New to analog!! Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter AllenM
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AllenM

AllenM

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Hey there. My name is Allen and I am looking to record a demo with my original material. I want this done with a reel to reel recorder. I LOVE the sound. Unfortunately I don't know much except for what I read about them.
Now with Christmas coming up I would like to get started with ANALOG.
Where do I start? Well.. I was thinking about a TEAC 3340. They have one on ebay right now. The auction states it works 100% and they offer 7 day money back. It doesnt include the hubs for the 10 1/2 reels but I have a friend that has 7 1/2 inch tape reels that dont need hubs. I also understand I need a mixer. I dont know what mixer would be compatible with the TEAC 3340. So honestly I dont know much but I would like to get some information on this.
The sound Im looking for would be like Mid to late 60s. On youtube I found this sound I REALLY LOVE. What reel to reel would produce this sound - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLC4dlPF_Sk

Also where can I find NEW tape to record?
I also want a RELIABLE WORKING 4 track 4 channel reel to reel.
So what would be the best model or brand?
Thanks : )

Also would I need vintage mics?
 
I dig the recording sound!
Thats what im looking for. The song is too trippy though. Im into 60s pop I think. Like "love grows where my rosemary goes" "smile a little smile for me"
that type.. haha. I also like tim hardin. I just like everything that sounds good.
 
That's great, GreatCobb.

It's funny, in the notes the guy says it's "lo-fi". ??? I wouldn't really consider that lo fi. Retrofied maybe but low?
 
Wow, that recording has a lot of noise on it. You can get much better results than that. I would definitely go with a 3340 They are great decks if you can find one in good working condition. You'd be better off picking one up locally if you can. A lot of good decks have been ruined in shipping.



AllenM said:
Hey there. My name is Allen and I am looking to record a demo with my original material. I want this done with a reel to reel recorder. I LOVE the sound. Unfortunately I don't know much except for what I read about them.
Now with Christmas coming up I would like to get started with ANALOG.
Where do I start? Well.. I was thinking about a TEAC 3340. They have one on ebay right now. The auction states it works 100% and they offer 7 day money back. It doesnt include the hubs for the 10 1/2 reels but I have a friend that has 7 1/2 inch tape reels that dont need hubs. I also understand I need a mixer. I dont know what mixer would be compatible with the TEAC 3340. So honestly I dont know much but I would like to get some information on this.
The sound Im looking for would be like Mid to late 60s. On youtube I found this sound I REALLY LOVE. What reel to reel would produce this sound - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLC4dlPF_Sk

Also where can I find NEW tape to record?
I also want a RELIABLE WORKING 4 track 4 channel reel to reel.
So what would be the best model or brand?
Thanks : )

Also would I need vintage mics?
Click to expand...
 
Check out the Tascam 22-4. Stripped down little thing without much flash, but I love mine. I used it for about 3 years and have only now started moving toward my Otari MX 5050 half inch 8 track.

And as a vintage nerd, a good part of it is tape, but a huge part is preamps (tube or non IC solid state), the instruments/amps themselves, minimal higher end processing (pretty much limiters, passive EQs and reverb only), and well-chosen microphones (ribbons are king!). This is only my opinion, but are things to consider as well.
 
Looks REALLY nice. If it plays as good as it looks you'll be in great shape. I've never seen one with black side panels. Makes me want to paint my side panels black. the 3340 "s" were the most updated decks. So good choice.

I wouldn't go with that mixer though. I don't think you have enough channels. Look for a Tascam M308 or an M35. There are quite a few others but that's all I can suggest right now.
 
I didn't look at the condition, but that one would work. I don't know how good they are or what type of routing options they have though. But 8 channel four bus is ideal for a four track. If it's like the 35 or 308 you can actually use an 8 track with it as well.

Just so you know, if you look around locally you might be able to find one for less.
 
Haha locally?!
I live in south texas probably wont find one anywhere. Maybe san antonio..I looked on craiglist but haven't found anything.
 
I'm always seeing stuff in Texas. It's either Texas or Cal. But Texas is big, so I don't know maybe were you are it's not so easy.

Actually there's a guy here named VintageTex. He probably has something. :D
 
Well I think im going to bid on the teac 3340 I showed you. I sent the seller a guide on shipping open reel decks. Hopefully he'll agree. Now where would I buy the tape... haha.
 
AllenM: Take SteveM's word on looking locally very seriously. Buying a machine sight unseen is bad enough but when you add shipping, you're looking for a disaster. Sellers are just not interested or not competent enough, to do it right. You've been warned.

.........OK, if you're still stubborn, contact http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/ and talk to Rolf. He'll sell you a fully serviced deck and pack right. The premium you pay is worth it or.... look local.

Heck, maybe you'll strike it gold with that eBay seller / auction you noted but I wouldn't take the risk, if I were you. Do you gamble?
 
Yeah honestly I would buy locally but where would I find one?
Ive searched craigslist. I could post an ad in the paper?
Where would I find 1/4 tape?
 
Haha I guess I gamble... You guys are starting to scare me about shipping damages.. He offers 7 day money back. so thats a plus :)
 
AllenM said:
Haha I guess I gamble... You guys are starting to scare me about shipping damages.. He offers 7 day money back. so thats a plus :)
Click to expand...

Lately I have had 3 machines damaged in shipping. They are usually not packed well enough for their weight and move all around in the box and can bust through. Half the blame is UPS, they mishandle packages. Go to the packing 101 thread that is at the top of analog only.
Good luck
VP
 
Allen, what part of Texas are you in? I get RSS feeds from CraigsList and SearchTempest daily in regards to Tascam stuff that pops up.
 
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