388 Question...

[MULEFAN]

Hey- got my 388 from my friend last night. Gonna start doing some testing later today. Here's my first question- what exactly is the tape lifter mechanism for? I don't have the 388 manual yet, should be getting that in a day or two. Thanks in advance.
Steve Z.

 

[jpmorris]

Hey- got my 388 from my friend last night. Gonna start doing some testing later today. Here's my first question- what exactly is the tape lifter mechanism for? I don't have the 388 manual yet, should be getting that in a day or two. Thanks in advance.
Steve Z.

The tape lifter is two prongs that hold the tape away from the heads. In normal operation they are retracted so the tape contacts the head. In rewind and fast-forward modes, they are extended to lift the tape up, which prevents the heads wearing down prematurely from high-speed contact against the tape.

 

[MULEFAN]

Thanks- that is pretty much what I assumed.
Steve Z.

 

[technoplayer]

...and the white tape lifter lever in the recessed slot to the right of the tape transport controls allows you to defeat the lifters during fast wind to listen for cue points on the tape. Not something you want to do often as it wears the heads faster, and can put out excessive volume. Good for chipmunk effects...