Rickson Gracie
New member
Can you connect a remote to the 388 like you can with other reel records?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tascam 388's go for roughly 500+shipping on ebay pretty often, give or take regarding condition. As Cjacek says, try and talk this guy down no matter what he tells you.
When you get to see it, you can try to check if the transport functions work. I just bought mine and play didn't work. This probably meant that the capstan motor or capstan belt wasn't working (my belt had actually fallen apart over time apparently). This seems to be a fairly common occurrence among 388's and other reel to reel's as well. If the unit is powered on, you can check the capstan motor by lifting the right most tape guide and listening for the motor. The 388 will require some maintenance but it pays off entirely.
If he lets you get at the 388, get it. They are a very fun piece of equipment. I have had mine for only a few days(working) and I can't get over how exciting it is. I've been mixing the same song over and over. It is now the heart of my studio.
I don't remember about the mike pres any more.
You can use whatever reel type you like. I used a plastic feed and a metal take-up on mine usually.
If it's one of the big master VU meters, changing the bulb is no picnic but is doable. Changing the bulbs on the channel VU's is such a pain that I quit doing it after a while.
Great machines, kind of fussy, butbuilt like tanks and actually less maintenance-prone than a lot of other more expensive pieces.