My $10 Tascam score.

  • Thread starter Thread starter j.harv
  • Start date Start date
j.harv

j.harv

@#$%
Well I came across a fairly good deal on some old Tascam swag.
I got all this for ten bucks.Some guy on my local online classified ads had this listed for a few days.
The first time I saw the ad it was listed for $100 obo.
The next day I checked,$60 obo.
Then I checked again a day later....$10 obo.
I phoned him and he still had it and said everything works so I went for a 20min drive and picked it all up.

Not a bad deal.The decks are pretty dirty and there is lots of dust on the heads so im gonna open them up and give 'em a good cleaning.The vu meter lights even work!

Does anyone know anything about the 225 deck.Would this be used for mastering?
It says Syncassette on it.I haven't done really any reasearch yet but I did read something about being able to record on the 2 separate tracks.
Just one more question....How would I incorparate the Eq with my 388.?
I would like to put it in my rack and use it along with some of my recordings.
Would you just run the stereo outs through it when making a master????


388 045.webp388 046.webp388 047.webp
 
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You'll probably find out it was all stolen from Jamal, and he'll be looking for you!

Nice find though.
 
The knobs on the deck are sure reminiscent of late '70s teac stuff
 
Just finished cleaning the 122.
Cleaned up alot nicer than I expected.
Was pretty filthy inside around where the vents are.
Capstan belt was liquified too.

388 052.webp
 
Make sure to replace the capstan and the counter belts and the rubber tires.
 
So the rubber tires would be the idler tires?
Would these be the same as the ones in my 244?
 
I don't know that but I have the name of someone who would, and I'll get that for you.

If you need the belt change process I have that I can send if I have an e-mail address
 
Thanks for the link GCalo.
I would love instructions on the belt change process that you mentioned.If you wouldn't mind I'd greatly
appreciate it.

jsnhrv@hotmail.com
 
Thanks for the belt tutorial GCalo.
I did a little temporary experiment.I came across the old belt from my tascam 388 which still looks like it
has lots of life in it.I installed it in the 122 and it works like a charm.It was just the right size.
The counter belt and tires looked to be okay.
Will probably replace the whole bunch sometime down the road.
 
I'd replace them now cause down the road you will not want to do it.

It's a great sounding machine.

I recently re-capped the entire power supply, by-passed the larger caps w/a .01 poplypropylene cap, and it sounds sweet.
 
You got all that for $10.00? Somebody shoot me! LOL You made out like a bandit for just the EQ or headphone amp alone. But add on the 40 minute drive round trip with these gas prices and the total cost is more like $5216.97 or something like that. :p

All the parts are available through Tascam Parts Dept at lower cost (usually) than you will find them anywhere else. (323) 727-4840

If you can find the idler tires alone rather than the whole idler assembly sometimes it’s a good option to change those yourself, but can be a PITA.

You'll want to eventually replace all the rubber on the cassette decks... if the heads aren't worn so badly that it's not worth investing. You’ll need new capstan drive belts, control belts, idler tires and pinch rollers. The original 122 is from early 80’s. The 225 is from mid 80’s. Some cassette decks have idler gears instead of tires. I’m not sure about all the internals on these decks. Call Tascam at the number above and they’ll tell you what you need and if they still stock it.
 
Thanks for the info guys.
I know of a local electrician who use to have an electronics repair shop in town.He closed it down,and moved pretty much the whole store in his basement.He used to service all kind of decks and still has lots of belts.He just told me to use a piece of string to measure around the capstan belt path then he can match it up with the belts he has.Not sure if he would has idler tires though.
 
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GCalo said:
I'd check his garage for tires!!
Click to expand...

Ha ha!
I just got back.He pretty much has any kind of belt you would need.
I got the 4 belts for the 225 and the capstan belt for the 122 for...wait for it......$10
 
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