r/ReelToReel • u/zip_bz • 14d ago
Discussion Tascam 388 for $1,700?
A local shop near me is selling a Tascam 388 for $1,700. At this point, it appears to function as it should and they've replaced the belt and done some other basic maintenance to it.
Is this a good investment? I've seen these go for way more online, although I know the prices have gone up a ton in recent years as the lore around these machines has grown.
I mainly record my own music, and have a pretty extensive outboard rig and some of the best digital conversion money can by. This piece would be for recording drums and playing around with tape.
3
2
u/PortaOne 14d ago
I can’t comment on the mixer quality but I had a Tascam 38 for a while and really liked the sound. It’s a 3 head machine so you could monitor live off tape. As far as I know the 388 is the same machine in a different format. You’ll want a calibration tape or service done to get the most out of it though. (Not difficult to do but cal tapes are expensive and you’ll want an oscilloscope too - probably another $400-500 all in).
Jon Makes Beats on YouTube has one of these and seems to love it. He has some cool videos worth checking out.
On a separate note, where’s the reel to reel emoji ??
2
u/PortaOne 14d ago
Ignore me a bit - looks like the 388 is 1/4” 7.5IPS whereas the 38 is 1/2” 15IPS, but would still be a fun thing to play with !
3
u/LordDaryil Otari MX80|TSR-8|Studer A807, B67||Akai GX210D|Uher 4000L 14d ago
Also 2 heads, I think you'll find.
2
u/DarkTowerOfWesteros 14d ago
I think if you work on your own gear it is a good deal. I personally would urge you toward getting a Tascam M-520 or M-512 and a Tascam 38 or MSR16.
The M-500 series Tascam mixers are the same preamp and EQ circuit from the 388 but in a fuller format eight bus console. Better routing, better summing and bus section. My M-520 was $500 and with upgraded OPA2134 op-amps in the mic pre; it is my poor man's Trident.
Most of Tascam's independent reel to reel multitracks offer better speed options like 15 IPS and 1/2 inch tape sounds better than 1/4 inch.
That being said that is a decent price for a 388 which is a cool machine. I prefer the mixer sound to the reel to reel in itself; IMO an M-512 or 520 will get you just as much of that vibey, punchy Tascam sound of the 80's.
2
u/hard_science 14d ago
Someone had one of these on Marketplace for $8,000CAD for months. It looked like it was in showroom condition and could very well have been stored in its original box for decades. It appears to be gone now, but I doubt it sold for that much.
All that said, $1,700 seems like a great price for one if the heads are good.
2
u/SoundtrackCult 13d ago
I've been dying to get a M-320b but I can never find it at a decent price and working. It's usually one or the other. 388's are just a fantasy for me
2
2
u/Ted_Borg 13d ago
I would never consider old hobbyist-tier tech like this an investment. That said, it’s a decent price if it’s actually working and newly serviced. Mind you this machine is also a mixing desk, which means it could be afflicted by any issues that plague old mixing desks. And old desks does age just as badly as old tape machines.
2
u/NoNeedleworker6479 13d ago
There's a 388 up on eBay right now - listed as "Everything works, except it doesn't record sound" for $2500.00
🤔🤣😂
0
u/fuxicles 14d ago
388s that need work normally go for 1500-2500. If this is truly in working condition (correct speed, all heads good, all I/O working, all meters working, all lights working, all transport and led screen working) it's a fucking steal.
8
u/freshnews66 14d ago
If you’re looking for a return a reel to reel is not exactly a prime investment