I have a vintage Craig reel to reel tape recorder I bought in 1969. It has been in the attic for 30 or more years and needs some love. I have searched everywhere for a service manual. If anybody has any access to such or know of source, I would really like to purchase one or a good Xerox copy.

 

You didn’t say what year your model is. Here’s a 1972, obviously there were changes but it might be a fair start at a good price.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15437743814...Cclp%3A2047675

 

Craig High Quality Service Manuals User Owner Instruction Manuals Schematics Brochures Literature Printed PDF (some FREE) (stereomanuals.com)

 

that is a portable, not a console model. Not the same electronics or belts. Thanks anyway.

 

Tried to get a response from these people and got no response. The last activity from them I can find was in 2017.

 

We should have known you had a console? Let’s guess the year and model?

 

have you tried the Audiokarma site or this one : https://www.hifiengine.com/

I frequent both as they've been great sources of info for vintage audio gear.

 

My Dual 1229 turntable also needs some help. Found a guy in Durham NC who services turntables- just before the plague came. So that's been on hold for over two years...

I have a 1987-ish Kenwood receiver that one day just would not power up. Took it to a local electronic tech who has been searching for a schematic for it since 2018. Apparently this super-duper A/V capable receiver was made for only a few months in 1986 and 1987, and even Kenwood itself no longer supports it in any way.

Come to think of it, I bought it from Stereo Sound in Greensboro NC at closeout. But it rocked for 30 years! And you can't find a good receiver that has a phono input now.

Time was owning a nice component stereo system was a rite of passage and a point of honor for a music lover. The crap audio equipment available now is nowhere near high fidelity IMO. They can have their iPods and earbuds. If you can't feel a power chord and drum and bass thunder rattling your body, you're not listening to music as it was meant to be heard.

This was first LP I played on the 1229 after I got it home, set up, and connected to the Technics receiver I had (still have), driving a pair of Advents. Proper rocknroll- heavy, arcane, and LOUD!

 

you can run a turntable through an external phono pre-amp unit that plugs into the input of your newer receivers / amps that don't have built-in phono inputs.

External phono amps are relatively small in size and range from inexpensive to oh-wow, depending on how 'audiophile' you wanna get with your turntable sound quality.

I run restored/modded vintage tuner, amp and turntable gear in a number of places throughout my home and nothing rocks like the early to mid-70s gear - not cheap to recap and replace/modify filter paths, align, etc. but beyond well worth the result, especially if you splurge for audiophile-grade electronic part upgrades....

 

Hifiengine.com is a great source, also post your request on audiokarma.com. Craig made some fairly high quality gear back then. Mostly known for their budget priced auto audio equipment, but might surprise you.

I have in my collection (bottom in photo) a 5503 Craig Receiver, made in Japan, 50 WPC, circa 1978. Fairly rare with a heavy robust build, large wood cabinet, and huge power supply. Sonically and cosmetically quite beautiful!

 

😍🥰

 

What is that quad pioneer in the middle? Looks similar in age to the SX-9000, of which my old man has a couple.

I've recently expanded my rig to include a Marantz 4000 and 300DC, which is a quad pre-amp and 150 wpc stereo power amp, respectively, for some rear channels.

 

What has posts 8 thru 12 have to do with my question?

 

Since 8 is mine, I was making the point that you aren't the only one trying to find resources to repair this old ****. Note that an electronic tech who's been working since late 70s can't find schematic on a mid 80s KW unit, which even though 30+ years old is modern compared to a 53-year old tape deck made by a company who was more known for car stereo and doubtfully supports any of their older equipment.

www.craigelectronics.com if you want to try. Or look for a Sams Photofacts service page.

If you would like I'll gladly delete my posts and back out of the discussion.

 

You need to post the model number of your Craig if you want more information, there are numerous models out there, i have at least 6 reel to reels and love them, good luck

 

Craig 2408 same as a Sanyo MR-920

 

Looks like these guys sell (sold) a reproduction service manual for the 2408. As posted previously, but apparently website may be dead.
You still may find some joy posting on audiokarma. Also as a reminder vintage electronic service manuals typically describe disassembly and adjustments, but often lack “how to fix” particular issues. Certainly exploded views and parts lists are very helpful. Much can be learned by careful disassembly and observation as well. Good luck to you.

Also, just trying to help, not be unnecessarily repetitive, off topic, or hijack.

http://www.stereomanuals.com/man/rep/craig/index.htm