I have just bought second hand what looks like a perfect condition EMI pre-recorded cassette tape with music. It starts playing ok but when it gets near the middle of each side, the sound stats to distort and eventuially the tape grinds to a halt. I can fast forward or rewind but clearly the player motor is having a hard time turnignthe spools. I have ff'd and rewound non-stop all the way through several times, shaken the cassette - but to no avail - it will not play beyond about 8 minutes into either side. Very frustrating. The tape itself looks ok - not crinkled or bunched up at all. The casette body looks like new (but I guess must be 10 years plus old). It was bought on e-bay and I have e-mailed the seller about the problem; no info yet on how it was stored etc. It is not a particularly valuable cassette but is a rare version of an album with additional tracks not available elesewhere. So I am really keen to make it playable. Is there a way of fixing the cassette so it can play all the way through without taxing the motor? Grateful for any tips!

Mark

Mark Carvell, May 2006

it sounds like the cassette case has compressed in the middle and is putting up to much of a strain on the drive belt.
When fast forward etc you dont use the belt but a rubber edge wheel so get more power.
You need to split the case and place a block of balsa wood or similar in the centre to keep the faces of the case appart, then re glue the case. This should allow the tape to rub freely on the carbon sheets each side. (you can just tape the case to start with until you are happy with your "padding out")
Chris.

Chris Andrews., September 2006