R
Ryan Power
New member
I recently acquired a 34B in good shape from a dealer in Toronto. Traded a Pioneer and three Dual turntables that I had $60 in so I think I got a good deal. After fixing the tension arm mechanicals (strings disconnected due to seized metal drums, which i cleaned and regreased), cleaning/lubing the capstan flywheel and thoroughly cleaning everything in the tape path, it seems the deck is good to go for use. I may get a new belt but the one on there seems fresh. The date stamps on the meters indicate that this deck would have been sold in early 1987. I'm loving the build quality inside this unit and the four discrete channel boards in the bottom. I've longed for a Tascam deck for many years after owning a couple '70s Teacs (A4010S and A3300S-2T which is my 1/2-track pride and joy, only to be replaced by a 32 when I find one as it would be nice to have a half-track a bit newer than 1974).
The only problem with the machine is that all the meter bulbs are burned out. I read no conductivity on my multimeter across any of the bulb connections on the meters. Does anyone know the voltage/current spec for these bulbs? Gotta have em all glowing! The tape counter vacuum display is also quite dim from use, would this still be available from TEAC or would I have to hunt for parts?
By chance I found a DX-4D dbx unit for $25CDN at another store in Toronto last week, so I'm covered for noise reduction. The next thing on the radar is a matching 4-bus Tascam mixer.
Is there much else that should be replaced for good measure? I may go ahead with a new belt just to be safe. The pinch roller looks okay for now, a little oil of wintergreen should freshen it up good (a trick I learned years ago from a tech).
The only problem with the machine is that all the meter bulbs are burned out. I read no conductivity on my multimeter across any of the bulb connections on the meters. Does anyone know the voltage/current spec for these bulbs? Gotta have em all glowing! The tape counter vacuum display is also quite dim from use, would this still be available from TEAC or would I have to hunt for parts?
By chance I found a DX-4D dbx unit for $25CDN at another store in Toronto last week, so I'm covered for noise reduction. The next thing on the radar is a matching 4-bus Tascam mixer.
Is there much else that should be replaced for good measure? I may go ahead with a new belt just to be safe. The pinch roller looks okay for now, a little oil of wintergreen should freshen it up good (a trick I learned years ago from a tech).
The belts didn't appear to be anything spectacular either and I guess nobody can really guarantee how old anybody's stock is on that stuff.