Tape head demagnetization

If it's possible to see the head's tape surface from outside, a bright light may be helpful to closely examine the surface.. any signs that the surface is worn/wavy indicates that the head is worn out.

I never owned a radio/tape player where the volume was equal for both, but if the volume is very limited for tapes, checking the head surface for either dirt or wear would be worthwhile.

Extending the reach of a demagnitizer may be possible (there are some types with numerous interchangeable tips) using a piece of steel rod (aligned end-to-end if the existing tip isn't removable), but the head surface should be protected from contact by the end of the rod (thick paint coating, nail polish, thin tape etc).

-- Cheers, WB .............

Much of the audible 'squeek' noise may be the fault of the housing, rather than the tape itself. Transfering the reels to a new case may fix that. Labels can also be transfered, if the fix works.

In some instances, the case was defective on first transfer, so the audible jitter was included in that transfer - no way around this.

RL

You mention the capstan, I would also check the rubber roll very carefully. After years it often gets little tears in the rubber and it may be deformed and therefor not be guiding the tape correctly anymore. They are cheap and relatively easy to replace.

Greetings, Rene