My Akai GX630D

[Saket]

Congratulations Reuben. And Kuruvilla sir, what do I say. Your ever approachable & helping attitude has helped so many people on the forum. Glad to be a part of this forum & knowing wonderful people.

 

[Sandesh]

in the very recent past, I had the good fortune of hosting Mr. Kuruvila at home when he dropped by to pick up my turntable decks for servicing and plinth-build projects. He graciously offered to have his technician service my Akai GX630D reel deck for me (my brother was to do this but can't seem to find the time, these days). I had consulted with an expert, online, who came back saying that one of the motors needs to be changed. Given my knowledge of electronics, I knew that this was an incorrect diagnosis but actually tried to source the motor from abroad. After a visit to Mr.Kuruvila's place and after listening to his NAK 1000 deck, I was convinced that his technician was a brilliant guy.

This morning I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from Mr.Kuruvila. He sounded really excited and informed me that the GX630D is back to great running condition and sounded really nice. This is indeed fantastic news and indeed, has made my day. I am well and truly in love with turntables and tape decks and its always an exciting experience to have one of these return back to life.

I have a LOT of hope for my tape decks! Mr. Kuruvila, you should convince this technician (if he is old) to have a few proteges. We really need to have more of these people to work on our vintage systems or this will soon become a DYING art! This sorry thing has already happened in Bangalore, not even one decent technician here!

 

[Saket]

I have a LOT of hope for my tape decks! Mr. Kuruvila, you should convince this technician (if he is old) to have a few proteges. We really need to have more of these people to work on our vintage systems or this will soon become a DYING art! This sorry thing has already happened in Bangalore, not even one decent technician here!

Right, but on a funny note, let us also hope that our children & the next generation decides to keep our decks, turntables and reels and not give them away to someone. Or sell it in 'kabad' (as garbage!) They look pretty happy with the iPods to me. Whatever is the next technology, it sure will be more convenient than even the iPods to them.

Then rare some enthusiast of the next generation or a vintage item collector may be buying our records from flee markets:sad:

 

[reubensm]

gosh that sounds so frightening but true

I have made some serious efforts to get both my sons interested in my hobby. However I may face a different challenge with both fighting over ownership through inheritance.

 

[reubensm]

I have a LOT of hope for my tape decks! Mr. Kuruvila, you should convince this technician (if he is old) to have a few proteges. We really need to have more of these people to work on our vintage systems or this will soon become a DYING art! This sorry thing has already happened in Bangalore, not even one decent technician here!

To be a good service technician, one has to be passionate about one's work. When my brother or I get equipment that we want to fix or restore, we spend hours together at it, without worring about the commercial aspects. The technicians of today are generally more interested in quick kills with big bucks. Change a card or two and the thing works, then go straight into billing. Nobody is ready to spend the time and effort that vintage classics require. Also nobody is ready to put in an effort to source spare parts. Personally I never give any of my equipment to anyone. However once I saw the work Mr. Kuruvuila's technician had done on the NAK 1000, I was convinced that he belongs to the old school and is capable of doing a brilliant job without doubt. I had no second thoughts while handing over the reel deck to Mr. Kuruvila when he offered to help. I also knew at the back of my mind that he would fix it and that's exactly what he did.

 

[Saket]

I have made some serious efforts to get both my sons interested in my hobby. However I may face a different challenge with both fighting over ownership through inheritance.

:lol: Try to be a little 'less serious' with one of them! The one who looks generous of the two should be the perfect candidate.:lol:

BTW, both your sons are very sweet.

 

[cha_indian]

The thing looks like it is built to last more than a life time Love the speaker magnets. My father has a 'National Panasonic' 2 in 1 and even after more than 30 years, all the internal metal parts shine as if they are just out of factory.

 

[reubensm]

:lol: Try to be a little 'less serious' with one of them! The one who looks generous of the two should be the perfect candidate.:lol:

BTW, both your sons are very sweet.

Guess it will come down to who gets the Garrard and who gets the Lenco. As of today, Dad gets to keep both hyeah:

 

[greenhorn]

For once I'm thankful for having an (annoying though she is) sister. I managed to wrangle possession of Dad's Panasonic Amplideck while I was in high school.

 

[yezdian]

Reuben sir how are managing to find empty tapes for the akai

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Reuben's Reel Deck is packed and ready for delivery. Unfortunately, I did not get to use it in my house as there was no space to keep the deck. All the space is taken up by my Turntables. I heard it at the mechanic's place using the Head Phones. It sounded fantastic.

