Tascam 34b HELP!!!

[Sir_Blackfoot]

I just bought a bunch of equipment from a guy at a garage sale and at the last minute he threw in a tascam 34b. I didn't pay extra for it, he just said that he would throw it in. I figured something had to be wrong with it, but he said the last time he used it was about 2 years ago and it worked fine then. Well, everything seems to work except the reel speed, which is a pretty big deal. Whatever speed I have it on it just spins really fast. I have no experience with any type of analog equipment, so I was curious if anybody could suggest a possible problem. I am willing to spend some money to get it fixed but not that much, so if you know a possible problem and could extimate a possible repair cost that would be even better. Thanks for any help.

 

[A Reel Person]

It's a tough call, sight unseen,...

but try to make sure you have the tape threaded properly. That's my first guess.

There's nothing in the "capstan" area that would make it go "real fast", except if you've not threaded the tape properly between the capstan and pinch roller, then the reel motors would possibly turn at warp-speed, unchecked, because the reel motors themselves have no speed control. All your basic tape speed control functions are from the "capstan",... that little metal spinning rod that the rubber tire "pinchwheel" contacts. Tape should be between the capstan and pinch roller. Hope this helps.

Buy the manual before repair, there are pictures and excellent descriptions of all features and operation.

Besides that, it sounds like you got a great deal! Good luck!

 

[Vintage TX]

You can check if the pinch-roller activate properly when Play is engaged, this model usally get stubborn when sitting still too long.
There is a solenoid and linkage combined for the pinch-roller, could also be the pinch-roller is too slick or worn out making the tape take off in Fforward speed.
If the pinch-roller goes against the capstan-axel correctly, check the pitch-control, and see if that is working, press 7-1/2 speed,> press Play and turn the pitch-control to the left and see if it slows down or not.
Second test, no tape on the machine and lift the right tension-arm carefully so the capstan-axel starts turning, press PLAY and see if the pinch-roller engage with no hesitation and a good "thump" sound. LOL
Then press stop and look at the pinch-roller when going down, the movement should be directly and no turtle speed...
If it's slow the linkage or solenoid need attention and cleaning + lube again.

Good Luck and let me know what you find

 

[Sir_Blackfoot]

lol, yeah, it turns out I was threading it wrong. After I posted this I looked at the front cover of the manual (I just printed it off the internet, its not the whole thing so it didnt show how to thead the tape) but right on the cover I could see how the tape should be threaded. Well thanks for your help anyway.
By the way, does anyone know where I can find the nab hub adapters for 10.5 in reels?

 

[Vintage TX]

Great! That was easy to fix.
About hub-adaptors, you can buy new from US-Recording Media or Teac.
I heard someone telling me Teac does not stock these anymore but not really sure.
Email is: parts@teac.com

Good Luck with your Tascam now !


Best regards

Vintage TX