Sony Walkman WM-FX999 side a right channel very quiet.

I have new looking Sony Walkman WM-FX999

It plays like new thanks to a new belt from Marian.

The side A plays fine but the right channel is alot quieter than left channel.

I can hear almost mumbling sound too only on the right channel.

Side B is perfect.

I presume Side A and B would use the same audio circuitry on the board.

thanks

 

Yes and no. All Autoreverse Walkman I have seen use a 4 track head so the signal path for side A and B will be different around the heads.
It is also possible that there is a problem with the tape path, for example something causing the tape to not touch the head properly on just one side.
The mumbling you hear could be a trace of Side B being played backwards.

 

This model has 2 separate heads for playback A and B and only 1 pinch roller in the middle.

 

I see what you mean

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/saka_matra_miscellaneous/10513102074/

according to that only four Walkmans ever used that arrangement.

It actually makes it more likely that one head of the two heads is out of alignment.
With a normal four track single head Walkman at least you know that the spacing between the tracks is going to be correct.

With this one I presume there must be azimuth adjustments for each of the two heads, and you could have one direction set perfectly and the other direction way out.

 

thanks I will check that