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Originally Posted by Otis  Thanks for the great advice! The RMGI LPR35 sounds like a good option. At $30 per reel it's not cheap, but seems like the best route to take. I'm assuming if the previous owner of the 388 I'm looking at used 1.0 mil tape as well, the machine won't need an alignment. Apparently he used Maxell and Scotch. I'm waiting to hear back if it was in fact 1.0 mil. Other than that, it looks like it's in perfect shape. Its important to me not to have to put a lot of work/repairs into it. |
IIRC, Maxell UD-35 is the tape that the 388 was originally spec'd to use. I wouldn't trust using old stock UD-35 now.
I also don't like the fact that RMGI LPR-35 is so expensive per reel. But, again, all new analog recording tape is very high-priced.
1.0mil tape must be used in order for the tape end-stop feature to work on the 388; the transport senses when near the end of the tape and stops. With 457 it works, not 456.
I agree that you should look for a unit to buy that doesn't require a lot of service or repairs. Right now, a calibration & general servicing for a 388 would probably cost as much as the deck.