tascam 414 mkII (problem eating tape)

[soul1]

hey guys,
I usually record on the computer but i recently bought a tascam 414 mkII 4-track to have fun with.

anyways, it seems like anytime i record and try to playback it wont playback and when i take the tape out the tape has unwinded out of the cassette...

is this an easy fix or should i just dump it and try and find another?

[strymon]

I used to work in service long ago and I've seen many tascams. They are good units. A lot of time one of the pinch rollers will wear out or something in general in the tape transport just isn't working correctly. It's impossible to say without taking it to a tech. Could also be one of the motors.
Hope this helps.

[stevel]

hey guys,
I usually record on the computer but i recently bought a tascam 414 mkII 4-track to have fun with.

anyways, it seems like anytime i record and try to playback it wont playback and when i take the tape out the tape has unwinded out of the cassette...

is this an easy fix or should i just dump it and try and find another?

Sometimes the parts get gunky, or gummy. A good cleaning may be in order. Sometimes it's simply buildup from years of use, and sometimes the rubber on the pinch roller will start to deteriorate and get sticky.

It could be other problems like the take up reel is not keeping tension on it and the supply reel is "out pacing" it (which probably involves taking it to a tech unless you know how to do that stuff yourself).

Look up on internet how to clean tape machines - denatured alcohol and a Q-tip will go a long way.

Another option would be to buy one of those cheap "cleaner/demagnetizer" cassettes from Radio Shack (just to see if you can get it to run right).

Good Luck.

Steve