Tandberg TCD 310

[navinsinha]

I purchased a Tandberg TCD 310 on ebay. I had asked specific question to the seller about the condition of the machine to which he replied that all functions are working fine. From the photos the item was looking in cosmetically very good condition. When the item arrived, I was shocked to find that it was not working properly. My friend who is quite good at audio machines found out that the belt is loose. He also told me that the head is not original. (He owned this model about 30 years back).
Can some FMs suggest from where to source these 2 items? Also, are there any Tandberg specialist around who can work on this beautiful machine?

 

[denom]

I can only think of Sanjay Raut again. Other than him, only Mr. Shyam Bajaj of Norge could be of help as he worked for Tandberg in the '60s. If I am not mistaken, he also has the same model with him, which he proudly displays in his Mahim Office/Workshop/Showroom.

I'd advise you to get in touch with Uncle Sam(Shyam Bajaj) first. If nothing, he will regale you with his cherished experience working for Tandberg, which is very interesting none the less.

Best Wishes

 

[navinsinha]

Dear Bro,
Thanks a lot! I was also thinking of Uncle Sam first. It would definitely be pleasure to at least meet him! He may fondly remember his Tandberg days.
I would update the forum of whatever happens.
Best regards
Navin

 

[reubensm]

I purchased a Tandberg TCD 310 on ebay. I had asked specific question to the seller about the condition of the machine to which he replied that all functions are working fine. From the photos the item was looking in cosmetically very good condition. When the item arrived, I was shocked to find that it was not working properly. My friend who is quite good at audio machines found out that the belt is loose. He also told me that the head is not original. (He owned this model about 30 years back).
Can some FMs suggest from where to source these 2 items? Also, are there any Tandberg specialist around who can work on this beautiful machine?

Sellers on eBay are not always knowledgeable. The best way to check this is to view the other items which they have listed and also to check on feedback given by previous buyers of the seller's products (not the actual feedback, but for what kind of items the feedback is given). Most part of the time, you'd see sellers dealing in a variety of items from flower vases to electronics. The model is that many of these sellers are professional eBay sellers and make a living out of this. People approach them to sell their old stuff and these sellers charge a small commission for it. There are also a lot of active re-sellers. These guys usually do not know much about the item, will turn it on and check if it powers up, and then probably check if something turns, thats it. It always pays to deal with sellers who have a 100% feedback score or atleast 99%.

The great thing about your deck is that only the belt and head need to be replaced. I'd suggest you be patient and keep checking online resources for these replacement parts. Also check ebay for new or salvaged spare parts. Please don't use Indian spares on this deck as it will not perform well on these. Tandberg spares, unlike Nak spares are not easy to come by but at the same time, they are available if you be patient and look carefully. Also don't go for cheap stuff and compromise on quality.

My 2 cents.

Congrats on your purchase of a true legend.

 

[navinsinha]

Dear Reuben,
Thanks a lot! I fully agree with you. I would wait for the right spares. When I threatened the seller, he has agreed to send a new belt, but I may have to wait for the head for some time. Thanks once again.
Best regards

 

[reubensm]

Dear Reuben,
Thanks a lot! I fully agree with you. I would wait for the right spares. When I threatened the seller, he has agreed to send a new belt, but I may have to wait for the head for some time. Thanks once again.
Best regards

That is great news. The belt is key to your deck functioning properly from a mechanical perspective. Proper mechanical functionality is the basic starting point for any piece of electronics with mechs. The R/P head is more, a contributor to the overall SQ. Hence you'r deck will play well with the head you got it with. Reverting to the OEM head when you find one, can be treated as an upgrade. Going with this approach, you'd begin to start enjoying your lovely deck as soon as you get the replacement belt and have it put in.