Good analog eight track recorder

[chad etchison]

I'm looking to buy a good condition Otari/Tascam or related eight track machine.

Anyone have one for sell or leads to a good machine?

[cjacek]

First off, look ONLY locally. Forget shipping. craigslist.com is your friend and so is eBay but only in your area where you can check it out and do a pickup.

Some models to lookout for: TASCAM 38, 48, 58, the OTARI MX5050 series, TEAC 80-8.

Look over the machine you're buying, check it, do you 'due diligence'. Condition of machine is more important than the model or brand.

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[avieth]

Let's not overlook the Fostex R8 or E8. They may not match a Teac/Tascam or Otari machine, but my R8 has served me well.

Otherwise, what he said^

[analogkid]

Heck I'd take an Fostex R8 over and 80-8, assuming they are in the same condition. TASCAM makes great decks but the 80-8 is just not one of my favorites. The 38 is sweet, and the 48 and 58 are great choices also.


AK

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by analogkid

I'd take an Fostex R8 over and 80-8, assuming they are in the same condition.

Why is that, AK?

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[hungovermorning]

Originally Posted by analogkid

Heck I'd take an Fostex R8 over and 80-8, assuming they are in the same condition. TASCAM makes great decks but the 80-8 is just not one of my favorites. The 38 is sweet, and the 48 and 58 are great choices also.


AK

But Tascam still makes parts. Fostex doesn't even make a single belt. Just something to remember.

[cjacek]

Originally Posted by hungovermorning

But Tascam still makes parts. Fostex doesn't even make a single belt. Just something to remember.

Yeah, I was just gonna say that. It's very easy to get parts for the 80-8 and even rebuild it. The parts are mostly off the shelf. It's a simple machine and very reliable and built like a brick sh.... well you know the rest.

The Fostex R8, while a good machine, cannot even compete in the same class as the 80-8.

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[hungovermorning]

Originally Posted by cjacek

Yeah, I was just gonna say that. It's very easy to get parts for the 80-8 and even rebuild it. The parts are mostly off the shelf. It's a simple machine and very reliable and built like a brick sh.... well you know the rest.

The Fostex R8, while a good machine, cannot even compete in the same class as the 80-8.

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I've owned them both and you're absolutely correct.

[analogkid]

I've used the 80-8 and the 38 extensively back in the 80s, recording local bands, In my opinion, the 80-8 simply has a poorer sound than the 38. My memory alsao tells me the 80-8 wasn't as reliable - but that is likely a subjective opinion.


AK

[Rickson Gracie]

dont forget the TSR-8 (my choice) or the 388 if you want get a mixer plus recorder in one complete package albeit 1/4 inch.

[cjacek]

Oh yeah, the TSR-8 / 388... Thanks for mentioning it.

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[_brian_]

I love my R8 it's the first and only reel to reel I own so listen to others advice as I'm completely blinkered. But what I can tell you is that I had a problem with the fluctuating speed of the machine & since I've owned it and read up I've found that it's indeed very common. My R8 doesn't have that probem now though and I think it may be down to lack of use. Since I've used it all the time I've had no problems, but it was a scare when I first got it. So if your nerves are somewhat in question - buy something that can be more easilly repaired or at least has good resources for a repair!! The R8's do seem to go pretty cheaply on ebay in the UK anyway & they're fairly common so I thought it was worth the risk. I could have bought two R8's for the price tascam machines go for.

PS the R8 sounds amazing, takes the mickey out of my D-90 all day. I use the D-90 for the completion of ideas & arrangments then I turn to the R8 for the final take