I just restored my Tascam 32 and I’m loving every minute of it. What’s today’s value (in good shape and not working) for the 32 and for the 34? I might want to start buying and restoring these units. They are awesome!
Nice video and it looks like you did some nice work here. I'm seeking your expert advice on a different deck, do you mind if I ask you a question about another deck? If you do, sorry to bother you, TimR. OK, I own a Tascam TSR-8 recording deck (that is actually in really good shape) BUT it seems the locking hubs are pretty crap. Each assembly has 3 pieces to it plus a spring washer that screw directly onto the shaft tip of the brushless motors, as I'm sure you know. I found broken pieces of plastic inside the return reel hub (on one of the pieces) and I super glued things back together and reassembled it. OK, immediately afterwards I called Tascam and they are sending some replacements. But here's my question: Even though these hubs are crap for the job they have to do, I can't help but wonder if the irregularity I see (and hear) with the reels (tape rubbing during play/record, etc.) as they rotate can be caused entirely by the hub - or if there is something odd with the motors? I'm thinking it is the hubs but you probably have an opinion here? I would appreciate your thoughts if you have a moment, TimR. Thank you.
I don't mind questions but I am not familiar with that model I'm afraid. Is the main problem that the tape rubs the reels? If that is the case what may have happened is the deck may have fallen forward at some point and that will usually push the reel tables out of alignment making the tape rub on the outside flange. Are those twist locks metal on that deck or plastic?
TimR, thank for the reply. Yes, the twist hubs are all plastic. Unlike a typical deck that you work on, the shaft of the motor is sticking out about 1/2" for the case and it has a threaded receiver to attach the plastic hubs. Haha, it is not THE WAY. As to the reels being warped, no, they behave like they are warped but they are flat and uniform as I lay them on my quartz kitchen counter top. At this point, having ordered the new hubs, I'm hoping my troubles are over. But this hub and the way it attaches to the motor shaft - and what it is made of - looks like a bad offering by an otherwise good company. Fingers crossed, TimR. I was hoping you had some experience with this model. I'll circle back after I get the replacements installed and let you know. I really love that you are into this and frankly I haven't used this deck much lately because I've gotten involved with digital recording for the past 14 years - but - the idea of upgrading the 8 channel cards is always on my mind, TimR. I wonder if this might be worth a look for you? I'm pretty electronically oriented and can solder but this may be in your wheelhouse...? Ross
@@roosterross2802 Well, See if anyone has "Upgraded" their boards like a ton of people do for say the Tascam 32's, 34's etc and if so, see what they have done. Some upgrades seem a little hacky to me but depends on what you want to do with the unit. I have upgraded the OP Amps to Burr Brown amps without an issue but some people say that is problematic. I usually re-cap using Elna Silmic II caps and Wow, i like and have had lots of compliments too so I've had nothing but good luck but there's smarter people than me out there but again check and see what if anything has been done as far as upgrading them. I have to remember there are Electronic Engineers with years of experience in Design that have built these things and I would like to think they know best. But then look at your Reel locks. =)
HiTim, I appreciate your work, you have my respect. I dare to ask advice. I have some Teac A- 3300s2t heads , they can use the Tascam 32 ? Mechanical fasteners seems to be the same , do not know if impedance match. Thank You. Lucian
Would love to know the way you went about installing new op-amps. I use a Teac 3340 and although the opamps are vibey, would be great to be able to throw something higher-end in. Also, I'm having trouble with a Vu Meter not receiving signal although the channel works fine. Threw a new one in and it did nothing. Ever heard of that issue?
Been a while since I recapped a 3340 and while I might be mistaken but I'm fairly sure there are no op amps in those guys. I have re-transistor ed a number of Teac A series including a 6100 and the hiss was extremely low, much more so than a stock A series. The transistors made now a days are much more low noise. The VU Meter, I have seen a couple with open coils and they are just a damn Hoot to replace I know but never seen a good. You can put a small battery across the coils quickly and make sure the new meter is good. Other than that, I would have to dive into the scheme and see what controls it. Good Luck,
@@Zcuckoo Thank you for the reply! Re-transistoring the machine may be in the future if that's the case. Opening the front for the VU meters will definitely come later as it is such a pain! Ryan
I have a Teac-6300 that plugged in yesterday! The pinch roller mechanism will no engage! I suspect it needs a full service! I'm in Los Angeles.....you appear to be an expert....how do I get the deck to you for service? Thanks!
I'm under the impression that this is a recorder unit so not really that good for including in my Hi-Fi system as a playback device for pre-recorded reel to reel am I mistaken or is this true? BTW I have the same unit at home and I'm attempting to change the capstan belt which is broken so I just thought it would be worth my while or not thanks good video.
This is a 2 TRACK Unit. Most typical Pre Recorded tapes are 4 TRACK and that would be a problem. This deck is used to record and playback in 2 track mode only. It is certainly a great deck to get running again. There's more to life than a 4 track depending on HOW you wish to use it.
