WTB: Tascam 388

[reelboy]

Hello! I would love nothing more than to spring into the world of analog recording. Only problem is I can't seem to get my hands on any reel to reel gear.

If you're selling a Tascam 388, please do not hesitate to send me a PM ASAP. I pay cash for local deals, paypal for shipped items.

Please help end my GAS obsession and get on with recording!

Thanks.

 

[VESSEL2020]

Hello! I would love nothing more than to spring into the world of analog recording. Only problem is I can't seem to get my hands on any reel to reel gear.

If you're selling a Tascam 388, please do not hesitate to send me a PM ASAP. I pay cash for local deals, paypal for shipped items.

Please help end my GAS obsession and get on with recording!

Thanks.

I would keep an eye on your local Craigslist.
I just found one in Ct. in near mint condition.
Better to be able to "inspect" the gear before purchasing.
Just make sure everything is working properly on the 388 you will be visiting.
If the person says they don't have any tape to test it,...that should be a big red flag right there. Get yourself some tape and bring it with you. Inspect the heads with a magnifying glass to see if they are separating. Make sure all functions work.
Test all channels with a microphone, and bring some headphones with you. Most likely you will need to purchase new belts.

 

[moresound]

Hello! I would love nothing more than to spring into the world of analog recording. Only problem is I can't seem to get my hands on any reel to reel gear.

If you're selling a Tascam 388, please do not hesitate to send me a PM ASAP. I pay cash for local deals, paypal for shipped items.

Please help end my GAS obsession and get on with recording!

Thanks.

Reelboy I was just at Stonehill college for three days doing live sound support. I could have thrown rocks at you from there!

 

[reelboy]

Awesome advice, VESSEL2020--one can never be too trusting of some craigslisters. I've been reading that the Tascam 38 and 388 sound sonically similar (depending on what mixer is hooked to the 38, of course), do you have any experience with the Tascam 38 or do you know anybody who does? The more I read about the 388, the more unattainable the thing seems to be due to its popularity and relative scarcity.

If the Tascam 38 is recommended, I actually have a guy close by who is selling and I have found a Tascam 216 mixer close that seems pretty reasonably priced.

Or, being that I am (going to be) so new to the wonderfully warm world of analog, do you suggest starting with 1/4 inch tape over 1/2? Does that even matter?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just eager and none of my friends even understand why.

 

[VESSEL2020]

Awesome advice, VESSEL2020--one can never be too trusting of some craigslisters. I've been reading that the Tascam 38 and 388 sound sonically similar (depending on what mixer is hooked to the 38, of course), do you have any experience with the Tascam 38 or do you know anybody who does? The more I read about the 388, the more unattainable the thing seems to be due to its popularity and relative scarcity.

If the Tascam 38 is recommended, I actually have a guy close by who is selling and I have found a Tascam 216 mixer close that seems pretty reasonably priced.

Or, being that I am (going to be) so new to the wonderfully warm world of analog, do you suggest starting with 1/4 inch tape over 1/2? Does that even matter?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just eager and none of my friends even understand why.

Well, Both machines are excellent in my opinion. It depends on how you use 'em.
Of course 1/2 tape will have an advantage over 1/4 tape due to track width.
I own both machines, and really can't decide which one I like better.
I have more experience with the 38 because I've had it longer than the 388. Though, the 388 is getting a lot of attention in the past couple weeks.
If you can get the 38 at a decent price,..why not? If you intend on purchasing "new tape" for it,..it will be more costly than the 1/4 tape the 388 uses as well. Both are 8 track machines,..but like I said the 1/2 tape will have an advantage.
I use my Tascam M320B with my 38, which has the same preamps & eq section as the 388.
I am a huge fan of the M300 series.
Are you planning to go 100% analogue? Or will you be using a DAW with your setup?
I tend to record & mix 100% analogue, and then transfer my final mix to digital only if I have to.
Most of my recordings stay on tape. The only time I transfer is when someone asks for it on disc or mp3,..but most of the time I will hand them a cassette of the final mix if they own a cassette deck. That is just my preference and may not be for everyone else.

 

[RickW]

reelboy - I used to have a 388 years ago and I still miss that thing. Made great tapes. I even recorded some band CDs with it before I opened my studio and went digital. If you do purchase one and you need help with it, I live in Raynham so I'm right next door. Would be happy to give you a hand.

 

[reelboy]

Thanks VESSEL2020 and Rick, both of you guys have gotten me more and more pysched about tape.

VESSEL2020: about thirty minutes after asking all of my questions on this forum I'd checked craigslist Boston and searched only the word "Tascam." I found a kid twenty minutes away selling a mint, and I mean mint Tascam M308B with a Sony TC 355, an 8-track player and a ton of 8-tracks, two stereo receivers, a pair of decent AR studio monitors, and a Sony record player for $80.00. I nearly threw up all over my computer, my phone, and my car on the way to pick it up. When I arrived home with the audio catch of the century, my father--who owned his own analog studio in the late-80's, early-90's--decided it was a shame to let his Tascam MS 16 rot in the basement and has since passed it down (or should I say up?) to me.

What started as a nearly fanatical quest for an all-in-one 1/4 inch system has ended with a nearly new mixer and 16 tracks of 1 inch tape. I've since been learning the audiophile ropes and it's dope.

And I do intend for everything to be analog. All tracking, mixing, and mastering will be between me, a ton of knobs and faders, and a whirring machine of magical tone. Only digital for distribution.

RICK: Such a nice offer, and if I do pick one up in the future, I'll be sure to get into contact with you.

What do you guys use for tape? I just bought a reel of RMGI SM911 1 inch (see ya, $160.00!).

 

[RickW]

Wow! You got an incredible deal! Good to see someone still stoked about analog. My offer stand...if you need help with anything, just let me know. If I can, I would be happy to offer any assistance I can. Good luck and have fun with your new toys!

 

[VESSEL2020]

audio catch of the century!!!

Wow,..you ain't kiddin'!!!
Good for you!!! That is an awesome score!!! Now, you have 16 tracks on 1 inch tape,..and a TC-355 to mixdown on!!!
KILLER SCORE!!!