Aiwa TPR-950H Tape Head

[mankam77]

Hi, New Register member , but many years read, search and learn here
I have two open project this time Sharp GF-9191 and Aiwa TPR 950H,
Quick question is this tape head need replace?

 

[BoomboxLover48]

It needs a good cleaning with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. The pinch roller rubber looks good to me with no cracks or hardening, also needs cleaning along with the capstan.
If the sound is good, it might not need head demagnetization.

After cleaning look from a glanced angle if there is wear on the head surface. If there is wear you will see a depression on the smooth head surface.

 

[caution]

The play head's surface is missing material. Using it would probably damage the tape.

 

[floyd]

I would clean it up then you can see if it's of any use . use a cassette that you can spare to experiment with that you don't have any thing to lose. A cassette head cleaner does a good job of scrubbing the layers of crud that build up on the top.