I am wondering can this deck be changed to play and record 4 track 2 channel stereo and also can you change the speed from 7.5 ips and 15 ips to 3. 3/4 ips and 7.5 ips as well. if so can you replay and let me know what I need to do and what I need to get thank you and keep the great videos coming
Thanks for the comment. Off the top of my head so to speak, you would need playback/record heads as well as an erase head for 4 track. The impedance would be an issue and would need to match the pre-amps or be modified more than likely. Then there's the capstan speed. If it were me I would seek out a Tascam 44, or a Teac 3440. Those are 4 channel decks (Quad) and you can play channels 1 and 3 for your stereo. Other than that, I don't know. I don't re-engineer these things, i keep them as designed with the exception of an OP amp/ signal transistor upgrade. You can bring that topic up on AudioKarma and see what those guys think. It's a fair amount of work, money to basically downgrade the deck. Good Luck with your endeavors and Enjoy no matter what you do. =)
I must be tired, it just dawned on me that the heads from a Tascam 34 will work nicely on this deck. in fact, you could probably get the entire headblock to screw right in place of the old one. You could only connect channels 1 and 3 but would solve the first question. The capstan motor would need a modification or two. Finding the heads cheaply will be a trick though. Good Luck and Thanks again, Take Care, TimR
Hello thank you for the fast replies I have four track stereo pre recorded tapes and most are 3.3/4 ops and I have an old 4 track 2 channel stereo teach a-1200u reel to reel that no longer works no place or record and want to know if those heads can be transferred to the tascam 32 deck and also the speed issue as well to slow both speeds down to 3. 3/4 and 7 5 ips per second that is what I wish to find out I have 98 tapes that I want to listen to but I am not going to break the bank to do it any further Ideas would be very much appreciated
@@tough213 Apples and Oranges. Heads won't even mount in there and the capstan drive is hysteresis and the Tascam is a DC motor. Check craigslist. I'm sure something will pop up in your area. Good Luck
Oh NO they are Not. Capstan is the the same motor as in a Pioneer RT-909, Teac X-300 etc etc and have Brushes. BOTH Reel motors are DC and use Brushes, Yes Sir, You Bet. Been in many of these decks.
It is designed for studio use so I believe they didn't care about noise so much as performance. The FF and Rew didn't play games so to speak. Thanks for the message and take care.
Thanks for the information had no clue looking forward to making my own recordings thanks again.
Very good job, that’s is the way need to be done. I have 2 of this deck, they are really good sounding decks.
Thank You.
I just restored my Tascam 32 and I’m loving every minute of it.
What’s today’s value (in good shape and not working) for the 32 and for the 34? I might want to start buying and restoring these units. They are awesome!
Nice video and it looks like you did some nice work here. I'm seeking your expert advice on a different deck, do you mind if I ask you a question about another deck? If you do, sorry to bother you, TimR. OK, I own a Tascam TSR-8 recording deck (that is actually in really good shape) BUT it seems the locking hubs are pretty crap. Each assembly has 3 pieces to it plus a spring washer that screw directly onto the shaft tip of the brushless motors, as I'm sure you know. I found broken pieces of plastic inside the return reel hub (on one of the pieces) and I super glued things back together and reassembled it. OK, immediately afterwards I called Tascam and they are sending some replacements. But here's my question: Even though these hubs are crap for the job they have to do, I can't help but wonder if the irregularity I see (and hear) with the reels (tape rubbing during play/record, etc.) as they rotate can be caused entirely by the hub - or if there is something odd with the motors? I'm thinking it is the hubs but you probably have an opinion here? I would appreciate your thoughts if you have a moment, TimR. Thank you.
I don't mind questions but I am not familiar with that model I'm afraid. Is the main problem that the tape rubs the reels? If that is the case what may have happened is the deck may have fallen forward at some point and that will usually push the reel tables out of alignment making the tape rub on the outside flange. Are those twist locks metal on that deck or plastic?
TimR, thank for the reply. Yes, the twist hubs are all plastic. Unlike a typical deck that you work on, the shaft of the motor is sticking out about 1/2" for the case and it has a threaded receiver to attach the plastic hubs. Haha, it is not THE WAY. As to the reels being warped, no, they behave like they are warped but they are flat and uniform as I lay them on my quartz kitchen counter top.
At this point, having ordered the new hubs, I'm hoping my troubles are over. But this hub and the way it attaches to the motor shaft - and what it is made of - looks like a bad offering by an otherwise good company. Fingers crossed, TimR. I was hoping you had some experience with this model. I'll circle back after I get the replacements installed and let you know. I really love that you are into this and frankly I haven't used this deck much lately because I've gotten involved with digital recording for the past 14 years - but - the idea of upgrading the 8 channel cards is always on my mind, TimR. I wonder if this might be worth a look for you? I'm pretty electronically oriented and can solder but this may be in your wheelhouse...?
