cleaning heads on Tascam 388

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pitol678

New member
Hi,

Ive previously cleaned the heads with 99% isopropyl alcohol but my repair guy said not to do this, but didn't offer another option. Does anyone have anything specific ie a link or a brand name of something you prefer to clean tape heads with? Thanks!
 
 
pitol678 said:
Thanks for the reply. Do you think this would work? Just a little cheaper by the oz. if isopropyl is ok to use

https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Isopropyl-Alcohol-Cleaner/dp/B005DNQX3C/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3JY55EV8DXT5A&keywords=99%25+isopropyl+alcohol&qid=1547917888&s=Industrial+%26+Scientific&sprefix=99%25+isopropyl%2Cindustrial%2C1072&sr=1-8
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I don't see why not. A lot of people still use regular 99 percent isopropyl on heads.
Remember, I linked you to a canadian amazon site.
 
j.harv said:
I don't see why not. A lot of people still use regular 99 percent isopropyl on heads.
Remember, I linked you to a canadian amazon site.
Click to expand...

Thannks again! One more question if I may, in a pinch, is it ok to use 91%? For instance, Im doing a session today and realized I cant find my 99% alcohol after I "reorganized."
 
pitol678 said:
Thannks again! One more question if I may, in a pinch, is it ok to use 91%? For instance, Im doing a session today and realized I cant find my 99% alcohol after I "reorganized."
Click to expand...

I would think 91% would be fine in a pinch. I've heard people say "never use 70%," but I've never heard the same thing about 91%.

Regarding 99%, I've never heard anyone say anything is wrong with that, including the people at TASCAM. The majority of people I know (myself included) use 99% and have for years.
 
99% is hard to find. I think most folks here generally consider 91% or better fine to use. That’s what I use. Good quality denatured alcohol is also a good option.
 
sweetbeats said:
99% is hard to find. I think most folks here generally consider 91% or better fine to use. That’s what I use. Good quality denatured alcohol is also a good option.
Click to expand...

I guess it is hard to find locally now that you mention it. I've always ordered it online so I forgot to mention that.
 
This is the stuff I use from MG Chemicals...99.9% pure in 1-quart bottles for $11.81:
824-1L MG Chemicals | Mouser


Mouser also the Techspray brand which is 99.8% pure in 1-pint bottles for $11.83:
1610-P Techspray | Mouser

So if you can make use of the quart from MG Chemicals, it's a much better deal.
Bottom line...it will last longer, and it doesn't go bad...so it made more sense to me. I actually bought 2 quarts at one time about 5 years ago....and I'm almost out on the first quart.
 
We at Teac Factory Service used Denatured alcohol which I still use to this day at my own repair shop.
I suggest it highly.
Isopropyl alcohol is not the solvent used to break down oxide deposits I don't care if it is 70% or 99% it does not work either way.
Ethanol is and had been the way to go in all the shops I have worked at over 45 years.
 
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