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
2 responses Add your response
markd51
763 posts
 

I have owned a 3340S since new.

Common with these decks was a pair of thin circular black vinyl "shims" that would be placed onto the Reel Tables before installing Reels. I believe they were required with the larger reels so that tape path alignment would be correct.

Some of the 3340 Decks had tubes to provide lubing the reel motors, my 3340S does not have them.

Denatured Alcohol works well for cleaning heads and guides, but I wouldn’t use such on the Rubber Pinch Roller. There is a means for unscrewing the trim cap-collar on the Capstan, and the Pinch Roller to lube.

 

If you plan on keeping this machine, a good demagger is wise to have. The Han-D-Mag is the best but they aren’t cheap.

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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