My 38 is coming back from limbo...

  • Thread starter Thread starter morte sicura
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morte sicura

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Some of you may remember that I bought a used Tascam 38 with great heads but some draggy transport issues a few weeks ago. Tomorrow I get my "new" 38 back from the tech. It will have two rebuilt reel motors, a new capstan belt, a new pinch roller, and a brake setup and electronic calibration (for 456 at +6dB). This is coming in just under $300, with a 90-day guarantee, which seems fair for the work done. I'm pretty excited, the tech has a great rep in town (and in nearby larger towns as well). I'll post again when I get everything together and try some tracking. Should be a fun weekend!

andrew.
 
That's a good price for a full checkup like that! I payed something like that for the manuals, calibration tape and the tools needed to do the job myself. :)
 
regebro said:
That's a good price for a full checkup like that! I payed something like that for the manuals, calibration tape and the tools needed to do the job myself. :)
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That's an excellent price considering the cost of labor these days.

That'll be like a brand new machine. Have fun.;)
 
Ok, everything's working. Got the deck and have done some really basic tracking. The set-up is actually for 900 / GP9 / 499 at +3 rather than 456 at +6. Gotta get some reels before I do anything serious, I only have a reel of 456 at the house.

i also considered the price to be really good; I encouraged him to take his time and complete the big-money and rush jobs ahead of my machine. Took right at a month but that's okay with me, I could have rushed the job if I really needed the deck. We went over calibration very briefly and he told me that if I was serious about cal'ing my own deck and I bought the tools, he'd come to my place and teach me (presumable for his usual $75 cal fee for a Tascam 38). Also got to listen to the deck before I brought it home.

One more thing - he recommended against running a 38 on its back, citing rapid loss of the reel table height. Anyone else feel this way? I really like it flat but I'll probably stick it in a rack so I can tilt it somewhat....

ar
 
I like mine up on it's feet. It's hard enough to see the meters from certain areas as it is. It would be impossible with the machine on its back. Can't see the tape counter either.
 
Yeah, I can see how seeing the meters and counter could be an issue. Right now, my 38 is on its back, on my left, at roughly the same height as the seat of my chair. If I am at the desk, it falls readily to my left hand, and it's easy to see everything. But of course, if I have to go and play an instrument across the room things are different. It's really convenient from the desk but not so convenient from across the room (or in the hallway). But then, everything would be difficult to read from across the room, regardless of position. I think a tilting rack is in my future.
 
Up on it's feet, normal upright standing position...

for me.;)
 
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