Which Pioneer Deck Should I Choose?

[kapohoguy]

I'm looking to add a Pioneer cassette deck to my all-Pioneer system. Two possibilities have come up. A local vintage record shop has a nice looking restored CT-F8282 for $150. There is also a CT-F9191 on Craig's List for $100. The ad says it works but needs new belts. It appears to be cosmetically good AND comes with a second non-working 9191 for parts. I haven't seen either of them in person but they look fairly similar. Which is best? Would it be hard to replace the belts in the 9191? I have restored several turntables and speakers but no tape decks as yet.

 

[KingBubba]

I have always been drawn to the CTF-950, but when I found it was not just the belts, I had to send it out. It cost twice what I paid for it back in 1981 to get it repaired. To me it was worth it, but that may not be in your list of choices. The 9191 is a nice deck and because it is not solenoid operated, it my not need as much care. $100 is way too much in my opinion.

 

[kapohoguy]

I have always been drawn to the CTF-950, but when I found it was not just the belts, I had to send it out. It cost twice what I paid for it back in 1981 to get it repaired. To me it was worth it, but that may not be in your list of choices. The 9191 is a nice deck and because it is not solenoid operated, it my not need as much care. $100 is way too much in my opinion.

Thanks for the input KingBubba. I've read somewhere that Pioneer decks can be hard to work on, so that makes me a bit nervous. I already have a CT-F750 on the shelf in my workshop that needs new belts. I'm waiting on the kit to arrive and should probably tackle that first before I take on any other non-working decks. But I'm really drawn to the look of the wooden cabinet and big VU meters on the 9191.

 

[Ricktptman]

The 750's not as tough to work on as the three head machines are. That said, were I you, I'd hold out for a 1250 or (if you're only going to play tapes) a 1000. They hold their value over time. The 1000 isn't metal capable but it did very well with Type 1 and Type 2 tapes in recording. It will play type IV tapes (no danger despite wives tales to the contrary, I've done it for decades without a trace of trouble) but it lacks the bias current to record Type IV/Metal. But I'm REALLY biased (pun intended) towards 3 head machines.