Maintenance and Cleaning for Tascam 424 MkIII

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cedrichasaname

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Hi all,

I just joined this forum and I've reading through all the posts about 424's and the likes to try and get my head around things. Anyway, I just purchased a 424 and before I start getting down to properly using it I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to keep it a good working condition considering they're now discontinued etc.

So,

- What would people recommend for cleaning the heads? (Apparently alcohol based cleaner is bad news)

- Cleaning the belt and other parts?

- In general the 4-track is in pretty good condition, however, it's a little bit dusty. Would it be a bad idea to get an air can to blow the dust out of it?

- What sort of demagnetizer do I need?

- Any reccomendations on tape. I found a place that sells Trutone High Bias tape in bulk. Any experiences?

Any help would be awesome. Bear in mind that I'm from Ireland, so we don't have Radioshack or whatever like in the USA.
 
Hey, I'm new to my 424 as well so take what I say with a grain of salt, but it might put you on a lead at least.

For cleaning the heads, I have been recommended isopropyl alcohol (91% or more) that you get at a pharmacy. The capstan I believe needs to be cleaned differently. There's tons of threads, so just look around.

I believe the Han-d mag is the go-to but doubt you need something so powerful to take care of it. Just look around on line, most generic ones that have a wall plug should work.

I use Maxell XL-II High Bias. Try to keep it to 60 minutes or less. Amazon.com has a bulk of 6 for $30, from a site called media-wrangler. You have to press like other sellers or something, and you see they offer the 5-pack +1 which is a nice little deal.

Hope I got you off to a good start, enjoy your 4-track.
 
As posted above, I've had the best luck with Maxell XL-II tapes. I used 90s and never had a problem.

Start checking local thrift stores for tape, if you aren't already. I often find XLIIs, new in the wrap, for 71-cents each, at Goodwill :-)
 
Thanks for the help guys!

Isopropyl is a restricted chemical in the UK unfortunately so it's pretty hard to get a hold of which is a bummer. I found some in cleaning wipes which seems to do the trick, high alcohol percentage but not ideal.

Type II tape is hard to find around here too, even in thrift stores etc. I'll have to shop online.

Any ideas on rubber cleaner as a general guide?
 
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