I sincerely thank you for your time and effort in preparing this video It's more than an operating manual to me as I am having the same unit. Once again thank you and God bless you
Nice little machine, it's the first Reel to Reel That I own. I like it so much that I rebuild it completely 😁😁. All new transistors and capacitors. I love Akai for the good Fidelity that it offers.
thanks Big Matt Great video,I had this same unit while stationed in germany,bought it in the early 80 to 81 and wore it out,just bought another in mint condition and needed a refresher course, have a Merry Christmas ! Wet Willie
Excellent vid -- Pls recommend best way to clean the "glass" heads of a GX 4000D. Glad I found you here on YT and hope to do biz w/ you in the future. Thanks, DM
Brilliant Video... I've been looking at getting a reel-2-reel tape recorder for as long as I can remember, in the UK the prices have gone up considerably. At the time of writing this comment I've just ordered one on eBay from a seller in Europe after watching your video. I will strip it down check the wiring mains/etc and give pots/switches a clean as well, also good practice to clean tape heads, path and demagnetise... Do you plan on doing a video on basic maintenance for reel to reels, I know these are long in the tooth but the engineers knew their stuff back in the day and properly setup they can perform really well. Thanks for the Video Big M
Great video, thanks for sharing. This is a great unit, I've been hauling mine around for years and it still works like a charm. But thanks to this video I now know that I'm missing the capstan sleeve. Now where to get one? lol
Hi Matt, I’m wondering if you can explain in regards to the Akai 4000 the speed selection. I’m a bit confused because I’ve read about an extra spindle collar that needs to be put on beside the pinch roller/ capstan? Apparently the collar is kept under the head assembly cover on the left-hand side? Is that spindle actually required to play and record at the higher speed? Thanks.
I have the same unit but the right channel doesn't work at all. (Meter inactive and if you put the switch to track 3-2 and rise the volume all the way up you barely hear a tiny bit of treble.) I believe a capacitor somewhere in there has dried and shorted internally, because if I add a higher voltage to the right channel input or the right side of the head it temporarily starts working again and sounds a little distorted. Left channel is perfectly fine. Any recommendations on which caps I should replace?
Great video but Sound On Sound really does not work how you described it. It allows you to bounce the L track to the R track or vice versa while mixing that audio with live audio from the RCA or mic inputs. It does not facilitate mixing new material over existing audio on the tape without erasing it.
Great video. Got a question. If you want to hook up a turn table to record 45rpm records do w need a amplifier or can we hook turn table directly into the recorder.
Hi Matt, Thank you for the video - just picked up one of these in perfect cosmetic condition - the left and right do output, but the right level meter seems dead - the left level meter is fine. How fixable is this? I tested the head phone jack and the left and rights were playing fine - although the headphone jack could use some deoxit hmmmm - thank you for any reply
Great Video I have two of these. I had one that i got from a friend. I left it at my Fathers when I moved and after he passed I had two. I have some questions what taps work best for sound quality and the big one is when i run out of talent where is your shop located? Dad loved his HiFi we had black ad white TVs but good 4 channel equipment he would have loved your posts!
There is a difference, it is more pronounced on some songs than others. Try 3-3/4 first, if the quality is acceptable to you stick with that speed. If not, boost speed to 7.5
how much are these worth? I am being offered one for $200, with some cosmetic issues... I am also looking at a Akai GX-266D for $350 but unknown functionality
Those are fair prices if the machines are operational. Make certain they record ok before purchasing. If they don't, negotiate the price downward or find a working machine.
Have a few questions. Just picked up one of these. Lights up, but pinch roller seems to not squeeze in to the (capstan?). Also the capstan continues if I don't manually stop it by dropping lever down. I also get no response from my mp3 player. All functions on machine( pause, ffw, reverse) etc all seem to work. Any ideas?
I'd remove the front cover to see what is preventing the pinch roller from making contact with the capstan. Ot is a simple mechanical movement, so the problem should be easy to spot/fix. As for the lever not moving down at the end of the tape to stop the machine, I'd guess the old grease has hardened and hampers the movement of the lever, or the spring has become too weak to bring the lever down at the end of the tape. Try spraying contact cleaner on the TAPE/SOURCE switch and working it in and out many times, do the same for the Line In and Output controls. Let me know how it goes.
You are a Godsend. Thanks for the informative video for a newbie. Contact cleaner, interior grease cleaning, button wiggling, prayer and solid information brought mine back to life. Keep up the good work!
hey so if my tape is sagging after i pause it after playing and i got the tension as tight as i could, what do you think the problem would be after that?
Hello Big Matt. Are you still in the repair business? I sent an email to you several days ago about needing help with my Teac X-2000R. If you did not receive it I can resend if you let me know here. I'd like to get it going again. Thanks in advance!
Yeah man, I sent a reply. This is a copy. Take care Hey Raymond, Sounds like it could be the motor, but I'm hoping it is the belt. If you isten closely when you turn the power on with a tape loaded,, you should hear the motor running - this indicates a worn belt. If you don't hear the motor spinning, remove the cabinet and the case, then you'll be able to tell pretty quickly by listening for, or feeling the motor running. Yes, I live near Charlotte. We can coordinate a day you can bring it by. Matt
I sincerely thank you for your time and effort in preparing this video
It's more than an operating manual to me as I am having the same unit.
Once again thank you and God bless you
BTW.... this was just the type of video I was looking for to learn more about my recently purchased GX 4000D. Thanks!
This video is great and something I've been looking for. So much better than any manual. Thank you Matt!
Nice little machine, it's the first Reel to Reel That I own. I like it so much that I rebuild it completely 😁😁. All new transistors and capacitors. I love Akai for the good Fidelity that it offers.
Excellent video! You demonstrated everything anyone would need to know in order to use this machine. Thank you.
Thank you. A very helpful video for this newbie!
thanks Big Matt Great video,I had this same unit while stationed in germany,bought it in the early 80 to 81 and wore it out,just bought another in mint condition and needed a refresher course, have a Merry Christmas ! Wet Willie
Great stuff. Just got one, this video is a life saver.
Excellent choice, RF. The 4000D is a great machine, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Excellent demo video. Thank you for your time and effort.
thank YOU sir THAT WAS A GREAT DEMO I JUST BOUGHT ONE ON eBay
I love IT
Great choice, Robert
Excellent demostration !!!
Thanks for making this great video!
Excellent vid -- Pls recommend best way to clean the "glass" heads of a GX 4000D. Glad I found you here on YT and hope to do biz w/ you in the future. Thanks, DM
big help big matt, this came in super clutch!!!
Brilliant Video... I've been looking at getting a reel-2-reel tape recorder for as long as I can remember, in the UK the prices have gone up considerably. At the time of writing this comment I've just ordered one on eBay from a seller in Europe after watching your video.
I will strip it down check the wiring mains/etc and give pots/switches a clean as well, also good practice to clean tape heads, path and demagnetise...
Do you plan on doing a video on basic maintenance for reel to reels, I know these are long in the tooth but the engineers knew their stuff back in the day and properly setup they can perform really well.
Thanks for the Video Big M
This video was very helpful. Thank you
always likes the GX4000D never owned one have 2 Teac X3's RS branded
Hi Matt, great video on a great machine. Thanks. One question: does it have any built in speakers or do you have to monitor via headphones or amp?
Hi JG, somehow I missed your question until now, apologies. No speakers on this one. Headphones or an amp required
Great video
Great video, thanks for sharing. This is a great unit, I've been hauling mine around for years and it still works like a charm. But thanks to this video I now know that I'm missing the capstan sleeve. Now where to get one? lol
First, remove the headcount and see if it is stored there. There is a guy on ebay who sells them occasionally.
Thank you so much my man.
Thank you for this vidio
You are best on intarnet.
Thanks for this. Do you think this unit would serve well for tracking instruments and vocalists for singer-songwriters , etc.?
Hi Matt, I’m wondering if you can explain in regards to the Akai 4000 the speed selection. I’m a bit confused because I’ve read about an extra spindle collar that needs to be put on beside the pinch roller/ capstan? Apparently the collar is kept under the head assembly cover on the left-hand side? Is that spindle actually required to play and record at the higher speed? Thanks.
Hi LAC. Check the 6:00 mark of this video, it will be explained there.
@@5thcomm Thx! I missed it completely.
QUESTION what’s the difference between the AKAI GX 4000DB?
That’s the one I have but there’s no video for my model
Same device. Your machine has Dolby
Gracias por toda la información!
You're very welcome, friend
I have the same unit but the right channel doesn't work at all. (Meter inactive and if you put the switch to track 3-2 and rise the volume all the way up you barely hear a tiny bit of treble.) I believe a capacitor somewhere in there has dried and shorted internally, because if I add a higher voltage to the right channel input or the right side of the head it temporarily starts working again and sounds a little distorted. Left channel is perfectly fine. Any recommendations on which caps I should replace?
thank you for making this video.
Thank you! this video is very informative, I have pulled one out of moth balls and refamiliarizing myself before setting it up.
Great video but Sound On Sound really does not work how you described it. It allows you to bounce the L track to the R track or vice versa while mixing that audio with live audio from the RCA or mic inputs. It does not facilitate mixing new material over existing audio on the tape without erasing it.
thank you, great explanation!!
Hands on cant beat it ,Magic thanks .H
Great video. Got a question. If you want to hook up a turn table to record 45rpm records do w need a amplifier or can we hook turn table directly into the recorder.
Some of the new turntables can be plugged in directly. The majority need to go thru an amp or receiver
Low noise tape where can. Oobuy ot from do you have th website I can buy it from
Thank you
Anyone know where to get the adapter to change the speed? The one i received is missing that adapter.
