Tascam 38 & 48 button problem?

[Muckelroy]

Hello, I was just looking for a nice 1/2" 8 track tape machine to work with in the future, and a trustworthy source told me that the Tascam 38 and 48, (and possibly other models in this "series") all have a major weakness in the buttons (?)

He told me that behind each button is a thin, brittle plastic rod, (breakable, obviously), and if you use the buttons extensiveley, the rods can easily bend, break, and dub the button non-functional. He told me the exact same mechanism is on the remote's buttons, too.

He also told me that Tascam no longer makes replacement "button rods", and they would be EXTREMELY HARD to find. Even if I could find some, they would be new old stock, are a pain in the a$$ to replace on the machine.

Now, is this true? Can I get some feedback from somebody who uses one of these machines ALOT? How reliable have the buttons been? Is that plastic mechanism really there? Is it also on the TSR-8? Should I worry about it if I was to just be using this thing for home-studio use, once every few weeks for 5-6 hours at a time?

I would appreciate some input! I've heard nothing but good things about this series of Tascams, but I'm just trying to be the Devil's advocate, and see what weaknesses are inherent in these models.

THANKS!!!

-Muckelroy-

[A Reel Person]

I know he's your friend, a trusted source, and I'm not jack as far as you know, but I've had the 38 since 83 had have never had a problem with the buttons. Picked up another 38, used, about 3 years ago, and the buttons are fine. Got a 3rd Tascam 38 at some previous time, which UPS commenced to drop on all sides, and practically everything was smashed, except the buttons.

I don't happen to agree that the buttons are a weak point of the 38. That's by my experience, and YMMV.

[Herm]

Your friend is confused. The rod he is talking about is metal. Not plastic. The buttons are plastic and there are plastic incased contacts on the back of the switch panel.
I have two of these machines and a 34 tascam with the same buttons and I do not have a problem with any of them.
I can see where if someone was heavy on the buttons they could break but that is true of most gear.
And if there was a case where you broke them it would not be hard to fix as long as you get the part. Its just 4 small screws and a plug and your done once you get the face of the machine off that is. Here is a pic the rod and side of the switches.
As far as weaknesses I would say the biggest thing to worry about is if you get it from someone on ebay, Are they honest enough to tell you if the machine works or not.
The capstan belts are starting to go on thease machines now if they havnt been changed that is a about a 15.00 dollar item from tascam also the pinch roller is about a 30.00 deal if it needs replacing.
Another problem is getting one to your door in one piece. It needs to be packed well enough to handle a 5 or 6 feet drop. cause the shipping companys will do all they can to break it for you.
The tascam 38 is a great machine if you can find one in good working order you will never be sorry you bought it. They have sound that the digital boy,s just wish they could get.

And Reel check you pm

[Muckelroy]

First of all, I'm a bit confused as to the point of view on that photo? What exactly am I looking at there?

Other than that, thanks alot for the info, I suppose the person who told me this just had a bad experience with his 38 back in the day. who knows. Then again, he's also a digital nut, so he probably made that up to try and convert me to the dark side.

I'll definately go the Tascam route, then, since it's the best intersection of cost, value, quality, durability, and usefulness. Thanks alot for the info!

-Muckelroy-

[Herm]

Sorry I didnt exsplain about the pic.
That is the rod inside of the machine you said was plastic. I just happen to have the face off of a 34 when you ask the questions about the 38. The 38 and 34 have the same switch assembly.