Tascam TSR8 Refuses to play ?

LiamMontgomery 🎙️ · 16th April 2010

Hey Guys,

I just picked up a Tascam TSR8 tape machine. I have loaded the tape properly and it will rewind, fast forward and stop, but will not play. When I hit play the brake comes up and stops the tape. Has anyone else had this problem, or does anyone know what I should do to fix it?

Thanks.

mamm7215 · 16th April 2010

there's no "brake" per se, it's the pinch roller and likely (almost sure) what you
have going on is the pinch roller belt has broken/come off. You'll have to take off the front panel of the TSR-8 to be sure. When you press play, can you hear noise like something is turning? If so, that's what's happened. Fairly common with these and an easy fix, if you're somewhat mechanically inclined. Belts can be had on e-bay for about $12.00. You can go over here:
Analog Only - Home Recording these guys live for this stuff and are very helpful.

Victory Pete · 17th April 2010

You can still get some parts directly from Tascam, Teac America. I have bought alot of parts from them for my fleet of Tascams. I have bought a belt and a pinch roller from them recently. Goodluck. TASCAM
VP

GotGear? · 17th April 2010

Yep, sound like the capstan belt. These belts lose a lot of their springiness over the years and some even turn to goo.

Sound like after a new belt you'll be good to go.

David Coppa · 13th February 2021

I have the same problem, but it is not the belt (new belt) The belt jumps off and the capstan stop spinning but the motor is still running. Does the capstan spindle need to be lubricated?

maxdorsogna · 20th May 2023

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Coppa ➡️

I have the same problem, but it is not the belt (new belt) The belt jumps off and the capstan stop spinning but the motor is still running. Does the capstan spindle need to be lubricated?

Hey there, did you ever manage to fix this? My TSR-8 does the same thing even with new belts. I'm going to try and lubricate the capstan spindle to see if it could be the culprit and I also have another OEM spec belt coming. I'm sure a new(er) one might help but it seems to be the take-up inertia/force of the motor throwing the belt off?

rgtunes · 5 days ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxdorsogna ➡️

Hey there, did you ever manage to fix this? My TSR-8 does the same thing even with new belts. I'm going to try and lubricate the capstan spindle to see if it could be the culprit and I also have another OEM spec belt coming. I'm sure a new(er) one might help but it seems to be the take-up inertia/force of the motor throwing the belt off?

Did this end up working? having the same problem

Thread / Thread Starter	Replies / Views	Last Post
Opinions requested on a Tascam TSR- 8 DrShann	replies: 137 views: 57102	controlled_volts 8th March 2025
Tascam 38 vs TSR-8 help wanted. dreemer	replies: 3 views: 3914	dreemer 24th December 2014

Similar Threads

Opinions requested on a Tascam TSR- 8

Tascam 38 vs TSR-8 help wanted.

Welcome to the Gearspace Pro Audio Community!

Registration benefits include: