Ghost:
I ran it last night by pushing on
the tape-stop switch with a pencil. The transport works, but the pinch-roller mechanism is really stiff. The solenoid can't engage it without help. Gonna have to pull it apart to see what's up with that. Hopefully it's just a lubrication issue. This thing obviously sat in a garage for a
long time.
Don't have any way to post a pic of my machine. No digital camera or scanner. It's identical to the one above, though I think mine looks a bit better.
I found the inside part of the stop arm hanging inside the machine by it's spring. It looks like the outer part was just broken off. I plan on getting a new arm for it if it turns out the rest of the machine is worth the trouble. From what I've been able to dig up on the net TEAC is pretty good about parts for older machines.
Derek:
Yeah, I have been known to fabricate a few things out of neccesity.
Rather just R&R though.
It is the "original" machine with the three position switch just like the one above. The switch seems to work fine, but thanks for the heads-up.
Everything inside looks to be in good shape too. The rubber & plastic looks like new. I don't think this thing saw much use. The electronics have a couple issues: there seems to be too much noise in the R channel. Maybe caps. It's a steady hiss that's a lot like tape noise, with occasional crackling/breakup. Seems to be getting better though the longer it's on.
On the upside this thing does sound quite good. I'd almost forgotten what it's like to work with VU meters.
Looks like I'll be ordering a service manual, and a stop arm.
Looking forward to tracking some drums with this thing.
Thanks dudes!