Tascam 388

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Ron_L

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Hello. I've been a member here for a while, but for some reason with my other name I could never post so I just started over. I'm hoping to get some help although I know it's gonna be like shooting fish in the river.

I bought my Tascam 388 new back in the mid 80's from a friend who was a Tascam factory rep. It's really pretty much perfect as far as looks go. I've taken exceptionally good care of it and have recorded perhaps 10 reels worth of music if that much. Most of these years it has sat quietly in a closet on a table under a cover. About 9 years ago, before I put her to rest, I took all my songs off and mastered them to cd and then went digital. I don't really play all that much anymore, however I just couldn't bring myself to sell my 388. But after looking at it the other day taking up a lot of space, I decided it was someone else's time to enjoy.

I turned it on and it powered up nicely. There was an unfamiliar noise like a motor or something running. I had left a tape loaded all those years. Not sure if that's a problem. I'm not much in to the technical side of things. In any event, I rewound the tape with no trouble and pressed play. Nothing. I hit forward, no problem. When I had the 388 in the play mode, I was able to spin the reel and I could hear the music playing perfectly. A little practice, and I had the speed down and it sounded as good as ever, but it won't play on it's own. Alas, something is wrong.

I've done some research and two thing have been recommended. 1. change all the fuses which I shall do. 2. check the belt which I also plan to do.

Short of that, does anyone here have ideas? I actually spoke to my friend who helped me order the Tascam to see if he has any friends still in the biz to work on it if need be. He said he'd check when he got back to town. I'm in no rush to sell it and I won't list it until I know it's perfect.

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance. Ron
 
I'd suspect the capstan belt, as you say. It's probably melted. The other thing is that the tape might be sticky if it's old Ampex stuff, but I'd check the belt first and foremost.
 
Yep...+1 to that...betcha its a belt either melted or dried up and slipped off. Just do that first and then report back. Its easy to tip the unit on its side and remove the bottom panel and have a look.
 
Thanks. Been out of pocket, but will check the belt and let you know.

Thanks.
 
Hello again. I finally got around to ordering a belt and replacing it. Sure enough the old one had stretched out and fallen off. Now it's working.

Question. For some reason, when I went to test the record section, it doesn't seem to be working. I input a mic, pressed the 1 record button, channel 1 is set to mic, fader over to left, assigned to 1 and I get no signal. I know it's been 15 years since I used it, but I can't be that daft. Anyone know what's going on and why I can record?

thanks, Ron
 
Did you plug the microphone into the xlr mic in or into the 1/4" line input?
Are your pgm and master faders up???.
 
I just read your other post.You said you're getting signal but no playback.
I know this is very obvious but are the heads REALLY clean.
I was recently using my 388 and there happened to be a tiny speck of residue on the head and a certain track wasn't
playing back.I noticed this residue,cleaned the heads and the track played back loud and clear.
Its always good to triple check.
 
Hi and thanks for the input. I did attempt to clean the heads before I attempted to record. I also think I need to choose a different tape. But in answer to your other question, yes I choose the proper input. When I tried recording with the condensor mic, i used the XLR. When I tested it with a guitar, I chose line in. I'm pretty sure I pushed the right buttons and adjusted the pan even or odd depending.

I plan to test all the boards and fuses since I had the unit upside down to replace the belt. Then I'll change tape, clean heads again and give it another shot. Thanks.
 
And if the guitar is being run straight into the line input, that wont work either.
 
...

A guitar will work if plugged into the Line input, but it won't be very dynamic & you won't be able to adjust gain with the Trim pot.
:spank::eek:;)
 
While you're at it, make certain that none of the red L/R buttons are depressed. No need to engage the orange 'insert' switch, and if you're monitoring through headphones, be sure to 'turn up da vol-ume, turn up da vol-ume'.
 
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