2. vintage
  3. 190189-190444

Teac 3340 Tape Deck general questions

Hi. I am new to this site and was looking for some general info. I picked up the subject tape deck (no A in the model number or S) a couple of months ago. The owner said free and I had a moment of weakness and took the tape deck not knowing if there was anything wrong with it or what I was going to do with it. The owner claimed one record channel was 'out' and that the rewind had an issue. The owner included some tapes and a Teac repair manual for an A-3340 (which apparently is similar?). Long story short - I discovered the tape hubs for each take-up and feed reel set screws were loose. I tightened the hubs and verified all channels worked fine (record and playback). I bought some spring gauges to verify the brake mechanisms may need a bit of adjusting (have not done this yet) after a sudden stop rewinding caused a tape jump off the tape stack of the take-up reel. I lubed the motors as well.

As far as I can tell, the tape deck works fine. There is very little wear on the heads and the pinch roller looks great. I cleaned everything up and cycled a tape back and forth.

If anyone has some operation tricks/hints/suggestions I would appreciate it.

I play and instrument and was going to use this deck to play some duets. I bought some condenser mics and a new master tape. Before I run the new tape, I plan to adjust the brakes for the proper 700g of brake torque.

I am amazed on how nice shape this deck is in...and for free??? I must be missing something.

Thanks in advance!

sparksaudio62

Showing 1 response by sparksaudio62

sparksaudio62 OP
1 posts
 

Thanks! I appreciate the info.

Yes, this 3340 has the tubes for lubing the motors.

I have yet to get a demag tool, but I plan to get one.

As far as the vinyl shims - they came with the tape deck as well. When I re-tightened the reel hub set screws, I had to make sure I had the alignment 'close' - I wasn't sure how to set this up since you have to tighten the set screws without the tape reels on. Also, it is a 'blind' tightening operation from the front panel and you have to feel around with the allen wrench to find the set screws. I guess I will review the service manual again to see if there is a procedure. I was a little stumped on how both the feed reel and take up reel hub set screws could have gotten loose.

I still can't believe the owner gave it away. I never get this lucky.

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