The ShadowMusic Web Community

HI,
Does any member know where I can get a Recording head and
Playback head for ESE IV tape echo unit.
Been looking for a while seems they are rare.
Regards
ToneBender

Hi

To try to awnser your question, I think that the recording and playback heads used on an ESE are exactly the same type as those used on a tape Meazzi Echomatic.
The whole of these heads are easily recognizable, first : through their rectangular shape but also because they are pierced by a hole that allows them to be screwed directly onto the frame.
If these are the right types of heads you are looking for, you have to know that these magnetic heads were made in Italy by Photovox.
There are (were) two different inductances values : 120 milliHenry and 600mH. To easily recognize them just take a look at the back side of each head. if the color on this back side is light grey the inductance is 600mH. If the color is dark grey the inductance is 120mH. With tubes, all the heads (record and playback) are identical and show the same high inductance value = 600mH. So ! all with a light grey bottom.
Now, and like you say… the most complicated thing is to find today, in spare parts, these heads ?
I took a look on the web and found this link:

Andrea Barbuto (Original Binson Echorec heads since 1951!), Photovox Technology S.R.L., via Belmonte, 1, 10087 Valperga (TO), Italia. Phone: +39 0124 653811 Email: abarbuto@photovoxtech.it

May be this guy (I don't know him !) will be able to do something for you ?!…

Regards
Patrice

Hi
First of all, Thanks for your reply and research.
Your reply has given me a chance to repair the ESE
The magnetic heads indeed have grey potting in the head, so I now know I am looking for 600mH.
Yes they are small square heads with hole at back for fixing down.
If the recording head is identical to the playback head can it be used in any position,
If so; I can try one of the other playback heads in the recording position.
Regards
Carl.

Yes Carl
As I thought all record/playback heads are the same (light grey bottom)
So, no problem to put one of the (record) playback heads in the recording position to make a "test " or and why not (!) for repair during delivery time for a new head...
However:
If the recording section does not work correctly, it is often because the bias level made by the HF oscillator is absent or not strong enough in level.
The question then to ask is whether this oscillator works properly?
To know that, and as the erase head is powered by this same HF oscillator, you have just to control if the tape is erased well ?
Because if there is no erase function, it necessarily means that there is no bias ! and therefore it is the oscillator that is broken…

Regards
Patrice

Thanks Patrice,
I will be going away for a few weeks and have got it stored in attic, Its been out of action for nearly two years.
I metered it when it stopped working and found two heads open circuit.
Now that you have given me the idea, I can use one of the other heads when I get back, so I can test to see if its the HF oscillator.
I lost interest with it when it stopped working luckily I have a HCSE to use.
Thanks to your information a can take on the ESE project when I return from my holiday.
Best Regards
Carl.

So:
Have a good « summer holiday » Carl

Regards
Patrice

Hi Patrice,
Just got back early this week and managed to get two heads while away.
With your advice on the spec on the heads I was able to get the correct value
I fitted them in and its working again.
Thanks and Best
Regards
Carl.

Thank you for your message Carl.
I am delighted to hear that your ESE re-works properly.

Kind regards from Paris
Patrice