So I posted an ad on cragslist awhile back, here's the most promising response so far:
I'll probably have to drive about 2 1/2 hours to pick it up... What do you guys think, should I try to talk him down a bit? I feel like I should at least *try*. I'm not interested in the remote pedal or the de-magger.
Also, he said the unit has never had a calibration or head alignment. Between that and the broken XLR input, I'm thinking I'll want to get it serviced after I get it (I will probably need all channels recording simultaneously so the broken XLR won't do).
How much damage does cigarette smoke do? he said it was NOT in a smoke-free environment...
Any other questions I should ask?
I'm mainly interested in tracking stuff like guitars and drums and bass to tape, then dumping into the PC to mix and do overdub vox etc...
I have one that is fairly low mileage. I got a ProTools digital system about a year ago, but, sadly to date, that hasn't seen very much service either! One of these days...
Anyway, the Tascam 388 works pretty well. It was not in a smoke free environment, but I've cleaned it occasionally over the years. More importantly, I demagnetized and cleaned the heads befor each use with chlor-floro something or other (alcohol can potetially hurt the heads). So, the heads are in good shape. I just used it for the fun of it and working out ideas, not as a commercial demo things for other people. And generally, I barely find time to play guitar most of the time.
The number one channel XLR input does not seem to be functioning. I never looked to see what the problem was because I just bounced the channels over from another fader/input strip; the track/head itself still records to tape. Not sure I ever checked to see if the 1/4" input still works on that channel. I could do that and let you know. And, I think the light for the master VU meter needs to be replaced, but the meter itself works. Other than that, I think it's ok for its age, except for maybe some gum on the vinyl wrist cushion. I put duct tape on to mark the players for the channel strips with grease pencil. I've got some laundry gum remover that will probably take that right off (that time thing again).
I have the manual (and probably the original box). I was hoping to get about $500 for it. I also have a remote for it (that was like a hundred bucks), and I'll throw in the head demagnetizer.
I'll probably have to drive about 2 1/2 hours to pick it up... What do you guys think, should I try to talk him down a bit? I feel like I should at least *try*. I'm not interested in the remote pedal or the de-magger.
Also, he said the unit has never had a calibration or head alignment. Between that and the broken XLR input, I'm thinking I'll want to get it serviced after I get it (I will probably need all channels recording simultaneously so the broken XLR won't do).
How much damage does cigarette smoke do? he said it was NOT in a smoke-free environment...
Any other questions I should ask?
I'm mainly interested in tracking stuff like guitars and drums and bass to tape, then dumping into the PC to mix and do overdub vox etc...