 

[reubensm]

Reuben sir how are managing to find empty tapes for the akai

I have about 10 tapes that came with the deck. Was gifted one by my good friend FM Simon. That's my small tape collection for you.

 

[reubensm]

Reuben's Reel Deck is packed and ready for delivery. Unfortunately, I did not get to use it in my house as there was no space to keep the deck. All the space is taken up by my Turntables. I heard it at the mechanic's place using the Head Phones. It sounded fantastic.

That's fantastic news Mr. Kuruvila. Really appreciate your help. I've gmailed you separately on this.

 

[lestat]

Dear Reuben and Others

I have an Akai GX 635 Auto Reverse in immaculate condition in Hyderabad.It pains me but am left with no choice but to sell it to an audiophile.

My dad had purchased this in the US in early 70's.I also have a good collection of Album spools..currently compiling the list.

But i need your help with the pricing of this.I have absolutely no idea how much would be a fair price in India.I know this is still regarded very much in US and Europe but what would be a good asking price here and also how much can i expect for the original spool albums.

Am attaching some pics as well for your reference btw am trying to sell a dual- united audio 1219 t540 record player as well.Would be great if you can suggest the asking price for this too.

Best Regards
Hari

 

[reubensm]

Hi, reel to reel decks have a niche following and those who are into it, are predominantly into it for nostalgic reasons. If you advertise your deck, you will almost immediately get calls mostly from brokers of audio equipment who would probably buy all your tapes and the deck for a pittance and resell the deck for around the 15-20k mark and tapes at 1k a piece. I have seen several adverts and have actually called up out of curiosity and have been quoted these numbers. It is very unlikely that you'll get an audiophile showing up at your door to buy your deck and tapes. However you can make a start by advertising on our forum just in case someone is interested. I purchased my GX630D for 15k from with the help of a kind forum member and he gave me all tapes free with it. Having said that, my GX630D was new-old-stock, literally un-used in original box and packing. It even has its original Akai dust cover.

Having said all this, pricing decisions cannot be made with pictures ideally and have to be done by inspecting the equipment in person. Tapes that are old are usually not sort after and are not taken even if given for free. People are generally running around for brand new tapes. I was following some adverts closely for brand new sealed tapes on olx and the seller was asking for Rs.1000 a piece. My take is if you find a buyer, please ensure that he will take good care of your equipment. Its sad to see someone's prized pocessions traded like vegetables in a broker market.

Dual turntables are well regarded and if in good condition, can beat any major name out there. Having said that, from my experience, their tonearms tend to be the weak link. Recently I saw this same model online and when I enquired for a fellow forum member, the seller quoted 14k stating that the turntable was imported from Germany. If its in good cosmetic condition and everything functions properly, you should be able to get a good deal. However remember cosmetic condition is key. The best working turntable in faded or dull colours or a beat up plinth, will command little or nothing. Turntables, speakers, amplifiers and other audio gear are also used as show pieces these days and nobody wants to indulge in beat-up stuff.

 

[frend2001]

Just looking at that sets the heartbeat racing.

Marvelous piece of legacy....makes you remember days bygone.

I once saw it in action....just like you'd see Gavaskar playing, unforgettable.

thanks for sharing the pics and bringing back a lot of memories.

cheers

 

[sunder]

Dear Reuben and Others

I have an Akai GX 635 Auto Reverse in immaculate condition in Hyderabad.It pains me but am left with no choice but to sell it to an audiophile.

My dad had purchased this in the US in early 70's.I also have a good collection of Album spools..currently compiling the list.

But i need your help with the pricing of this.I have absolutely no idea how much would be a fair price in India.I know this is still regarded very much in US and Europe but what would be a good asking price here and also how much can i expect for the original spool albums.

Am attaching some pics as well for your reference btw am trying to sell a dual- united audio 1219 t540 record player as well.Would be great if you can suggest the asking price for this too.

Best Regards
Hari

Hi Hari, welcome to this forum. What are the titles in reel tapes do you have for sale? Please write about for the price and the condition of the tapes. If the recorded reel tapes were not stored properly that could be magnetised and the recordings might be erased. Extreme care should be taken.
Thank you.
Cheers,
sunder.

