Reel to reel parts needed?

Hey guys Im new to tape and I bought this machine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=200534231137&si=dW8wzTBKOPuOiY20WzW25eYQD08%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_680wt_932

Now Im worried cause Im Im now gonna have to buy tape,reels and hub adapters.

The question is:

1. Do I need to buy these adapters or is there reels I can get with just the small hole in the middle?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-TASCAM-REEL-32-34-34B-1-4-CUSTOM-NAB-HUB-ADAPTER-/300488583495?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item45f683e947

It takes 1/2" tape.


2. Also what kind of tape is good?

456 if you can get it.

I've got several boxes of NOS Ampex 406 1/2". PM me if you need some.

-Paul

Get some NAB adapters, you will need them.

hi all,

Paul,
Warning, you need the 1/4" NAB REEL HUB ADAPTERS not the 1/2".

Maybe, i have a pair of Nab adapters and revox and basf/ampex/agfa tapes somewhere.

I can research them, if you are intersting.
Cyril

The Tascam 34 uses 1/4" tape.  I have a very sickly 34 buried in the garage as a parts machine.  I have the DBX unit too. 

Shop around on those adapters.  That's a high price.  Seen 'em for 14 bucks.  It may take some time and patience but they're out there.  TEAC/TASCAM made a smaller hub for the 1/4 reels though I'm not 100% that it will be compatible with your model.  Use google images to pull up pics for visual comparison.  Can always try posting a WTB over at TapeOp or HomeRecording forum. Lots of users there.  Also check here:

http://www.analogrules.com/

Be very very careful buying any old tape - NOS or used.  Sticky shed syndrome is waiting like sandfleas.  There's a watchdog site/list on one of the forums that used to keep up with all the likely suspects appearing on ebay. 

For one-pass used tape shop here:

http://tapetape.com/

I've bought from him a number of times over the years and never got any sticky shed tape.

For brand new tape try: 

http://www.atrtape.com/

Skiroy, here is the nab and tapes.
if you ars interesting Mail me at brainaid(at)free fr

Cyril

All the tapes and nab hub are 1/4"
Yes all is for sale.
For prices check your PM

If you like to buy all item, ake me one correct offer.
I am also ready for an exchange, I look for xfrms, tubes & pultec parts, DOA ...

Regards
Cyril
Please use brainaid(at)free fr

I see guys selling the NAB adapters on Eb$y for 2-3x what you can buy them from Tascam.Looks like they buy them from Tascam for $15-$20 and resell for $35-$50.Parts @ Teac.com if you are in the U.S.

sure, but the tascam is full plastic, not mine , they have a big aluminium part

Make me one correct offer and we see...
Creal

1. Is there any sound differences in 1/4" tape vs 1/2" tape?



2. And can the Tascam 34 take 1/2" tape? How could I find out?

3. Finally can anyone give a brief breakdown of the different flavors of tape and there sound differences?

there won't be a significant difference in sound if the machine is calibrated within the specs of a particular tape for flat response (well there is a difference but more to do with archiving the tape). wider tape has better better S/N ratio = better dynamic range = better sound quality.
i suggest you read this very useful information from Magnetic Reference Lab (MRL)
http://home.comcast.net/~mrltapes/choo&u.pdf
read it over and over again until it makes sense, also check out their website for great info regarding recording tape.
today, there are 2 companies in the world manufacturing audio tape
one is called RMGI and is based in holland, and the other is based in the US and is called ATR.
http://www.rmgi.eu/
http://www.atrtape.com/
enjoy

Hi Skiroy,
As you are new to tape recording I would suggest you buy this book :
" The recording studio handbook", by John Woram :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0914130013/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used
There is section that explains inside/out what magnetism and tape is, and how a tape recorder works, and the care it needs too...
Cheers,
Guy

1. Is there any sound differences in 1/4" tape vs 1/2" tape?

Click to expand...

Absolutely.  It's a function of real estate.  You have more space per track width the wider the format.  So you have more magnetic particles available.  The differences heard may vary from situation to situation and person to person.  I hear the difference as better resolution and a somewhat 'bigger' sound from the larger formats.

Finally can anyone give a brief breakdown of the different flavors of tape and there sound differences?
l

Click to expand...

Think in broad terms.  'normal bias' like 456 type vs 'high bias'/high output 499 or GP-9.  So you have output level differences.  To my ears the latter also has a better high frequency response vs 456.  Saturation characteristics are another can of worms.

There's lots of different formulations. No absolutes.  If your Tascam wasn't intended for using higher output formulations then they will sound different on your machine compared to machines set up to use them.

Outside of track width format the core sound (rec and playback electronics) of your machine will be the overall boundary to the sound you get which can't be overridden by tape formulation.  What I mean is that another machine - Ampex, MCI, Studer etc of the same format will have a different sound.

Skiroy said:

2. And can the Tascam 34 take 1/2" tape? How could I find out?

Click to expand...

No, you can't, the heads and guides are differents much smaller for a 1/4.  

Hi,
If you are working on 'a budget' and need to use second hand tape, try to get the European brands such as BASF.  The American tapes such as 456 changed the formulation of the binder that holds the oxide to the actual tape - I think it was in the mid 70's .  Over the years the binder deteriorates and the oxide starts to shed.  BASF and the like didn't do this and are usually rock solid.  I have some BASF 1" and 1/4 tape from the early 70's (care of Decca records) that is still excellent.

The advice about background reading is good (although I've never read Worum's book)

You will have to invest time and money in to using tape - beware of second hand calibration tapes in particular as they are very expensive.  If you buy a new one, set the machine up and then make a sub-master yourself for every day use

Overall though - its great fun and tactile, non of this nebulous bits n' bytes stuff

Happy recording

I have a Tascam 34 it is 1/4 inch only. I got a new belt and capstan roller here: [email protected] He may also have hubs. Is in japan but fast shipping.

John

madswitcher said:

Hi,
If you are working on 'a budget' and need to use second hand tape, try to get the European brands such as BASF.  The American tapes such as 456 changed the formulation of the binder that holds the oxide to the actual tape - I think it was in the mid 70's .  Over the years the binder deteriorates and the oxide starts to shed.  BASF and the like didn't do this and are usually rock solid.  I have some BASF 1" and 1/4 tape from the early 70's (care of Decca records) that is still excellent.

The advice about background reading is good (although I've never read Worum's book)

You will have to invest time and money in to using tape - beware of second hand calibration tapes in particular as they are very expensive.  If you buy a new one, set the machine up and then make a sub-master yourself for every day use

Overall though - its great fun and tactile, non of this nebulous bits n' bytes stuff

Happy recording

Click to expand...

Do you now where I can get Some BASF?

THis is still confusing as far as if I need hubs/NAB adpters.  When do you need them? Does it depend on what size tape or what brand you use? Because Im seeing 1/4" reels that appears to need some kind of adapters but then there is other reels like this one that looks as if it would fit right on.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3M-SCOTCH-MAGNETIC-TAPE-1-4-X-1800-LONG-PLAY-LOT-9-/190458448066?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2c583548c2#ht_7466wt_1093