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RT-909 Should I bother?

1gr8e320a

1gr8e320a

Active Member
Have my eye on a RT-909 - it's non-working but cosmetics are near perfect. Powers up but nothing will engage. Don't know if it's worth the headache. I hate to see these beauties end up in a junk yard when I could rescue it. Thoughts on the RT-909? If anything they are amazing to look @.
 
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It's really a wonderful deck. It may require a fair amount of work but if you can do it yourself, go for it.
 
I'm reely lovin my RT-909. If the price is right, grab it!! There is an amazing thread here on completely restoring the 909 and a few Pionner Experts that I'm sure will help ya along the way.
 
It's a very worthwhile deck. Did you try it with a tape? If the tape tensioners are not moved outward as they would be with a tape, then the transport will not function. They have switches on them.
 
Put something like a pen or pencil through the tape tensioners if you don't have any tape to test it with. Then you should be able to test to see if the controls work. I would try to get it running. I used to own one during the 80's through the 90's. Had to sell it because of financial difficulty and moving. I regret it ever since.
 
And even if it doesn't come on after moving the tensioners, don't give up. Those switches often go bad, but are not hard to get replaced. I say go for it if the price is right.
 
Won it for a grand total of $324 dollars with two metal maxell reels and pioneer hubs. Not a mark on it. It does power up. Hopefully it wont need too much. I know it needs new pinch rollers - but thats nothing new for these units. Im willing to drop a few bucks in her to get her back to perfect working condition.
 
1gr8e320a said:
Won it for a grand total of $324 dollars with two metal maxell reels and pioneer hubs. Not a mark on it. It does power up. Hopefully it wont need too much. I know it needs new pinch rollers - but thats nothing new for these units. Im willing to drop a few bucks in her to get her back to perfect working condition.
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That's a pretty good price, I think. I've fixed up a few of these. I'd count on it maybe needing a capstan belt too, but that's no big deal. For some reason the rubber formulation that Pioneer used for the belts and pinch rollers turn to goo on this model. Even if it wouldn't have had the hubs and reels, I still think that it would have been a decent price. You did well.:yes:
 
For having the accessories (which seem to cost a fortune on their own now), and for being in near mint shape, i agree you did very well.

Now a big question, how do the heads look?
 
Not sure yet on how the heads look. I realize now that I should have asked the seller 4 a pic. If the outside cosmetics are any indicaton on how well the unit was taken care of -- the heads should be just as good... I hope. With the long weekend approaching I dont see FedEx arriving at my door until Thursday with it. NOTE: is any1 familar with the Pioneer RG-2 Dynamic Processor? I was thinking that I would add one to the 909. Thoughts?
 
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1gr8e320a said:
Not sure yet on how the heads look. I realize now that I should have asked the seller 4 a pic. If the outside cosmetics are any indicaton on how well the unit was taken care of -- the heads should be just as good... I hope. With the long weekend approaching I dont see FedEx arriving at my door until Thursday with it. NOTE: is any1 familar with the Pioneer RG-2 Dynamic Processor? I was thinking that I would add one to the 909. Thoughts?
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I don't want to rain on your parade, but, as many vintage pieces as I have bought via Ebay...most sellers have no clue how to pack for safe shipment, especially a piece as heavy, yet having as many fragile parts, as the RT-909. Most of the items that have arrived here undamaged, have done so with pure luck, packing being entirely inadequate. If I were you, I would prepare myself for...

Good luck,
Rich P
 
Gave specific instructions 2 seller on how to package her. Not 2 worried as the seller has shipped many of these b4. as a start 2 bring her back 2 life i Purchased a new belt and pinch rollers. I will have her completly refurbished then place her next to my SX-1980 when she's finished. I found a website that sells 1/4 and 1/2 inch brand new quality tape in bulk. Will stock up and enjoy her 4 many years to come.
 
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Well my RT-909 arrived today. I dont even know how to begin to write how ABSOLUTELY PERFECT my new RT 909 is. There is NOT A single MARK on it ANYWHERE and to boot it works PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!!!!! EVERY function - JUST PERFECT. I'm absbolutely speechless. 324 dollars with metal reels and hubs. Obviously the gods were on my side and decided to throw me a bone 4 once. Someone pinch me cause this must be a dream.
 
Yes and it is perfect. Even the heads look brand new. Nonetheless, I am still going to give it to my tech @ Elite Audio Restoration to check the caps and what not - clean the boards. Etc I'm still amazed at the deal I received.
 
I'm impressed as well. Highly unlikely i think, that it is like that and all untouched. I'm betting someone has done some restoration work on it. Which if so and done right, total score. Either way, enjoy on a rare find. And post some pics man!
 
I envy your tape deck. I used to have a 909. wish i had kept it. the only thing that it did was it lit up, the amplifers and meters were good. it would engage but none of the motors would power up. I think my parents gave it away. if i had kept it now , i might have been able to get it working.
 
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