 

[lestat]

Hi, reel to reel decks have a niche following and those who are into it, are predominantly into it for nostalgic reasons. If you advertise your deck, you will almost immediately get calls mostly from brokers of audio equipment who would probably buy all your tapes and the deck for a pittance and resell the deck for around the 15-20k mark and tapes at 1k a piece. I have seen several adverts and have actually called up out of curiosity and have been quoted these numbers. It is very unlikely that you'll get an audiophile showing up at your door to buy your deck and tapes. However you can make a start by advertising on our forum just in case someone is interested. I purchased my GX630D for 15k from with the help of a kind forum member and he gave me all tapes free with it. Having said that, my GX630D was new-old-stock, literally un-used in original box and packing. It even has its original Akai dust cover.

Having said all this, pricing decisions cannot be made with pictures ideally and have to be done by inspecting the equipment in person. Tapes that are old are usually not sort after and are not taken even if given for free. People are generally running around for brand new tapes. I was following some adverts closely for brand new sealed tapes on olx and the seller was asking for Rs.1000 a piece. My take is if you find a buyer, please ensure that he will take good care of your equipment. Its sad to see someone's prized pocessions traded like vegetables in a broker market.

Dual turntables are well regarded and if in good condition, can beat any major name out there. Having said that, from my experience, their tonearms tend to be the weak link. Recently I saw this same model online and when I enquired for a fellow forum member, the seller quoted 14k stating that the turntable was imported from Germany. If its in good cosmetic condition and everything functions properly, you should be able to get a good deal. However remember cosmetic condition is key. The best working turntable in faded or dull colours or a beat up plinth, will command little or nothing. Turntables, speakers, amplifiers and other audio gear are also used as show pieces these days and nobody wants to indulge in beat-up stuff.

Dear Reuben

Really appreciate your inputs here! I have decided to keep the Akai player for now and see what i can do with it. As you said , no point selling it for a pittance especially if you can make place for it at home. However i am inclined to selling the spools , they are in good condition , although would need to give each of them a listen. Am still compiling the list or rather asking my Mum to do it as am in a different city, but the collection would primarily consist of golden oldies from the 70's bought in the US like Frank Sinatra , Neil Diamond etc.

 

[lestat]

Hi Hari, welcome to this forum. What are the titles in reel tapes do you have for sale? Please write about for the price and the condition of the tapes. If the recorded reel tapes were not stored properly that could be magnetised and the recordings might be erased. Extreme care should be taken.
Thank you.
Cheers,
sunder.

Dear Sunder

Will let you know the condition and the titles soon , am visiting my folks in Hyderabad for Deepawali.Will try to test the spools

Cheers

 

[lestat]

Hi, reel to reel decks have a niche following and those who are into it, are predominantly into it for nostalgic reasons. If you advertise your deck, you will almost immediately get calls mostly from brokers of audio equipment who would probably buy all your tapes and the deck for a pittance and resell the deck for around the 15-20k mark and tapes at 1k a piece. I have seen several adverts and have actually called up out of curiosity and have been quoted these numbers. It is very unlikely that you'll get an audiophile showing up at your door to buy your deck and tapes. However you can make a start by advertising on our forum just in case someone is interested. I purchased my GX630D for 15k from with the help of a kind forum member and he gave me all tapes free with it. Having said that, my GX630D was new-old-stock, literally un-used in original box and packing. It even has its original Akai dust cover.

Having said all this, pricing decisions cannot be made with pictures ideally and have to be done by inspecting the equipment in person. Tapes that are old are usually not sort after and are not taken even if given for free. People are generally running around for brand new tapes. I was following some adverts closely for brand new sealed tapes on olx and the seller was asking for Rs.1000 a piece. My take is if you find a buyer, please ensure that he will take good care of your equipment. Its sad to see someone's prized pocessions traded like vegetables in a broker market.

Dual turntables are well regarded and if in good condition, can beat any major name out there. Having said that, from my experience, their tonearms tend to be the weak link. Recently I saw this same model online and when I enquired for a fellow forum member, the seller quoted 14k stating that the turntable was imported from Germany. If its in good cosmetic condition and everything functions properly, you should be able to get a good deal. However remember cosmetic condition is key. The best working turntable in faded or dull colours or a beat up plinth, will command little or nothing. Turntables, speakers, amplifiers and other audio gear are also used as show pieces these days and nobody wants to indulge in beat-up stuff.

Oh! and forgot , have decided to keep the dual player , would hook it up with the HI FI am currently getting together.

Cheers