Tascam 35-2 RTR

[fbaratto]

Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum but not so new with RTR machines. I own an X-3 MkII and an X-10 dbx (DX-2A) and others little cuties...
I found a used Tascam 35-2 at a friend's house and I'm considering its purchase for a little price (€150-180)...seems it has only been used at home and recently parked in a closet (dry, no mould), since its owner passed away some 8 years ago...

Now, I am posting a few pix and I will let you give me some advice...just keep in mind that I am used to service some of these machines, but I don't have much test equipment...please use constructive criticism and bear in mind the price tag.

Thanks for your time!
Fabio

 

[SkywaveTDR]

Hi Fabio,
You can't do better that that price but those heads will need some polishing. I use Nu Finish car polish and it leaves a surfactant on that helps tape to head contact improve. The deck I worked on needed a lot of work due to the age of them and some capacitors. These will suffer as will the belts when the units are not exercised. When I remember this model at Teac when I serviced them they did a very nice job but now they are pretty aged. Still if you work on it long enough you will be able to get it going.

 

[fbaratto]

Thanks a lot for yr reply...I typically use isopropyl alcohol to clean heads and tape path...I will open the deck before deciding to get it...and see how it is inside...might find the usual belt gummed up all around the flywheel...will see...I really wanted to know what you thought ab0ut the heads status...they seem just dirty but not so worn...what about the capstan and the pinch roller???? Thanks again!

 

[fbaratto]

By the way, I'm not sure I can find Nu Polish around here in Northern Italy...I wonder what can replace that polish...basically it's synthetic car wax, right?

 

[fbaratto]

But applying it to the heads.... sure it won't create a gooey slippery film impairing electromag performance???? How would it work????
Thanks!

 

[SkywaveTDR]

Well there is not a sub for the Nu Finish I don't think as it is not only the reason that it has micro spherical abrasives in it but that it has a surfactant in it that improves tape to head contact which I have measured. It has in many decks improved head to tape contact and the surfactant acts like a lubricant. It even works on Cassette deck. When using it the last part is cleaned with denatured alcohol so nothing remains to gum anything up- the surfactant may be bonded to the metal pours I think.

 

[fbaratto]

Hi Sam,
my machine is now a beauty. All cleaned up, oiled, with a new belt. It works like a charm, with and w/o dbx, hi /lo speed, large/small reels. Even a small spider had made it its house...couldn't catch it and it got lost in the crevices within....well, all set. But: missing removable metal ring adapter on one of the TZ-612 NAB adapters....maybe you can help me locating one...thanks a lot...

 

[SkywaveTDR]

I had some at one time but sent them off to another already. Want to really make the deck works and look good? Check out the NAD-Shop adapters. They would last forever in a few different colors.