Another Tascam 388 Question......Just got one, need a few pointers, thanks!

[greggm45]

Hey There,

New to the boards here, but they are awesome. Have already provided me with tons of help.

Anywho, just picked up a Tascam 388. Been wantin' one forever, and finally drove down to NYC to pick one up off someone on Craigslist. (got lucky).

Anywho, brought it back, everything seemed to be good, except when I hit play, it would just click & stop. Rewind & Fastforward worked fine, but play, nothing.

NOW, I already looked up the issue (on these boards) and found that it was most likely the belt. Sure enough, I took off the back, and the belt was totally shot, super loose. I ordered a new one.

Pretty sure I threaded the tape correctly too (after reading many, many posts about that)!

Just wondering if anyone has any pointers for me, being a 388 newbie. I'm praying that that belt problem is the only thing. Anyone think it could be something else? The motor and all that was running fine, but I believe it was just the belt, just hoping it isn't something serious, cause I wanna get this thing up and going ASAP!

Also, which tape to reccommened/a thread that already discusses this. It came with a spool that seems to have been in there for a while......Wanna start fresh.

Thanks a lot guys, hope to get some feedback.

-Greg

 

[GCalo]

Cory, Sweetbeats, is one of the experts on the 388. I have never opened one yet so I can't help on this.

You will need a service manual, however, to outline a good deal of needed adjustments.

You'll also need isopropyl alcohol to clean up the goop mess from the decayed belt that seems to get everywhere.

Be patient and take your time.

 

[greggm45]

Thanks, GCalo. Yeah, I am considering buying a Manual off E-bay, although you can get it for free off the internet.

Also, Maybe Cory and Sweetbeats can help me with this one too, or maybe I should start another thread.

When I get to recording its going to be mostly drums, guitar, bass, up-right piano and hammond organ. Just wondering if you had any mic-ing techniques for this set-up (especially the keys and organ).

I have recorded on an old 4 track tascam before, and mic-ing the keys and organ were always an issue, but I feel would be much better now with the 388.

Any thoughts?

 

[GCalo]

Cory is Sweetbeats.

Never used a 388 so you'll need to rely on the advice of those her that have used the unit.

I have a .pdf of the Owner's/Maint manual which also includes the service manual for the 388. You are welcome to that.