What a differance an "0" makes

[ekmanning5]

I thought I had a line on an Akai GX-400D reel to reel (first photo). From what I understand it was one of their better decks. What I got instead, was a GX-4000D (second photo). Basically a starter deck. Anyone have one of these? Is it a keeper?

 

[goldear]

The GX-4000D is a decent little machine. But it's a far stretch from a 400D (arguably the best Akai ever made).

 

[ekmanning5]

The GX-4000D is a decent little machine. But it's a far stretch from a 400D (arguably the best Akai ever made).

You're tellin' me.

 

[Jonny Ramone]

I got an earlier version of the GX-4000. It's capable of making good tapes. I personally wouldn't pay over $75 for an excellent condition one - they're plentiful. Watch for broken/crumbling cams.

 

[larryderouin]

I've had one of my GX-4000D's since my wife bought it for a wedding present in 1982. Still kicking ass and taking names 29 years later.....with minimal maintenance. Oil and lube every 5 years. Head clean and demag once a week as it runs 20-25 hours a week 52 weeks a year. It's never broke down and the heads still look new.

Granted it's not a 400, or a 747. But to me it's a ROCK SOLID Deck, simple to operate, and no extraneous controls.

The other was given to me as supposedly a parts unit. When I opened it up for inspection it was in as good a shape as my original. Clean, Oil and lubed. And the belts look good too. Not loose, and no real wear.

From what I understand the GX4000D cams are machined, not cast. Visual inspection on both mine verifies that. But best to doublecheck anyway with AKAI's history of cam problem on the twin control handle units.

Larry