Tascam 388...$500

[darrin_h2000]

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/msg/1210526309.html

Is this a good deal?

[cjacek]

Yes, it is a good deal, especially if it's local and if it's not worn out. Do expect to replace the pinch roller / capstan belt but those are routine, inexpensive, easy jobs due on a machine this vintage. Be sure to check the heads and all the functions before committing to the purchase. The 388 is a great unit, a one of a kind, a portastudio on steroids, if you will and has a cult like following among the analogue folk, all for good reason. I've got a manual somewhere, in pdf, if you ever need one.

[cjacek]

So, did you end up getting the 388?

[darrin_h2000]

I ended up getting a new 2488 neo...I needed more tracks...but I did think that setup was cool...I remember another thing like this that used a beta tape and was a 12 track machine...was that a fostex? or a tascam?...I forgot...but I saw one in a pawn shop a few years back...but I had bought my akai.

BTW...he still has this thing in case anyone is interested...one of us should have it.

[cjacek]

It's interesting that the 12 track beta cassette thing, that you mention, was made by Akai, models MG1212 and MG1214. It never caught on, probably due to its proprietary tape format, unlike the 388, which uses cheap, readily available 1/4" tape on 7" reels. Anyway, a bit of interesting trivia... Enjoy your 2488.