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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc. |
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5th Jan 2019, 12:51 am | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 6
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AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Hi. I am new to the forum and seeking advice. I don't know if this is the right place to ask for it so my apologies if not.
I have the reel to reel system above, that I inherited a while ago. It works and the heads have been cleaned. I understand that it is a good and rare model, and it has been looked after well. As much as I loved the idea of using it and displaying it, I don't believe that I will. I don't know anything about these machines and would not be able to answer any technical questions. Does anyone have any idea where I might be able to find the spec for this model? Also, any advice on it's value would be most welcome. I have lots of the tape reels also but they have been recorded on, so may not be much use. Many thanks DonzHow Last edited by AC/HL; 5th Jan 2019 at 1:08 am. Reason: Forum rules |
5th Jan 2019, 9:50 am | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Bit of a niche product, this, which may be a good thing. It dates from the 1970s, when Quadraphonic sound was the craze, at least among some manufacturers. The best way of recording quadraphonic sound was using four discrete channels, as this machine does. The deck is Akai's top semi-professional transport, and these machines are quite sought after. Auction sites will get you the best price in general.
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5th Jan 2019, 12:56 pm | #3 |
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Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Very few people are interested in quadrophonic sound. It was a passing fad.
However, good four channel recorders are quite sought after by amateur musicians and beginning groups. The mechanism in that one is quite decent. The weak point in tape machines is the heads. Replacement heads have not been made since the era of the machine. The few spares that turn up sell quickly and for high prices. Your machine has Akai's long-life heads which makes its chances of being OK fairly good. You don't sound interested in using it yourself, so Ebay is probably the best option and you problem would become one of packing and shipping. Do photographs from all angles. Photograph even the tapes and spools. There are likely some adaptors to allow it to take large spools with huge centre holes. If you have these, look for closed auction prices of the adaptors. They'll put a smile on your face! Tape and empty metal spools can be sought after. Some makes/types of tape degrade and leave lots of sticky crap all over your guides and heads. Other tapes survive well and are sought after. David
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5th Jan 2019, 12:59 pm | #4 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Thank you very much for the advice. This is really helpful.
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5th Jan 2019, 1:28 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cornwall, UK.
Posts: 13,454
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
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5th Jan 2019, 5:42 pm | #6 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Brilliant. Thank you Lawrence.
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6th Jan 2019, 4:46 pm | #7 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Yorkshire, England.
Posts: 1,301
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Keep it! Akai glass heads are bombproof and last forever. Life goes in circles and it's only a matter of time before quad sound becomes the next "Must-have".
I'd love it! Pictured is my Akai GX4000D, with Johnny Walker's interview with Woody Woodmansy of "Spiders from Mars" fame.
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6th Jan 2019, 8:32 pm | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
I am sure that you are right Ken but I have kept it for 7 years. I have had it looked at, to check it works, and heads cleaned. It will just gather dust if I keep it. I much prefer the idea of someone who will enjoy it having it. I can't find the spec for this model on the site Lawrence mentioned but I imagine someone who knows these machines would have a better idea.
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6th Jan 2019, 10:08 pm | #9 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 1,969
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
These are very heavy beasts and easily damaged when shipped. Packing needs to be very good. Sometimes sellers stipulate personal collection only.
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6th Jan 2019, 10:19 pm | #10 |
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Given your location, you are likely to find a buyer in west London or central southern England who can collect. International shipping will cost a fortune if you do it properly, and even UK. shipping will be difficult and expensive.
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7th Jan 2019, 7:36 pm | #11 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Thank you all so much. I will definitely advertise as collection only. As you point out, expensive and risky otherwise. However, I am going to visit family in Lincolnshire mid February so will also offer to transfer that far to help anyone a bit further north.
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8th Jan 2019, 10:12 am | #12 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 13
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
Hi I would be interested and Lincoln would be better than Stoke to collect, let us know when you offer it.
Rob |
9th Mar 2019, 12:09 pm | #13 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
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Re: AKAI GX400D SS Quadra synch system
I have found the adapter spools and a small Sony box with lots of different rubber bands in it and other alien parts to me.
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