sweetbeats
Reel deep thoughts...
As often is the case, this thread has its origins elsewhere in some kind of "it followed me home" thread. In this case it is here:
https://homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/analog-recording-and-mixing-tape-and-gear/ahhhh-geeeez-somebody-buy-quick-386055/[SUP][/SUP]
For $450 I picked up...
Some really scary 8-channel RCA-1/4" TS snakes (low quality connectors, poor assembly, LOTS of electrical tape...will probably just hack them up to keep the multi-channel cable, and probably only one of them at that) and a HOSA brand snake of questionable condition:
A box of 1/2" tape and reels (again, scary...will be just keeping the reels and boxes):
A Tascam M-312 (not 'B' version)...haven't even plugged it in yet...has a deformed bottom panel, some weird wiring at the back (maybe for external phantom supply?), is missing the side panels and a couple other bits, and is pretty scungy:
AND...
An early Tascam 58-OU (unbalanced I/O only) with original operation/maintenance manual (needs cleaning up and I don't yet know if it's a complete manual and whether or not it's marked up inside), and factory RM-501 rack ears and period appropriate CS-607 tilting/rolling rack (the stoppers for the tilting mechanism are shot and the frame is really loose/wobbly):
What I know so far about the crown jewel of the catch and subject of this thread, the 58-OU, is this:
• The pinch roller is shot (bad)
• The channel 8 sync LED is bent and up inside the chassis (but still lights...no big deal)
• Spool mode in REW doesn't work (arg)
• The feet are long gone (oh well)
• All lamps and indicators light up and function appropriately
• None of the solenoids are frozen with sticky rubber cushions
• The capstan motor spins up nicely and is really quiet
• All transport functions seem to work aside from REW spool mode
• Reel motors are strong, smooth and quiet when operated
• The chassis looks straight and relatively unscathed for its age (will clean up nice I believe...)
• The heads, guides and lifters all say this is a relatively low hours machine, and the operating condition of the motors seems to support this as well
I haven't rolled tape yet...need tape first...and will need a new pinch roller too. The one on it isn't gooey, but is coming apart when actuated against the capstan shaft. I haven't opened up the cardbay to confirm all cards are there yet. And I don't know if it even passes audio input to output. So, lots to be discovered, but I think I'm pleased with the acquisition. I've always liked the 58. I think it is arguably Tascam's most handsome tabletop 8-track machine.
https://homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/analog-recording-and-mixing-tape-and-gear/ahhhh-geeeez-somebody-buy-quick-386055/[SUP][/SUP]
For $450 I picked up...
Some really scary 8-channel RCA-1/4" TS snakes (low quality connectors, poor assembly, LOTS of electrical tape...will probably just hack them up to keep the multi-channel cable, and probably only one of them at that) and a HOSA brand snake of questionable condition:
A box of 1/2" tape and reels (again, scary...will be just keeping the reels and boxes):
A Tascam M-312 (not 'B' version)...haven't even plugged it in yet...has a deformed bottom panel, some weird wiring at the back (maybe for external phantom supply?), is missing the side panels and a couple other bits, and is pretty scungy:
AND...
An early Tascam 58-OU (unbalanced I/O only) with original operation/maintenance manual (needs cleaning up and I don't yet know if it's a complete manual and whether or not it's marked up inside), and factory RM-501 rack ears and period appropriate CS-607 tilting/rolling rack (the stoppers for the tilting mechanism are shot and the frame is really loose/wobbly):
What I know so far about the crown jewel of the catch and subject of this thread, the 58-OU, is this:
• The pinch roller is shot (bad)
• The channel 8 sync LED is bent and up inside the chassis (but still lights...no big deal)
• Spool mode in REW doesn't work (arg)
• The feet are long gone (oh well)
• All lamps and indicators light up and function appropriately
• None of the solenoids are frozen with sticky rubber cushions
• The capstan motor spins up nicely and is really quiet
• All transport functions seem to work aside from REW spool mode
• Reel motors are strong, smooth and quiet when operated
• The chassis looks straight and relatively unscathed for its age (will clean up nice I believe...)
• The heads, guides and lifters all say this is a relatively low hours machine, and the operating condition of the motors seems to support this as well
I haven't rolled tape yet...need tape first...and will need a new pinch roller too. The one on it isn't gooey, but is coming apart when actuated against the capstan shaft. I haven't opened up the cardbay to confirm all cards are there yet. And I don't know if it even passes audio input to output. So, lots to be discovered, but I think I'm pleased with the acquisition. I've always liked the 58. I think it is arguably Tascam's most handsome tabletop 8-track machine.