388 slow rewind/FF

[technoplayer]

I recently acquired a Tascam 388....these things are AWESOME!

The unit works and sounds great with the exception of the rewind and fast foward seem to be very lethargic. With no tape on the unit, and holding up the tensioners, the tables spin at jet engine speed. Load up a tape, however, and it starts slow and speeds up, but nowhere near then speed of the unloaded unit.
I've searched the prior posts, and I don't think the tape is sticky. I am unclear as to what impact the lenght (1200'/1800'/etc) might have on this.
I seem to recall someone posting that one should only use a certain lenght of tape.

Ok I've gone on enuff....any ideas??

 

[A Reel Person]

The length of tape shouldn't affect rewind/ff speed.

The most common thing is for the tape to become sticky.

Another thing to check, is that during Play motion, the two tension arms (L/R) are centered on the bottom edge of the Idler & Tach rollers, respectively. (Picture it, or consult the manual). If the tension arms are not in this position, it may indicate a tension arm is out of adjustment, which would also affect the FF/RW speed, because of the servo driven nature of the beast.

Anyway, it's usually a sticky or marginal roll of tape. Check that first. Also inspect and clean the tape path very thoroughly.

 

[Herm]

The tape does not have to feel sticky to be a problem. I would try a new reel of tape and like Reel said clean the tape path real well before running it anymore.

 

[technoplayer]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I don't know the vintage of the "new" tape I'm using, so its probably the culprit