Tascam 388 reel to reel
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Posted on Oct 12, 2008 08:51 am
Dematrix
http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member Since: Nov 27, 2007
I got me Tacam 388 reel to reel, i think its 2inch tape. anyone know anything about them? i got it for free, it was just sitting around at my mates house in the back shed with a cover on when he moved in.
i guess the heads are the key thing here, are they easy to clean or service?
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Oct 12, 2008 10:08 am That's a way cool machine. 1/4" tape. Free? Can't argue with it then.
Head wear can be an issue if the unit has a lot of hours on it. Cleaning them is easy. Get a head demagnetizer and learn how to use it.
Great score. Mess around with it and post some recordings!
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 12, 2008 08:23 pm cool as, im getting it dropped off in a couple of days, i feel like a bit of a cheap *** just taking it, but its either that or it just sits over at my mates and rots
NightcapVeni, MIDI, ViciMember
Since: Jul 02, 2008
Oct 12, 2008 10:43 pm Wow Deon scoring stuff for free is the way to go! Whenever you get to it, share some of that good old fashioned analog recording sound.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 14, 2008 12:04 am will do, im excited actually, it comes with tape too, apparently there was some in a box sitting there.
gotta find some room somewhere for the tascam though.
i havent done anything when it comes to setting up the room i record in or monitor in as yet so it may be time for a look at all this.
i ve only got a small padded walk in robe but cant fit a 4x12 in there.
not bad for vox though.
NightcapVeni, MIDI, ViciMember
Since: Jul 02, 2008
Oct 14, 2008 12:18 am Yeah, you need some room for a baby that big! Do you know anything about the history of the recorder?
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 14, 2008 01:37 am you mean the history of this particular 388? or 388's or in general?
no to all of the above.
im intersted in anything you may have info wise.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Oct 14, 2008 10:16 am Cool find Deon! I wouldn't use the tape thats been sitting around in the box unless it's pretty new. Tape thats sits for along time unless it's stored tails out is likely to transfer a bunch of oxide onto your tape head and it's very hard to remove, I know from experience. :) If it's new unopened tape you might be okay though.
Dan
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 14, 2008 11:20 am i picked it up about an hour ago. got some tape unopened in a bag.
how do i know if the tape ok? or should i just get some new tape?
Oct 14, 2008 11:21 am that's cool.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Oct 14, 2008 12:30 pm Oh wow, that IS cool !
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Oct 14, 2008 12:46 pm Open it up and put it on the deck but not thru the head transport area and wind it on to the take up reel, and look for signs of the oxide delaminating from the backing, sticking etc. If it all looks clean and no sticking you're probably okay. If it's 1/4" or 1/2" I'd just get a new reel of tape, but 2" is pretty pricey. ;)
Dan
NightcapVeni, MIDI, ViciMember
Since: Jul 02, 2008
Oct 14, 2008 03:14 pm Deon, I meant the history of this particular recorder. The tape is the 1/4" type and those are still widely available and don't cost an arm and a leg. From what I remember ('t was back in 1984 I believe) the 388 was very straightforward to work with, much like the hard disk recorders nowadays. Except for the weight of the thing! :-)
In case you're interested here's a link to the PDF manual of the 388: marjorie-plastille.com/
More manuals...! LOL
Thanks for the picture btw.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 14, 2008 08:05 pm no wuckn furries.
hey thanks for the manual link nightcap.
when i get through my cubase 4 manual next decade, will read up on it. (just kidding.)
will check tape today OD, like you said it might just be safe to get new tape altoghter.
i left the friggin tape at my mates last nigh so i will have to get it today, im pretty sure its 1/4"
i cant believe how new it is. dont think its been used much at all.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 14, 2008 08:11 pm oh dude, the manual!
its sooo old school. the almost stick figure like diagrams.
its gold!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 14, 2008 09:25 pm Yep, those were cool machines. I used one for awhile way back.
Make sure and check the heads though that they are clean and demag em for sure.
NightcapVeni, MIDI, ViciMember
Since: Jul 02, 2008
Oct 14, 2008 10:25 pm Yeah, those diagrams are just too much! Couldn't believe how silly they look today. Things change... obviously.
BTW The 388 came with a demagnetizer. Maybe it's still there somewhere?
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 14, 2008 10:31 pm nah i dont think so but i will ask for sure.
just trying to track down some new tape now, but im gonna make sure it all works first.
i know a guy that will give me some old tape to see if it works properly and he is also a technician of these anologue desks so he can fix whatever is dodgy on it.
the heads look almost new though.
Oct 16, 2008 10:27 pm Nice scroe! I have an old Tascam 38 reel to reel. Just make sure you keep not only the heads clean but the whole tape path. Use alcohol and Q-tips on everything but a pinch roller. On that I just use dish soap mixed with water, then clean that of with just water on a Q-tip. If you use alcohol on a pinch roller it dries them out. I clean mine before every session and after. I would definately invest in new tape. Depending on how old it is it can really flake off and create a lot of wear.
