Tascam 488 mk ii repair (urgent, please help!)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Will25
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Will25

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Recently my recordings have been a bit 'warbly' - I think it's the belt that needs replacing and I also need to speed up the motor slightly. I really need it done as soon as possible...does anyone know if anyone in the UK is able to repair it? Or is there any suppliers in the UK? I don't really want to do it myself as I'm fairly new to tape recording...however is it easy enough to replace? I'm not sure what screws to even undo on the unit!

Any help is really appreciated as I'm applying for some funding and need an online portfolio of my songs, the deadline is only a couple of weeks away and I haven't finished putting all my songs up yet!! :(
 
Your belt might be stretched & / or worn out & need replacing, usually you would just take the front off the machine & just replace with a new one, best to do this now before the original belt breaks & you won't know exactly whereabouts it's supposed to travel. I ordered a belt from the USA TASCAM 644 688 464 & 488 PORTASTUDIO CAPSTAN BELT - FREE SHIPPING! | eBay for a TSR8 & managed to fit it OK, just take photos to make sure where the old one goes. Put some photos on here if you need help.
 
Thanks for the help, just ordered a new belt. I'll have a look tomorrow in daylight and will probably be back with some pictures when the belt arrives :)
 
488speed by justwilliamandtheoutlaws on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free this is a demo of what the problem sounds like.

I got a new belt in the post today, have taken the front of the machine and it looks like the belt is quite hard to get to. SAM_6080.webp

SAM_6081.webp

What do I do next?? I'm not sure the belt is the problem - it seems to turn ok and doesn't look too worn. But then I have a new one now so may as well replace the old one.

Also, does anyone know how to adjust motor speed??

Any help really is appreciated I have so much to record before this deadline coming up and I'm running out of time!!!
 
Is it worth taking the old one out and replacing it anyway? Will I need to use grease or anything...thanks
 
*Update* Belt fitted, now notice the motor whirring quite loudly to drive the capstan...is this normal, I can't remember if I heard it before! :rolleyes:
 
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