The Squelette is a reel-to-reel tape transport from Metaxas & Sins, the company founded by designer Kostas Metaxas. Its defining feature is the absence of pinch rollers - Metaxas & Sins describes it as the first reel-to-reel transport built without any kind of pinch roller.
Engineering and use context
Instead of pressing the tape against the capstan with a rubber roller, the Squelette uses a dual capstan layout. All motors are direct-driven, so the machine contains no rubber parts at all - no belts, idlers or rollers that would harden or wear with age.
Alternatives
Metaxas & Sins also builds the T-RX Tourbillon reel-to-reel tape machine.