Multitrack cassette repair
Mail-in servicing, repair and modification for vintage multitrack cassette recorders from Tascam, Fostex, Yamaha and more. Send yours in from anywhere in the US, or pick up a restored unit from one of my shops.
Selling a broken recorder? I'll buy it →Currently accepting repairs
001 Service
Based in Modesto, California, I accept recorders shipped from anywhere in the United States. Whether yours needs routine maintenance, has a specific problem, or you'd like a modification installed, I can help depending on the model, condition and availability of parts.
How it works
Choose your model, the services you need and any mods.
I'll send a quote through PayPal Goods & Services.
Pack it very well. You cover shipping both ways.
Serviced, tested and shipped home, ready to record.
What I do
Routine work to restore and maintain the recorder's mechanical and electrical performance. Depending on the model, this may include:
For recorders with a specific fault that needs attention. Whether it can be repaired depends on the fault and the availability of replacement parts.
Repairs are estimated from your description, then quoted once I've received and inspected the recorder. If I find something during servicing that needs extra work, I'll contact you before doing anything beyond what we agreed.
Want new features too? See the mods ↓
Ready? Every service, repair and mod starts with the form.
Start a service request002 Mods
Each mod is a flat rate for any compatible recorder. Mods are model-specific, since some recorders don't have the space or circuitry for certain modifications. Check what fits your recorder below.
Four mono RCA jacks carry each track's direct playback signal from before the mixer. Transfer all four tracks at once as separate files into a DAW or external mixer, with no drift/sync issues between recording passes.
Toggle the erase head on or off for each of the four tracks individually. This is especially useful for sound-on-sound recording with tape loops.
Blocking the erase head with tinfoil is inconvenient and inconsistent, and simply disconnecting it massively degrades recording quality. Both methods also disable erase on all four tracks at once.
This mod eliminates those limitations: normal recording quality, with independent control over which tracks have the erase head bypassed.
A switch that takes high-speed recorders down to approximately half speed ("normal" speed), so you can play commercial tapes normally and experiment with tape speed.
Because the switch gets you close to half speed, use the built-in pitch control to dial it in to exactly normal speed.
A knob that slows down recording and playback speed, all the way down until the motor stops, for some really interesting results.
Note: the knob is fairly sensitive, so small turns make a big difference.
See & hear them
A serviced Tascam 414 MKII with erase bypass, individual tape outs and dual speed installed, demoed start to finish.
More demos on YouTube →
Play video: Serviced Tascam 414 MKII mod demo
What fits your recorder
Servicing, repair and mods. Tags show which mods fit each model.
I focus on Tascam units, but I still service and repair Yamaha and Fostex recorders. Tell me the brand and model on the service form and I'll quote the work.
Mods aren't currently offered for Yamaha or Fostex recorders.
Don't see your Tascam model? Ask, and I'll let you know.
Found a mod that fits? Add it to your request.
Start a service request003 Buy & Sell
Serviced and modified recorders are listed in my stores, with demo videos on YouTube. Got one that doesn't work? I'll buy it.
Buy restored
Sell yours
004 Gallery
Recorders I've serviced and modded recently. Click any photo to see it larger.
005 FAQ & Contact
I'm based in Modesto, California, and I accept recorders shipped from anywhere in the United States.
Multitrack cassette recorders from Tascam/Teac, Yamaha, Fostex and others. Whether I can take on a specific unit depends on the model, its condition and the availability of parts. See what fits your recorder for the Tascam models I service and which mods fit each.
All transactions go through PayPal Goods & Services. For service work, I'll send you a quote through PayPal to be paid.
You supply your own shipping materials and cover both outbound and return shipping.
Please pack it very well. If a recorder arrives damaged, I reserve the right to refuse the requested work, and the recorder will be returned.
If for any reason I'm unable to perform any requested work, anything charged for that specific work is refunded in full, and I'll cover the return shipping.
I'll contact you before doing any work beyond what we agreed on.
I do. See Sell yours for my buying guide and how it works.
