Akai 4000DS II: Part1: Open Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder

I recently purchased an Akai 4000DS Mark 2 in pretty poor condition, but definitely worth restoring into the magnificent machine it once was. Join me on this journey to completely restore this open reel tape recorder to its former glory.
I owned an Akai 4000D when I was a teenager in the 1980s so this machine is very special, and brings back memories of how we used to record, edit and create sound recordings before the internet and free sound editing software like Audacity.
While the efficiency of software like Audacity can't be disputed, sometimes one might feel in the mood for simply listening to some music coming from a beautifully engineered machine that was once - believe it or not - cutting edge technology...

[@ivandoucet597]

I will be picking up my 4000d from the repair shop tomorrow. Excited about doing some analog taping. The electronics store i worked at in the late 70s was an authorized akai dealer. Saw many akai models go through the doors, glad to finally own one of their r/r. Great quality and servicable

[@feraldi8145]

A few months ago I bought an AKAI GX-4000D in very good condition, but I am very interested in your videos to learn about my new toy and to try to improve its condition as much as possible. Thank you very much for sharing.👍👍👍

[@electronicsafrica]

GX 4000D is a very nice machine ... last of the small Akai RTR decks. I have a GX 265 that i have been restoring as time permits which also has the glass heads.

[@kevinharrison332]

Wow the black finish that one was expensive

[@javiergs9629]

Hi.teach us how to change the belt. I have the GX-4000d

[@electronicsafrica]

thanks for your interest. belt change is quite a big operation ... but not beyond the abilities of anyone with some tech savvy. You will have to remove the plate across the back of the motor. Be very careful not to lose the single ball bearing that is there to support the shaft of the motor when you use your 4000D in the lying flat position. When i get some free time i will make a video to show yall how. Meantime be careful not to electrocute yourself and make lots of sketch drawings so you can put it all back together