Problem with MD8 -please help!

[quadrajet]

Hello everyone,
I've used an MD4S for years and I just bought a yamaha MD8 recorder. I know it's old school, but I absolutely love the thing. I am having a couple of problems with it however.It's in great condition but it does seem to have one glitch - it often "freezes" in between functions. For example, if you have a disc with 4 songs and use the song search button to skip from one to the next, it will often get stuck trying to begin playback. In fact, it seems like anytime you use the playback function, it has a 50/50 chance of freezing up. I can hear the motor working, but it takes a long time (sometimes 3 to 4 minutes or more) for it to perform the selected function. Is this a common problem? If so,can it be remedied? I thought it might have been a bad disc at first, but it did the same thing with several others as well.
To top it all off, it also displayed an error message "Error 07" on a separate occasion.
What is most likely the problem? Are parts still made so I can get it fixed? Is it going to end up costing more to get it repaired than it's worth? Please tell me I'm not wasting my time - I'd really hate to have to get rid of it!

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Jets of four:

I also used the MD8 for a time and it's a fun box. I'm thinking that part or all of your problem is that you're not pressing the stop button to register your TOC or table of contents.

I recently cranked up my MD8 to check some discs and it was LOCKED. I fooled around with it a while and finally got it to unlock. Then, I discovered I left a disc in the box and think that I shut it down without registering the TOC in memory. I also saw the error 7 message but it cleared up.

So, I guess the thing is: don't leave a disc in the box when you shut it down and remember to push the STOP button a couple of times when you're using the box so you update the TOC.

Green Hornet

[quadrajet]

Thanks for the reply GH. The first time it happened I thought it might be the TOC edit too, but that's not the case because it will do it even when there are no changes made to a disc.

I emailed yamaha tech support and was REALLY surprised with how fast they got back to me. This is what they had to say...
"The Error 7 message indicates that the head is having problems reading the disc. Unfortunately, this type of problem can only be fixed at Yamaha. Local servicers do not have the tools or experience neccessary.A rough estimate for this type of repair is typically about $150."

I bought the thing on ebay and (of course) the seller made no mention of this little glitch. Guess what? He's not answering my emails about it either. Anyhow, I'll probably have to go ahead and send it in. They said it's about a 3 week turnaround. Wonder how accurate that is.

BTW- the "jets of four" thing was pretty funny! The name is a dual meaning inspired by the carburator from old muscle cars and my hobby of off-roading four wheelers.

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Jets of Four & Carburation supreme:}

Sorry to hear that you have a $$ repair problema.

You might want to take a look at the Yamaha digital trackers, three models, AWG16 very popular and has a site for support.

I use the 2816 by Yamaha; however, I began with a 4 tracker, then two 488 eight trackers, then the MD8 and now the digital 2816.

I never would buy anything on E-Bay -- too risky. But, everyone makes choices. I would suggest you look at the digital boxes, some of which are about the same price as a new MD8 -- but the "sound" is superior.

Glad that I hit the nail on the head about carburation and speed and your hobby. Sometimes I get lucky. I enjoy twisting name handles around a bit as I am a retired English Composition teacher and used to teach my students how to mess with the language.

Hey, have a great day and send warm air towards Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Green Hornet