I need some help from the BIG users of the TASCAM 234

[losfer words]

First of all hello to everyone
I'm new in this forum and I have read it thoroughly. I hope I am not repeating previous threads'. (I couldn't find any that was fully related to my questions, so I'm starting a new one).

First of all, I was lucky enough to be given a 234 for free
I am mainly using various DAW systems for my recordings and they sound really cool. BUT... when I started with this whole recording thing it was with a little Fostex cassette 4 track. I love the whole digital clean and pristine sound (for whenever you need it) but I love the cassette 4 track garage sound aggression (to put it somehow) for many other things. And now I have the opportunity to maybe combine the two concepts.

Problem number 1
One of the belts is broken (the flat and wide one). I tried to take it apart but since my screw driver skills are quite lame to say the least, so when I started to dismantle it I got to a point where I didn't dare to go any further just in case because I don't know in which order and how the thing should be undone. If somebody here could give me some hints/tips/guidance/prayers I will try to do it again but I don't want to destroy the poor thing because of my ignorance and lack of skill...

Problem number 2
Assuming that the belt is on and everything is ready for action... how would you go about syncing software like protools or logic audio with the 234? I've read in another couple of threads that the 234 cannot act as slave in a chain. So that could be a bit of a problem. if I try to remix some prerecorded tracks and run them at the same time with some of the older digital tracks pitch or sync problems from both ends may happen. The ideal situation for me would we having a cassette 4track that can operate as the DAW slave...

Any suggestions anyone?

a million thanks in advance to everybody

 

[A Reel Person]

Hi...

The 234 can only act as timecode master in a sync setup. The 134 is the only 4-track cassette (that I know of) that can do slave sync.

The belt repair on the 234 requires almost a total teardown of the unit. From memory it would be hard, but I seem to remember having to (A) remove the tape mech entirely from the chassis to gain clear access to the flywheel area (back of the mechanism), & (B) loosen the bracket enough to slip the belt through and around the flywheel.

Maybe in time I could work up some pics of a 234 disassembly, if by chance I'd do this repair job again, which is likely.

These pics are of the 134.

 

[losfer words]

REEL PERSON

Thanks a lot for the quick and excellent help you offered!
the 134 looks excellent for my purpose but they seem to be pretty hard to find isnt it? what would be a reasonable price to pay for a 134 assuming I ever come across one?

I am also impressed with your description of how to take apart the 234. One of my problems was that I didnt have enough room to maneuver due to the tightness of the cables running across the mechanism. I'd undone all the screws in that section and loosen every single component inside, but it got to the point that those cables weren't letting me do much and I could feel a tragic ending coming if I carried on pulling... If you have any word of advice it is much appreciated.

If you go ahead with the belt replacement of your unit let me know please since those pictures could be extremely helpful.

I also thought that once I manage to take the whole thing apart I might as well replace more components like both belts heads etc. Which parts would you recommend replacing in order to make the thing work fine for a little longer?

Cheers!

 

[A Reel Person]

...

To remove the cassette mechanism from the chassis, you must unplug and unbundle the wires that connect from the mech to places around the unit. There may be a hold down screw or bundling wire to loosen. Be careful about all the connectors, their location, orientation, etc. Getting the connectors back on correctly is critical to your success.

If the FF/RW function & takeup motion of the right spindle showed some problem, it would be another teardown to get to the FF/RW clutch mechanism. I'd not mess with this unless you really have to. The head is moved up/down by a smaller square belt too, which IIRC is easy to replace if you need to.

I'd not touch the heads or worry about anything else until the main belt is replaced, then put it thru it's paces.

 

[A Reel Person]

Ps:...

The 134 typically sells for $99-$125 (est), though I passed on this one just the other day that sold for less than $50.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tascam-134B-Syncaset-4-Track-Cassette-Recorder_W0QQitemZ110174053126
Tascam 134B Syncaset 4 Track Cassette Recorder Item number: 110174053126
Bidding has ended for this item
Winning bid: US $43.42
Ended: Oct-02-07 05:13:05 PDT
Shipping costs: US $17.00
UPS Ground
Service to United States
Ships to: United States
Item location: Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
History: 4 bids
Winning bidder: eli_c( 90)


They're called sleeper deals for a reason,... that most people (like me) are asleep when the auction closes. If I had my wits about me at 5:13am, I might have picked this one up, but for that & other budgetary concerns I passed.