Tascam MS16 Servicing

  • Thread starter Thread starter James K
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James K

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Hi,
I'd like to get my Tascam MS16 recorder serviced and calibrated properly. Does anyone know where I could get this done? I love in South-East England. I was told by someone that HHB service Tascam machines. I can't get through to them so I don't know if this is correct or not.

Thanks
James
 
what is wrong with the machine, maybe we can help you here. There are also several UK based tech in this forum, so i'm sure they'll chime in. I have one of those too. post some pictures :)
 
I would ring up a major studio in your area, that has tape machines, and ask them who they use.

Alan.
 
I thought there was a cluster of tape machine servicing folks in London, but I can't remember any names. It's too far away for me to have paid much attention.

EDIT:

Did a search for 'Studer servicing london' just to narrow things down. You might try Funky Junk. Also, for Studer and other stuff there's a guy called Sir Clive Kavan:

http://www.clivekavan.com

...dunno whether he does TASCAM stuff much, but you can but ask.
 
Hi. Try these guys: Vintage recorders I have an MSR-16, also a 38 and a 34B. Hope you get it serviced, calibrated and running to spec - its worth it.
 
I've contacted HHB and it seems that they can service it. I'm waiting for them to get back to me about the price though. It's going to be a pain to drive it up to London (obviously posting it is out of the question) but I'm sure it's worth it. I really want it to be set up and running properly to spec. It's functioning now except for an occasional problem with the tape lifters but I don't want to be running it and damaging it because it's not set up properly. Hopefully HHB will be good.
 
Yes, driving these machines anywhere is a pain - but I guess with not too manu of these service facilities about, we have little choice. I had my Tascam 38 serviced and calibrated a while ago. They had the proper MRL tape and a scope for the head alignment. Well worth it. Take the hit and get it done - you won't regret it.
 
tascam baby said:
Yes, driving these machines anywhere is a pain - but I guess with not too manu of these service facilities about, we have little choice. I had my Tascam 38 serviced and calibrated a while ago. They had the proper MRL tape and a scope for the head alignment. Well worth it. Take the hit and get it done - you won't regret it.
Click to expand...

Where did you get yours serviced?
 
I've just spoken to Tascam on the phone and they've said that it will be about 300 or 400 pounds to service the machine. Does that sound reasonable?
 
At 1st glance No.

Then I thought about it, the cost of tech labour could be +$50/hr, so they may spend a good part of the day on this.

Does the price include any replacement parts, for example does a service mean that some parts are automatically replaced, belts for example.

What happens if they find some problems that are not covered by the service?

This is one of the problems with owning old gear if you can't do work yourself unfortunately. If it's out of budget, could ask around to see if there are any semi retired techs in your area that would do this for you. I am sure that you could get a better price somewhere.

Alan.
 
I would set it up myself but I don't have the equipment to do so (tentelometer, spring gauges, MRL tape etc.) and it would cost a lot to buy it all. I'm probably just going to have to bite the bullet and pay to have it serviced. Expensive but probably worth it.
 
Yeah, I think the MRL alone is similar to the cost of servicing. Let us know how it goes!
 
I can get the MRL for about £175 but that won't cover any of the mechanical alignment (which I think is the most important bit). The tentelometer is a fortune though so I might as well get the whole thing done for me. It's going to be a while before I can get it serviced as I have to find time to drive it up to Tascam in Watford.
 
if you have some electronics experience you will end up paying the same for used equipment and your missing all the fun !!

-MRL - $249 (new, 4 tone dont need more than that)
-Tentelometer - $100 (used)
-True RMS meter - $50 (used)
-Scope - $200 (used)
-Cables - $30

Total = $630 US = 395 pounds. So that is about the same, but you keep the equipment and learn and have fun. That's how i ended doing it (sure..i've bought some other stuff too.... :)
 
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