I purchased one of these tape machines Akai 4000ds while I was in Singapore in 1974. Brought it back home to NZ. when it arrived home the Right hand channel was not working . Took it to a repair shop in Blenheim who said it could not be repaired. So I rolled up my sleeves and inspected it and fount the RH channel IC Chip was faulty. Purchased a new ic chip for $14 dollars and it all worked perfectly. Sold the complete Stereo system In Blenheim NZ and some years later. And New all those years later wish I had never sold it.
Thank you for telling me your regrets. My announcement tried to get a tape recorder to read my compile. I have a n important amount of tape but my Akai disappeared in a repair shop ten years ago. Is there any way you can help me way in Côte d'Ivoire (west Africa)??
I bought my one in 1974. I have just replaced the pinch roller tyre and the rubber drive band. I originally chose the 4000DS as it has the ability to operate on AC 60cycles using quite a simple change over. Just played a tape that I recorded in1974 an Agfa tape and it was perfect.
I just acquired one of these, and couldn't figure out how to change speeds. Thank you so much. My sleeve didn't go on easily due to corrosion, but a little rubbing alcohol and cleaning, now works great. I also didn't understand why it wasn't turning off. Figured out that spring loaded roller is designed to turn it off when the tape is done
Nice!! ln the late 70s my mom had an Akai similar to yours. Hers did not have SOS and it had a switch to change the speed. And had the counter near the top.
Almost impossible not to include the 4000ds Akai Reel to Reel. Has been on TV shows and movies for years alone. Also the Reel to Reel that could be had by many that is/was very good, without putting one in the poor house. Akai was in the money in the glory years of Reel to Reel and Cassette. No question. Now mostly just an OEM company and a light professional presence, the true best times of the 60s, 70s, 80s and the dive in the 90s. I got one of the last good cassette decks as Akai Diatone partnered up. I love this deck. The GX-Z6300EV. Probably easy to align this 4000DS to get the maximum performance out of it. I have had over 30 different reel to reels and over 50 different cassette decks in my days. Tape just is so much fun, and has a sound that is lovely, and much eaiser to live with vs. Records, or Vinyl. Hope your enjoyment of your 4000DS last for many years. Really are great machines. A time machine of a golden era never again to be duplicated again. It is once in a life. We need to keep the legacy alive.
I have one of these, it's a cracking machine, exceptional sound quality. I also had the problem with the playback cam crumbling away, luckily I had another machine, the 4000D, which I used for spares. If the tapes weren't so hard to get and expensive I would still be using it. Digital recording just doesn't come close.
Tapes are a bit expensive and some are now crumbling but as a hobby probably worth it. Shame you had to use another machine for spares. 3D printing may well save these machines as all 4 cams can fail :-(
The are quite a few of these around for sale. £200 -£300 could get you a good one. Easy to use and reasonable quality. gumtree or facebook marketplace for local pickup.
Hi and thank you for this great demo. I just got a 4000DS and it's missing the sleeve and retaining nut for switching up to 7 1/2. Never would have realized such a simple add on does it. Plus the page dealing with Tape Speed in the available PDF manual is not included in the 17 pages. Page 4 us missing as is my adjustment sleeve... Go figure. I doubt I'd ever be able to find one so... my hope is to machine them.... Could you get the exact measurement of the outside diameter of the sleeve and provide it to me in a reply with it. Or... is it not worth bothering with. Either way, thank you for explaining such a novel tape speed adjustment. Thanks again for clearing up the mystery. Keith
Hi, i have just seen this. The faster speed makes for better quality recordings but uses the tape faster. I no longer have the recorder so cannot advise on the dimensions. sorry.
Seriously..... In al my 45 years of experience, and 20 years servicing them, Never heard someone come up with such non-information. Metal reels are made from aluminium... 🤦♂️
Hi, where did you get the replacement cam from? I've been researching the best open reel to buy. Apart from a large portable, I've decided on one of these. They're a great machine to repair and service, from what I've seen. The only common issue is the cam. I'd like to find someone who can manufacture them.
Hi, I am afraid I do not know. There are a number of websites that are for audio equipment and searching them may work. if not all I can suggest is google. I tried"repair reel to reel tape recorder" and several websites showed up.
Hi, recording is surprisingly easy. You just need an amp with the right connections. Then to start i would suggest using CDs or from your phone. Phone would need a different cable rather than just RCA.
@@jadrankadomjanovic4649 Thank you for your response.. Now It a matter of working out payment and handling the machine to me in Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire (west Africa)
bought this model in 74 from chgos musicraft,,even at 7 1/2 IPS, scotch made blank tapes,on air broadcasts of WFMT concerts,,warbles n drop outs,,,,,meh,,was a waste
