Topic: UHER 784s - Capstan Spins, won't play

[sdunscombe]

Hi, I've always enjoyed reading the forums, but never felt the need to add anything yet (or had burning questions to ask)...  Until now!

I just picked up a Uher 784s tape recorder. It's in very good condition. But one thing I'm not so sure about...

When I load tape up into it and press play, the capstan spins and pulls tape through, but neither of the actual reels spin (so a whole bunch of tape quickly bunches up around the playheads).

But when I rewind/search forward, both reel motors work fine. So it seems like somehow they just aren't engaging when play is pressed?

Does anyone know what this problem might be? I thought I might have been threading the tape wrong, but I don't see how that could be...

Any comments greatly appreciated!

Best
SD