Best affordable reasonable tape machine for a semi-novice

[Hi_Flyer]

Tascam 38s seem to be the easiest to find in the 1/2" 8 track format. Otari stuff is also very nice. I have an MX5050-8 that I incorporate into a digital/analog hybrid setup.

Tascam 388s are another intriguing beast in the "Portastudio" format; 1/4" 8-track deck + mixer all in one. If you could find one in your area (in decent working condition at a decent price) I would jump on that if I were you. It would be a nice intro to the reel to reel world.

You're in a major metropolitan area, so I suggest craigslist. There are probably tons of decent reel to reel decks between Portland/Tacoma/Seattle. Place a "want to buy" (WTB) ad and see where that gets you. Thats how I found my decks in Pittsburgh. Buying local is great advice as other posters already suggested. it doesn't hurt to look on ebay, but I wouldn't try to buy anything thats not within driving distance for pickup.

A couple words of caution...

1- Tape is fun and cool, but its alot of work. Reel to reel decks require upkeep and maintenance; either you learn to do it yourself (and be prepared for a learning curve) or you find somebody to do it for you and pay them alot of money. With old tape decks, you can easily end up doing more tinkering then recording, especially if you get a deck in less than perfect working order.

2- There are hidden expenses like calibration tapes, demaggers, cabling to hook up the mixer, oscilloscopes, the cost of blank tapes, etc...

so just be prepared.

 

[sweetbeats]

Excellent advice from Hi_Flyer.

I've found my very best "deals" through craigslist for sure.

And, SteveM, I think that's my vantage point with calling the 22-4 listing a bit pricey...kind of a narrow view I guess......that mixer is a Model 2 isn't it? Which I understand not to be a real winner...So I'm thinking I've seen 22-4's typically going for $200-ish (like this example), the DX-4D's can typically be had for $50-ish, and I don't feel the mixer is worth $125...seems you can get an M30, M35, M-208 or even an M-308 for that price...

So that's where I was coming from. Nothing against the 22-4 at all, nor am I trying to steer remoter away from a local offering that may be a good fit.

 

[hungovermorning]

Never underestimate the benefits of being able to get a machine locally. My uncle who has been a tech for years gave me the best analogy, it's as delicate as a watch movement, but bulky and heavy. Even with a properly packed machine, a lot of terrible things can happen.

 

[SteveM]

..So I'm thinking I've seen 22-4's typically going for $200-ish (like this example), the DX-4D's can typically be had for $50-ish, and I don't feel the mixer is worth $125...seems you can get an M30, M35, M-208 or even an M-308 for that price...

Cool, that IS pretty inexpensive. Like I said I don't know anything about the 22-4. I've never used or seen one but in pictures but they look decent. Good point about the mixers too.

 

[sweetbeats]

Again, I understand th 22-4 to be a fine deck, and 1/4" tape on 7" reels is relatively really affordable, so its something to think about, but if it were me I'd be waiting, but the nice thing about the 22-4 setup is that its all there. Dunno if I'm helping you or not...

I got my 48 and 58 decks as a pair for $250...that was good fortune. I got my M-520 for $80 total, but it was a 700 mile trip and sleuthing to track down the power-supply. Also had to make the power umbilical...got the Tascam M-___ board for free thanks to shoulderpain, but it was a 2300 mile round-trip and lots of investigative work to create a power supply, make the cable, blah blah blah. SO...My point is that if you wait you can find some incredible deals, and sometimes cheap comes with a price of tinkering as mentioned very well by Hi_Flyer.

 

[cjacek]

Never underestimate the benefits of being able to get a machine locally. My uncle who has been a tech for years gave me the best analogy, it's as delicate as a watch movement, but bulky and heavy. Even with a properly packed machine, a lot of terrible things can happen.

Amen to that!