Tascam 238 problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter anugroove
  • Start date Start date
If you want an accurate cost on the motor, give TASCAM's parts department a phone call out in California and ask them directly.

Keep in mind though, the seller of this unit is giving you a very strong warning that the motor may only be the tip of the iceberg in regard to other service issues you may face once you get the unit! :eek:

Also keep in mind that parts are one consideration and the qualified technician's labor is the other and many if not all techs charge between 50 and 100 bucks an hour for their time.

Is it worth it?

Are you a gambler?

Cheers! :)
 
oh yea, and the pitch oscillation, and maybe anew pinch roller
Chris
 
anugroove said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tascam-38-8-trk...381646301QQcategoryZ41480QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Well what about this little beauty? Is the biasing, calibration, and de-mag worth it to get this?
Chris
Click to expand...
This is a very different model then the first auction you inquired about. Are not sure of which format you wish to go with at this point?

Anyway, this unit appears to be in a better state of overall repair but you really won't know for sure until its in your hands to see what it truly does or doesn't need in the way of maintenance.

If the seller is giving you a 100% factual description of the units issues, a pinch roller and professional calibration will cost you in the ballpark of 200 bucks.

Shipping for this sale will also be pricey because of the shear bulk of the items so if you're far away from where this seller is you could be looking at a big shipping charge. You'll need to check with a courier company to see what the shipping charges would be.

Many 38's in decent shape end up selling on ebay for around 400 bucks. Ones in poorer condition often sell in the 250 - 300 range so if this unit ends up selling for 300 bucks and then you add the other issues I addressed, you could be looking at as much as 700 dollars to get it in your possession and in a full working condition.

When these units were new, and with the dbx noise reduction included, they retailed for around 3500 dollars in the States and about 5000 dollars in Canada. It is a good value (keeping the original prices in mind), but there are units out there in better shape that you might be able to snag for a bit less if you're attentive and lucky.

Cheers! :)
 
As it looks,...

if you scored the 238 for (minimum) $15 + $22 s/h, ($37), it's a nice deal indeed, but will cost you another (est) $175-$200 to have fixed, with a new motor and 3 new knobs,... & maybe a cleaning and alignment thrown in there as well. At that price, it's just average, as a 238 in working condition sells for appx. $175-$225, anyway.;)

If it's any help, another user posted tips about replacing the servo chip on the capstan motor, as a DIY project. :eek:
 
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Where's that post Dave? One of my 238's has a problem with the capstan.
 
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