Re-201 low output volume

[Fogflip]

hey guys picked up a re201 locally the other day. the unit seems fine but the output of volume on high seems kinda low just wondering if this is normal and the signal needs a nice boost or do i have to take a look inside and maybe fix a few things. thanks!

[nadafarms]

I would say more than %50 of re-201 space echos are in dire need of serious service, recapping, calibrating, new tape, clean heads, demagnetize heads. lucky if you can get all that done for under $200

If you mean there is low echo volume, then all the above are the reason. if you mean it's got low all around volume then I'm not sure.

there is a website where you can ship it to and the guy will make it sound new again for like $200

[pflosi]

mine doesnt need a boost... comes in nice and loud without further amplification. does the low / mid / high volume switch do anything...?

[sam]

I have a 201/301 and sre555....The 301 has the most lively sound and hottest output followed by the 201.

However the 555 is ok but not as lively...ie It doesn't self oscillate like the others and the signal cuts off earlier.

The heads seem fine and it has a new tape.

I want to service it and i wonder if anyone here has some tips.

I called the Roland service center and they no nothing about head demagnetizing.

[RobotHeroes]

output of volume on high seems kinda low just wondering if this is normal

On mine I noticed the high's getting kinda dull but it turned out to be the tape. I put in a new tape loop and all was well. With that said I would try a new loop first and if it still sounds low then maybe it needs some maintenance.

However the 555 is ok but not as lively...ie It doesn't self oscillate like the others and the signal cuts off earlier.

The heads seem fine and it has a new tape.

I want to service it and i wonder if anyone here has some tips.

I called the Roland service center and they no nothing about head demagnetizing.

When my high's started getting dull I had to crank it to max for it to start to self oscillate and even at max it would barely self oscillate. To degauss/demagnetize you need one of those wands. Just don't touch the heads with the wand. I forget if its you hold it close and slowly back it away or vis versa.

Demagnetizing improves highs but not sure if it helps the self oscillation. There is a little trim pot inside where you can adjust the self oscillation sensitivity. Surely one of the techs than hang around would know why the signal would cut off. Maybe it is the heads and the tape not getting the right contact(dirty, roller might be dirty too).

I once was going to attempt to service mine but I don't have the tools the service manual says you need. If you guys don't have, or can't find, the 201's service manual I can email it to you or post it somewhere(almost 10mb of PNG scans).