Fostex model 80 advice.

[beatifictatter]

So after searching for months for a tascam 388 I'm looking at alternatives.
A fostex model 80 has come up pretty near where I live (80 miles..). But concerned about the condition though.

I don't really know what to look for but on these pics the silver bar next to the heads looks worn flat and the silver cylinder to the right looks like it has some kind of discolouration that I guess could be permanent or the seller would have cleaned it off?

Any insight would be great, thanks.

 

[A Reel Person]

...

A fair amount of wear on the tape lifter, but the dirty smudges could probably be cleaned off. Looks like sticky-shed.

The picture of the head is not very clear, but probably has average wear. Regardless, a machine of this age would benefit from calibration & it would probably perform okay.

 

[beatifictatter]

Thanks for the insight. Think I'll probably pick it up and use it to cut my 'hybrid setup' teeth on until I find a 388. I'll also be less scared of breaking it than if i had a 388 so I'll try to learn a little about tape machine servicing/maintenance etc..

 

[A Reel Person]

...

Watch out for burned out LEDs on the meter bars. A very common problem in these units.

 

[beatifictatter]

Thanks, they look ok from pics but I'll mail seller and check.