Tascam 38 reel lock problem

[evm1024]

So on my tascam 38 the reel locks do not appear to be holing the reels as tight as they should.

This allows the reels to move as they rotate creating a thumping sound.

This is the first time that I have run into this on a deck and I've solved it by placing a few layers of tape as shims on the top side of the reels.

It does not happen on all reels.

Anyone know whats up? Are some of the reels under spec? Are the reel locks shot or in need of adjustment? Or?

Thanks, Ethan

 

[Beck]

This is a problem with the plastic reel locks (clampers) used on a lot of Tascam machines. They aren’t very well designed for the stresses they encounter. I’ve had to replace both on my TSR-8.

Over time the plastic stretches and cracks inside until there’s a gap even with the clamper turned fully clockwise. You can take them apart by removing them from the reel table and removing the three small screws on the back of the clamper. You’ll see discolored streaks and even open cracks in the plastic where the structure has failed.

The fragile nature of the clampers is one reason I recommend mounting Tascam decks, like the 38, 48, TSR-8 etc, horizontally or at least angled back in a rack stand designed for that purpose. They do better on ¼” machines, but the design doesn’t holdup well with ½” tape or wider on machines mounted vertically.

You can buy new ones from Tascam a lot cheaper than I see them listed on eBay.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showpost.php?p=2392340&postcount=8

 

[pianodano]

This is a problem with the plastic reel locks (clampers) used on a lot of Tascam machines. They aren’t very well designed for the stresses they encounter. I’ve had to replace both on my TSR-8.

Over time the plastic stretches and cracks inside until there’s a gap even with the clamper turned fully clockwise. You can take them apart by removing them from the reel table and removing the three small screws on the back of the clamper. You’ll see discolored streaks and even open cracks in the plastic where the structure has failed.

The fragile nature of the clampers is one reason I recommend mounting Tascam decks, like the 38, 48, TSR-8 etc, horizontally or at least angled back in a rack stand designed for that purpose. They do better on ¼” machines, but the design doesn’t holdup well with ½” tape or wider on machines mounted vertically.

You can buy new ones from Tascam a lot cheaper than I see them listed on eBay.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showpost.php?p=2392340&postcount=8

They didn't have any for the MS-16. That's when I discovered that the 1" clampers use the standard 1/2" clamper on top of a spacer. It's works perfectly and here's a link to how to do it if anybody needs new 1" clamps for a MS-16. http://tascamforums.com/index.php?showtopic=13122

Danny