Ross
@@roosterross2802 Well, See if anyone has "Upgraded" their boards like a ton of people do for say the Tascam 32's, 34's etc and if so, see what they have done. Some upgrades seem a little hacky to me but depends on what you want to do with the unit. I have upgraded the OP Amps to Burr Brown amps without an issue but some people say that is problematic. I usually re-cap using Elna Silmic II caps and Wow, i like and have had lots of compliments too so I've had nothing but good luck but there's smarter people than me out there but again check and see what if anything has been done as far as upgrading them. I have to remember there are Electronic Engineers with years of experience in Design that have built these things and I would like to think they know best. But then look at your Reel locks. =)
HiTim, I appreciate your work, you have my respect. I dare to ask advice. I have some Teac A- 3300s2t heads , they can use the Tascam 32 ? Mechanical fasteners seems to be the same , do not know if impedance match. Thank You. Lucian
Would love to know the way you went about installing new op-amps. I use a Teac 3340 and although the opamps are vibey, would be great to be able to throw something higher-end in. Also, I'm having trouble with a Vu Meter not receiving signal although the channel works fine. Threw a new one in and it did nothing. Ever heard of that issue?
Been a while since I recapped a 3340 and while I might be mistaken but I'm fairly sure there are no op amps in those guys. I have re-transistor ed a number of Teac A series including a 6100 and the hiss was extremely low, much more so than a stock A series. The transistors made now a days are much more low noise. The VU Meter, I have seen a couple with open coils and they are just a damn Hoot to replace I know but never seen a good. You can put a small battery across the coils quickly and make sure the new meter is good. Other than that, I would have to dive into the scheme and see what controls it. Good Luck,
@@Zcuckoo Thank you for the reply! Re-transistoring the machine may be in the future if that's the case. Opening the front for the VU meters will definitely come later as it is such a pain!
Ryan
@@ryanfaris5106 Oh it's open heart surgery for sure. Again, you can test the meter before removal may be worth your while. T
I have a Teac-6300 that plugged in yesterday! The pinch roller mechanism will no engage! I suspect it needs a full service! I'm in Los Angeles.....you appear to be an expert....how do I get the deck to you for service? Thanks!
my email is tknrnt@aol.com
Tim
I'm under the impression that this is a recorder unit so not really that good for including in my Hi-Fi system as a playback device for pre-recorded reel to reel am I mistaken or is this true? BTW I have the same unit at home and I'm attempting to change the capstan belt which is broken so I just thought it would be worth my while or not thanks good video.
This is a 2 TRACK Unit. Most typical Pre Recorded tapes are 4 TRACK and that would be a problem. This deck is used to record and playback in 2 track mode only. It is certainly a great deck to get running again. There's more to life than a 4 track depending on HOW you wish to use it.
I am wondering can this deck be changed to play and record 4 track 2 channel stereo and also can you change the speed from 7.5 ips and 15 ips to 3. 3/4 ips and 7.5 ips as well. if so can you replay and let me know what I need to do and what I need to get thank you and keep the great videos coming
Thanks for the comment. Off the top of my head so to speak, you would need playback/record heads as well as an erase head for 4 track. The impedance would be an issue and would need to match the pre-amps or be modified more than likely. Then there's the capstan speed. If it were me I would seek out a Tascam 44, or a Teac 3440. Those are 4 channel decks (Quad) and you can play channels 1 and 3 for your stereo. Other than that, I don't know. I don't re-engineer these things, i keep them as designed with the exception of an OP amp/ signal transistor upgrade. You can bring that topic up on AudioKarma and see what those guys think. It's a fair amount of work, money to basically downgrade the deck. Good Luck with your endeavors and Enjoy no matter what you do. =)
I must be tired, it just dawned on me that the heads from a Tascam 34 will work nicely on this deck. in fact, you could probably get the entire headblock to screw right in place of the old one. You could only connect channels 1 and 3 but would solve the first question. The capstan motor would need a modification or two. Finding the heads cheaply will be a trick though. Good Luck and Thanks again, Take Care, TimR
Hello thank you for the fast replies I have four track stereo pre recorded tapes and most are 3.3/4 ops and I have an old 4 track 2 channel stereo teach a-1200u reel to reel that no longer works no place or record and want to know if those heads can be transferred to the tascam 32 deck and also the speed issue as well to slow both speeds down to 3. 3/4 and 7 5 ips per second that is what I wish to find out I have 98 tapes that I want to listen to but I am not going to break the bank to do it any further Ideas would be very much appreciated
@@tough213 Apples and Oranges. Heads won't even mount in there and the capstan drive is hysteresis and the Tascam is a DC motor. Check craigslist. I'm sure something will pop up in your area. Good Luck
brushes?? these are brushless induction motors!!
Oh NO they are Not. Capstan is the the same motor as in a Pioneer RT-909, Teac X-300 etc etc and have Brushes. BOTH Reel motors are DC and use Brushes, Yes Sir, You Bet. Been in many of these decks.
+ZCuckoo TimR coor that's weird wounder why they used brushed motors??
It is designed for studio use so I believe they didn't care about noise so much as performance. The FF and Rew didn't play games so to speak. Thanks for the message and take care.
+ZCuckoo TimR thanks, I've just bought a 32-2B on ebay is this also the same with brushed motors?
That I don't know, I've been all through the 32's a number of times but not a 32B. Now I'm curious but I don't see a scheme on hifi engine for it. =/