellent. I have same model. Still going after all these years. Nice machine

Nice Video, very helpful. May be picking one up tomorrow. Love the mechanics of it!

Cool video. I have one of the same model. Works ok. That was interesting to watch. Thanks for keeping these machines going!

I just bought one of those at an antique shop. Haven't had the opportunity to test it out.

Excellent video, thanks for sharing !

Great video! I just picked up this same model from someone and went through all the same maintenance - it was a great help! I didn't have any foam for the motor oil, so substituted felt rings I cut out of some 1-1/4" insulation I had. Holds the oil nice and I'm thinking it might last longer than the foam. Great machine, especially for the price I got it ($200). 😁

Thanks for this video. I have one of these with some similar issues (including the bent spindle). Thanks for showing me to how to fix it! Much appreciated.

You definitely know mechanical things. Good revival video

You are a GREAT technician. Krikor 85 from L. A. CA.

Today i buy one machine like this. Is very nice. Work perfect.

Very amazing repair!

Very useful detailed video

hi have worked on alot of cassette decks and reel to reel over the years it is so easy to miss out any parts when doing a fix i am a otari mtr 12 man my self

Whatever music was on that tape sounded pretty weird! Nice work here dude!