Akai GX-635D

[bob4333]

I'm pondering a bid on the above deck.

All reads quite well except for:-

"The tape transport uses sophisticated logic controls, but the reverse run mechanism unfortunately uses crude mechanical slider switches to switch to the reverse direction head block. These switches were never designed to work perfectly for over 25 years, so it is strongly recommended to only use the deck in the Forward mode, unless you wish to tackle the internal switch-gear with switch cleaner or similar."

The words seem a bit harsh on poor old Akai but is it likely to be a straightforward fix or would I be heading for a nightmare?

There's nothing to suggest anything else untoward in the description but obviously usual rules apply regarding the aged electronics etc.

[337alant]

Cleaning all Pots and Switches and sliders is something I do on all R2Rs of this age, I use Deoxit D5 as its a very good cleaner but also contains a lubricant. It is pricey though and Servisol 10 is a cheaper alternative.
It looks like the reverse direction is a 3 way rotary switch which shouldn't be difficult to fix and a spray can often be the only fix it needs ?.
So that would not put me off buying it if thats all thats wrong

here is a view of the front controls of the GX635
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxr8mCyIxVc

Here is a good video of maintenance on a GX636 from Nick Adams which looks similar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx1e-gFqmx0

Alan

[bob4333]

Thanks for that Alan.

A very nice walk through of the mechanical issues on the second video, although I have a suspicion he makes it seem a little easier than it really is.

I'll keep my eye on the bidding and who knows..................?

[337alant]

Bob
Looks mint good luck ( tip dont bid at all on ebay use bidnapper and put in the highest price you are prepared to pay for it )

On that big sliding switch inside I would use Deoxit F5 fader cleaner lube

[bob4333]

Seven days to go and it's at £540 . So much for my thoughts up to now that all the action on ebay happens in the last 30 seconds.

I think this will go through the roof.

18 months ago they were at £400 to £600 in this condition. I've got a 350 mile round trip to pick it up and need to factor in maybe a couple of hundred quid for an electronic rebuild just in case.

Suddenly the fully reconditioned GX-635D (just back from ServiceSound) that went for £800 a year ago doesn't seem so expensive now.

I'm still in the game but starting to sweat a bit............

[337alant]

It looks in beautiful condition Bob so Im not surprised it has gone off the map
Alan

[Audio Al]

[bob4333]

But surely this is such an honourable forum.........

Even worse, I've just looked at the price this morning.

Come on then, who's bidding on my tape deck?????

[Audio Al]

But surely this is such an honourable forum.........

Even worse, I've just looked at the price this morning.

Come on then, who's bidding on my tape deck?????

Well i suppose its time to come clean
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Not me , 9 R2R is enough for me ( at the moment )

[337alant]

Bob
I didnt mean there is anything wrong with TAOS members just that by discussing it you are advertising it over the internet
If you do a search in Google for and Akai 635D you will more than likely see a link to your post here so as grant says it gets seen by many people outside of this forum
I rekon it will go for over £1000 when its done
Alan