Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel finds new "head block" Life w/JRF Magnetic Sciences

[vintage_tube]

Long story which I'll try to keep as short as possible. Original owner of what is a rare Akai GX-400D 4 track, 2 channel, bi-directional record/playback Reel-to-Reel tape deck which I bought in Okinawa in 1975.

It features 3 speeds (15, 7 1/2 and 3 3/4ips), has 4 GX Glass Ferite Heads (which act as 6 heads with two as combination heads -- erase and record), 4microphone inputs, and employs Akais' auto distortion reduction system for increased dynamic range and elimination of signal distortion and mid-low noise (precurser to DBX, I'm assuming).

I have the original box, manual, service manual, sales receipt and 25 foot wired remote control. I paid $735.00 which was the equivalent of just under 3 months pay & recall my saving journey for this unit. The deck is MINT -- honestly, not a scratch anywhere and all corners are sharpe -- no dents on the wood case corners nor elsewhere, etc.

I used the deck, as most did -- record LPs' to a 3 or 6 hour hour tape at 3 3/4ips/7 1/2ips. Rarely did I use 15ips primarilly, because the 10inch tapes were $25+ each at the time. It was a fun time with great music of the era.

So, I have this R-R which was produced near the end of the R-R era and in a very limited run at that. Akai made 200 of these & the first 150 were all silver; the last 50 were a combination silver upper and black lower (S/N #190). The VU meters measured the largest of any Akai & probably of any deck ever to come out of Japan -- 3 1/2 inches wide x 3 inches high. The silver units employed a yellowish colored background VU meter while the uncommon two-tone units had "McIntosh" blue VU meters.

Speaking of the VU meters; they are the quickest I've ever seen w/o a doubt.

So, I have this deck, extremely well cared for -- but aging as we all do. One day a few months ago, I took a close look at the heads after a listening session inwhich I suspected didn't sound as well as the machine was capable of. Lo & behold, with the naked eye, the heads appeared to show dirty spots that would not clean up -- like permanent, embedded. The deck still played well, but had a loss of level in reverse and loss of HF. I cleaned them to the best I knew & no change.

Okay what to do?? I remember several years ago, I ran into Jeff Jacobs of J-Corder fame and remember he mentioning a "head reconditioning" service he uses for all his reconditioned, imaculate Technics decks bearing his model. This deck means alot to me -- since it's been with me for 35 years in the condition I've been fortunate to maintain. Heck, I'd spend whatever was necessary to return its 1975 out-of-the-box condition (probably not go as far as mortage the house against it -- but darm close).

So, I contacted John French at JRF Magnetic Sciences in Greendell, NJ and asked if he was willing to look at my head block (he deals primarilly with professional decks -- 1/2 inch 2 Track and 2 inch 8 track). He said he'd be willing to take a look under his microscope, give me a diagnosis & labratory inspection using 50X and up to 1000X scopes & an estimate (that is, if he believes he can restore the heads to a like new status). Great news.

Luckily, I have the service manual which details step-by-step instructions/photos how to remove the machine from the wood case, disassemble only that which is necessary & to remove the head block. Once removed, the head block was carefully wrapped for shipment to NJ with a JRF work request (downloaded from the JRF web site). In addition to the work request I enclosed copies of the head block "blow up parts diagram" and some related GX-400D information.

A week or so went by and then I received the following email from John --

"We received your Akai GX-400D head assembly and WOW, that is a complicated little unit. We completed the electrical testing and visual inspection and there is only one issue that concerns me. The electrical readings look good but the heads all have sufficient surface pitting and gap erosion to warrant relapping. The forward record head had suspect erosion and there may be a crack on track 3. We won't know for sure until we lap it and see what is under all that erosion."

In the email he provded an estimated cost for relapping the heads and optical head alignment. He further stated "Taking everything apart, relapping these ferrite heads and putting it all back together plus optically aligning it all is going to be a very time consuming and tedious process."

When I read the email, I was quite shocked that here was a guy who deals with reconditioning/replacing higher-end heads everyday and this 35 year old Akai is a complicated & tedious process. After the shock wore off, I was moreso impressed with Akai and the engineering of that era.

I gave John the go ahead to proceed on his recommendations and also mentioned I'll pray the one head isn't cracked -- no chance in a million of finding a replacement head in a shoebox somewhere.

Several weeks pass and I receive a call from John; elated as can be. I can tell it in his voice. He goes on to say, the one head wasn't cracked and the heads cleaned up thru the hand relapping process & the result was beyond his expectations. Naturally, I was elated -- expecially that the one head was fine and the other that the heads turned out, to a degree, as new. John went on to say he loves it when GX heads turn out this way --"they just shine up very pretty and love working on them" were his words. Woopie and I can just imagine .

I received the head block this afternoon and after cleaning a "source contact" on the deck, the head block was reinstalled w/wire ends reterminated. The deck originally had the head azimuth screws, etc., marked in blue ink or paint which highlighted the factory position, but have faded over the years -- so decided to duplicate their tightened, alignment position by applying white paint marks onto the screws/head block as a reference point to the JFR Magnetics alignment position.

After reassembling all parts & with the deck remaining out of the cabinet, I installed a pre-recorded Doors L.A. woman tape, set the speed at 7 1/2 and inserted my headphones. Then selected play and holy sh........