Kurtsjacobs@gmail.com
Hi Matt, Thank you for the video - just picked up one of these in perfect cosmetic condition - the left and right do output, but the right level meter seems dead - the left level meter is fine. How fixable is this? I tested the head phone jack and the left and rights were playing fine - although the headphone jack could use some deoxit hmmmm - thank you for any reply
Saludos matt
Great Video I have two of these. I had one that i got from a friend. I left it at my Fathers when I moved and after he passed I had two. I have some questions what taps work best for sound quality and the big one is when i run out of talent where is your shop located? Dad loved his HiFi we had black ad white TVs but good 4 channel equipment he would have loved your posts!
Wasn't there a tinted cover for those? Thx great video
Excelente
Once the reel has finished playing do you just rewind it back?
Good question....You can flip it over, like a cassette, and keep it playing in the forward mode.
What max size tape spool can this machine play?
7 inch
Hi can you go through set up for alai gx 280d when you get a chance, thanks
How do I hook up bookshelf speakers to my reel to reel?
In most cases, you'll need an amp or receiver
@@5thcomm thank you! I have a sony tc 350c reel to reel, i can't connect the wires to my aux in or out ?
@@dwightsmiley5101 yes, you can connect the Sony's output to the Aux inputs on your receiver
Great video! Do you know if this unit uses belts or some kind of direct drive? Thank you!
Belts
Qe es o para qe sirve el boton de sos??
Big Matt.... Is there a significant quality loss if recording at 3 3/4" speed?
There is a difference, it is more pronounced on some songs than others. Try 3-3/4 first, if the quality is acceptable to you stick with that speed. If not, boost speed to 7.5
Excelente 👌
how much are these worth? I am being offered one for $200, with some cosmetic issues... I am also looking at a Akai GX-266D for $350 but unknown functionality
Those are fair prices if the machines are operational. Make certain they record ok before purchasing. If they don't, negotiate the price downward or find a working machine.
@@5thcomm thank you. I guess they are both considered consumer grade machines or a mid level "pro-sumer"?
@@xisotopex They are consumer grade.
Have a few questions. Just picked up one of these. Lights up, but pinch roller seems to not squeeze in to the (capstan?). Also the capstan continues if I don't manually stop it by dropping lever down. I also get no response from my mp3 player. All functions on machine( pause, ffw, reverse) etc all seem to work. Any ideas?
I'd remove the front cover to see what is preventing the pinch roller from making contact with the capstan. Ot is a simple mechanical movement, so the problem should be easy to spot/fix. As for the lever not moving down at the end of the tape to stop the machine, I'd guess the old grease has hardened and hampers the movement of the lever, or the spring has become too weak to bring the lever down at the end of the tape. Try spraying contact cleaner on the TAPE/SOURCE switch and working it in and out many times, do the same for the Line In and Output controls. Let me know how it goes.
I have every knob off but the bottom two for line and mic/din record. I can get the tops off, but not the bottoms. Any advice here. Thanks again.
@@SouthernBuckeye1 use a flat blade screw driver to carefully pry them off or use pliers to pull them off.
You are a Godsend. Thanks for the informative video for a newbie. Contact cleaner, interior grease cleaning, button wiggling, prayer and solid information brought mine back to life. Keep up the good work!
Does the sound on sound function cause any quality loss?
hey so if my tape is sagging after i pause it after playing and i got the tension as tight as i could, what do you think the problem would be after that?
If you can, send me a short video, I'm having trouble visualizing your issue. Reel2reelguy@gmail.com
Hi can you buy new tapes do sale Jame Brown on reel to reel Thank you
Hi there I want to buy a new this type of tape recorder do you suggest any website to buy from.
Most of the machines in the videos are for sale. You can reach me at reel2reelguy@gmail.com
nice review and sweet machine, but man that track is smoking. can we know the name of that song, please?
Hi Izoyt, 2 songs: czcams.com/video/tE9km4iiWvE/video.html
and
czcams.com/video/yhjmS2VPZwI/video.html (check out the video)
@@5thcomm great, thnx!
what size tape does this use?
7 inch reels with 1/4 inch tape
@@5thcomm thanks!
Michael Franks Too?!?🤫
Where did you buy the tape you used for the machine?
Hi Julian, Not sure, it probably came with one of the machines. Do you have one of these tape decks?
Have the same one
Hello Big Matt. Are you still in the repair business? I sent an email to you several days ago about needing help with my Teac X-2000R. If you did not receive it I can resend if you let me know here. I'd like to get it going again. Thanks in advance!
Yeah man, I sent a reply. This is a copy. Take care
Hey Raymond,
Sounds like it could be the motor, but I'm hoping it is the belt. If you isten closely when you turn the power on with a tape loaded,, you should hear the motor running - this indicates a worn belt. If you don't hear the motor spinning, remove the cabinet and the case, then you'll be able to tell pretty quickly by listening for, or feeling the motor running.
Yes, I live near Charlotte. We can coordinate a day you can bring it by.
Matt
+++++
Вот эти картонки с заду и дешевые накладки по бокам удручають..
Resent email to you a second email Matt using my Gmail account.
This is the power transformer part number I was looking for so many years now and still cannot find one yet. Part Number: TEAC 5320027500 / TT5IY1
Do you have this machine at your studio could I email you? I’d like to talk to you. Thx
Yes. Reel2reelguy@gmail.com