Tascam 38

  • Thread starter Thread starter EddieVergunst
  • Start date Start date
E

EddieVergunst

New member
So.. I was going to buy that Otari MX5050, but someone snagged it before me..argh, seemed like a really cool machine.
Anyway, I have a new deal going on now, it's a Tascam 38, said to be in good shape (will be checking that out soon). I can get it for about 200$, good deal or not?
Anyway, what are some good mixers to go with that? I've been looking at the Soundcraft Spirit E8, which seems really nice for the price.
Any 2nd hand stuff I should know about?

And also, what are the things I should look for when checking out the 38?

Thanks
 
200 bucks for a 38 in decent condition is a very good deal indeed! :cool:

When looking the deck over in person or over the web, ask the seller the following things/check for them if in person.

- Make sure the transport works properly; no issues with slow rewind/forward wind which could mean a bad spooling motor.
- Make sure the capstan belt and motor are healthy and running at proper speeds. Belt replacement is a semi-common issue with 38's.
- Ensure the heads are not worn out or unevenly worn because of poor alignment. Same goes for the guide-posts and lifters.
- Ensure that the pinch roller is healthy and not cracked or disintegrating from age/usage.
- Ask how heavily the machine was used in the past in terms of number of reels used on it over its lifespan. The lower the better for head life especially.
- Ensure all 8 channel record and playback properly.

Cheers! :)
 
Also;

- Check for obvious blunt force trauma; Heavy dents and serious scratches to the unit can indicate internal broken parts like cracked circuit boards and bent internal parts. A lot of scratches on a unit tells me instantly that the unit was un-carefully used/moved around a lot/generally not cared for or cared about by the previous owner.

Cheers! :)
 
thanks alot for that list Ghost,
I went to check out the machine today and it was in excellent condition on all points, except for the heads. They were quite worn, and I could hear there was quite a bit of top-end missing when the guy played back some tapes.
Hm..I'm not really sure if I should get it.
Can't those heads be relapped?
 
Depending on how badly they are worn down, a re-lapping may be possible but even if it is, you have to factor the cost of the re-lap and the recalibration that is necessary after a re-lap. All told, that could add another 300 bucks to the price tag and at that point, I would only consider such a machine if everything else on it was spotless and showing signs that it will live long enough through the service life of the re-lapped heads.

Buy with your head - Play with your heart. :cool:

Cheers! :)
 
I think I'll pass on this. As you said relapping would cost me another 300$ at least, making it a 500$ total which is a bit more then I want to spend at the moment.
I still have my 388 which needs some work done. I'd feel better spending my cash on that.
Thanks for the advice people :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top