Life of playback head after being lapped?

hvbias

Well-Known Member
Jun 22, 2012
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New England area
I haven't had much luck getting in contact with JRF (tried jrf [at] jrfmagnetics). Any rough ideas how many hours of use can be had from a lapped Studer playback head? Thanks
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
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Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
I haven't had much luck getting in contact with JRF (tried jrf [at] jrfmagnetics). Any rough ideas how many hours of use can be had from a lapped Studer playback head? Thanks

It depends on the percentage of wear before relap

I'd say a few thousand hours on average
 

c1ferrari

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 15, 2010
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I haven't had much luck getting in contact with JRF (tried jrf [at] jrfmagnetics). Any rough ideas how many hours of use can be had from a lapped Studer playback head? Thanks

I presume it depends on the percentage of head life available following the relap and how well the tape path is aligned.
If you need a recommendation in addition to JRF, I have been using John Austin at Sprague Magnetics: http://www.sprague-magnetics.com/pro_audio_film.htm

He is an expert.
:cool:
 

RogerD

VIP/Donor
May 23, 2010
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BiggestLittleCity
I think 50 pct is the make or break point. John is very busy , the last time I talked to him he told me he had more work than he could remember. So give him time to answer.
 
Last edited:

hvbias

Well-Known Member
Jun 22, 2012
578
38
940
New England area
Thanks guys. I try to use the search as much as possible to answer my basic questions, but I couldn't find info on this.
 

RogerD

VIP/Donor
May 23, 2010
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BiggestLittleCity
John called me this morning,my MR70 1/2 inch done. He is still very busy.
 

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