REPLACEMENT PINCH WHEELS (CAPSTAN IDLER) FOR AMPEX TAPE RECORDERS

AVAILABLE NOW

Some of my pinch wheels are currently available on ebay.  Search for seller name "altoclar" to view current listings.

We have contracted with an experienced vendor to manufacture Ampex-style pinch wheels.  These are made from fresh precision-ground nitrile/Buna-N synthetic rubber on a computer-manufactured aluminum core with a fresh bronze bearing.  These parts will long outlast rollers made from urethane.

The 440-style wheel has a larger aluminum core and a smaller rubber periphery but is the same overall diameter as the roller used on Ampex 300, 350, 351, 354 transports (Ampex changed to a newer wheel with the 440 to improve tape guidance).  These wheels are direct replacement for any quarter-inch or half-inch Ampex with a stock Ampex capstan-idler assembly.

Note that pinch wheels are also called pressure rollers, pinch rollers, or capstan idlers.  The capstan-idler assembly includes a replacement wheel and associated parts (see below).

Price: $150 (including shipping to USA) with appropriate shims and a fresh retaining ring.  This is less than half the cost (in inflation-adjusted dollars) of what similar replacement wheels cost back in the 1980s  (I know... I was there).  Today, we benefit from computer-aided manufacturing.

Read this service bulletin to learn how to replace your core and to view photos of the core.

Price subject to change without notice.

This is a MADE IN USA product.

You will need to transfer the following parts to make a functional capstan-idler assembly:

• dust cap
• dust-cap spring
• retaining (groove-locking) ring
• felt oil washer
• brass shims (the number of which may require adjustment for optimal end play)

If you are not comfortable doing the above, add $50 and I will assemble for you after you send me your complete capstan-idler assembly.

Due to high tooling cost, the following rollers are not available at this time:

• "VIF" style, as supplied by various aftermarket companies such as VIF (may also be marked W. White). These have a single ball-bearing assembly. 
• "ElectroSound" style, as supplied by various aftermarket companies. This is a two-piece core with conical cross-section. Has two holes in the dust cap to permit removal with a spanner wrench. These have two ball-bearing assemblies.