As I listened, I about cried -- no joke -- it sounded fabulous. The VU meters were jumping left/right at every note, all lights operational and I picked my jaw up off the floor and took the headphones off to go and get a kleenex. I was thrilled beyond belief. My baby, which when I less fortunate, always reminded me of McIntosh with large VU meters and was running like a well engineered Swiss watch. Perfect. The sound was awesome with the Sennheisers & admired & took in what I was hearing -- hearing like I remembered 35 years ago. After the Doors, I grabbed a 10 1/2 inch tape recorded back in 1980 and after installing the reel adapters, threaded the tape into place & hit forward. OMG, Pat Benetar loud, forceful and nice imaging thru the headphones. As I glance at the VU meters, I found myself in a trance for a few moments; resurfacing with music between my ears.

As I came down from my analogue high, I hear the the wife say, "when you are through, I'll help you carry it upstairs so its not with the rest of your equipment." I say to myself, is she talking to me?? Must be, only the two of us in the house & what did she say?? I mention to her, I'd like to build a shelf and place it in such & such location -- so I can record LPs' (especially those pesky, yet detailed heavy 45rpm slabs) onto a reel and have 2-3 hours of uninterrupted music (dependent upon 2500 or 3600 feet at 7 1/2ips). I can tell she isn't keen to that idea to say the least. Hmmmm. Think fast but I can't find a quick comeback to satisfy her. Dog-gone-it.

Well, she doesn't know it, but the Akai has found a home - it's just that the Akai hasn't "closed" on the bit of audio property I
ve willed it in the living room.

I can't wait to hook it into the McIntosh system and throw some vinyl on and burn me some 10 1/2 inch tapes.

So, this story ends in a very happy ending and hopefully, the deck will perform beyond my remaining years.

In closing, I can't recommend JRF Magnetic Sciences enough. Now I know why Jeff at J-Corder uses them exclusively -- being a perfectionist in his machines, the same applies for John French at JRF. An individual who thoroughy enjoys his work restoring magnetic heads.

Should you have a R-R and it's a model from those audio days, let JRF bring it back to full potential.

Head relapping

Thanks for reading,

Bob

[vintage_tube]

A few more photos (we love photos -- right??)

Bob

[vintage_tube]

And 2 more

Bob

[f1 fan]

Bob...great story. I had a Pioneer 707 that served me well for years, recorded lots of music off fm especially King Bisquit Flower Hour. Man oh man do I miss that machine wish I still had it or just a r&r. That's a beauty you have. Send pics when you have it set with the McIntosh.

Dave

[1KW]

Bob,

Thanks for sharing the story and pictures. You have a gem there. I see you were up late last night. I would love to find a mint RR with well recorded tapes to play with. Judging by your music: The Doors and Pat Benatar you are in your later 40's or early 50's ie were you in the Class of 78 ?

[Masterlu]

Looks like your baby has a new pair of "shoes"

[Still-One]

Great story. It has been many years since I owned a R to R unit. For me that was the original way to make a mix tape. Take the better songs off a bunch of LP's and Voilà you didn't have to get up every couple minutes to skip a track or flip a disc.

[1KW]

How is the sound quality compared with your other sources ?

[jdandy]

Bob.......Job well done. The GX 400D is a beautiful tape machine. Your excitement and satisfaction came through your words. I am happy for you.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by f1 fan

Bob...great story. I had a Pioneer 707 that served me well for years, recorded lots of music off fm especially King Bisquit Flower Hour. Man oh man do I miss that machine wish I still had it or just a r&r. That's a beauty you have. Send pics when you have it set with the McIntosh.Dave

Thanks Dave & will do – however, my component stand & lineup just has no room for this puppy. So, it will look odd – I may move the MCD500 out of the way and place the R-R there for a temporary spell. Some of audios best looking components IMO, were R-R decks.

Originally Posted by 1KW

Bob, Thanks for sharing the story and pictures. You have a gem there. I see you were up late last night. I would love to find a mint RR with well recorded tapes to play with. Judging by your music: The Doors and Pat Benatar you are in your later 40's or early 50's ie were you in the Class of 78 ?

Those of us in the class of ’70 do have some stamina left as was up until just past 4AM & awake at 8:30AM to start cranking out the honey-do’s so I can try the deck in the system.

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Looks like your baby has a new pair of "shoes"

I have no Nancy Sinatra – but Frank will do nicely (referring to “these boots were made for walking…1960ish).

Originally Posted by Still-One

Great story. It has been many years since I owned a R to R unit. For me that was the original way to make a mix tape. Take the better songs off a bunch of LP's and Voilà you didn't have to get up every couple minutes to skip a track or flip a disc.

You’re reading my mind Jim & if I can ever get off this PC, that’s the plan, full tilt.

Originally Posted by 1KW

How is the sound quality compared with your other sources ?

Dunno?? Somewhat doubtful it will happen today as hosting a party of 10 couples tonight -- the wife is nagging already to get with the program & off AA. Of course, she's right in every sense of her sterness.

Originally Posted by jdandy

Bob.......Job well done. The GX 400D is a beautiful tape machine. Your excitement and satisfaction came through your words. I am happy for you.

How do we find ourselves so attached to some audio components? What amazes me when I think about this deck and its condition is how far this deck has traveled over the years without getting damaged in moves or the many times I’ve lugged this 68.7 pound monster:

Okinawa to Germany
Germany to Virginia
Virginia to Philippines
Philippines to Chicago
Chicago to Germany
Germany to Georgia
Georgia to North Carolina

One more photo to show the paint notations on the head adjustment screws.


Bob