Thoughts on Nakamichi cassette decks?

[Airedale]

So my in laws are Japanese, came here in the early 90s. They have a beta player and videos that I definitely want to get from them.

Though they also have an early 80s Nakamichi cassette deck, I haven't seen it as its buried in the garage. She said it held 4 tapes but only 3 worked. That it was last used in about 1995.

It looks like these sell for a lot, so I'm guessing they're pretty decent. Though I've never attempted to fix a cassette deck.

Are these decent? Are they tough to fix? Perhaps just needing new bands?

Sorry for all the questions but I feel like a kid at Christmas, I'm getting a foreign beta player and cassette deck!

[zeno]

About 20 yrs ago I pulled one out of the dump, the " Dragon" model.
It had a bad mode motor. I put it on E-bay as is & got $500 + S&H !
So yes get your hands on it !!!

73 Zeno
LFOD !

[dishdude]

It holds 4 tapes? I've never seen such a deck, I'd love to see pictures if you find it.

[Airedale]

I can't find anything online for one that holds 4 tapes. Maybe shes wrong and it's a different brand?

I guess I'll be finding out, I really want that Japanese beta player and videos. I just hope it still works or that I'll be able to fix it.

[mr_rye89]

I don't recall Nakamichi having a multi cassette changer.....But if it's Nakamichi deck its worth grabbing, they didn't really make a bad deck. I have 2 BX-125s and one BX-300. I did the A.N.T. mods to the BX-300 and it's my reference cassette deck. Can record very hot with little distortion, great frequency response, very low wow and flutter......There's a reason they cost a lot.

[Ed in Tx]

Originally Posted by Airedale

I really want that Japanese beta player and videos. I just hope it still works or that I'll be able to fix it.

Be sure to check the AC line voltage spec on that. Should be on the back near where the power cord enters. Japanese domestic models are typically 100VAC.

[init4fun]

Originally Posted by Airedale

So my in laws are Japanese, came here in the early 90s. They have a beta player and videos that I definitely want to get from them.

Though they also have an early 80s Nakamichi cassette deck, I haven't seen it as its buried in the garage. She said it held 4 tapes but only 3 worked. That it was last used in about 1995.

It looks like these sell for a lot, so I'm guessing they're pretty decent. Though I've never attempted to fix a cassette deck.

Are these decent? Are they tough to fix? Perhaps just needing new bands?

Sorry for all the questions but I feel like a kid at Christmas, I'm getting a foreign beta player and cassette deck!

Post this same message over at AudioKarma and you'll reach a far larger group of audio enthusiasts who will likely know all of the answers to your questions.....

[Electronic M]

There was one in the Madison WARCI swapmeet donation auction for under $5 Sunday...it looked fine besides missing the cassette door cover.
I pondered it for a second then decided any tiny audio improvement over my Luxman K-406 would be completely offset by my rack looking like a pile of junk and passed. My Luxman is probably the best cassette deck I've listened to and plenty good for the job (it's also the only deck I've seen with DBX on top of Dolby B and C).

[KentTeffeteller]

Originally Posted by Airedale

So my in laws are Japanese, came here in the early 90s. They have a beta player and videos that I definitely want to get from them.

Though they also have an early 80s Nakamichi cassette deck, I haven't seen it as its buried in the garage. She said it held 4 tapes but only 3 worked. That it was last used in about 1995.

It looks like these sell for a lot, so I'm guessing they're pretty decent. Though I've never attempted to fix a cassette deck.

Are these decent? Are they tough to fix? Perhaps just needing new bands?

Sorry for all the questions but I feel like a kid at Christmas, I'm getting a foreign beta player and cassette deck!

I like them working right. But they need special care, maintenance, which can't be delayed too soon if you want to use one and work right. Treat yours with care, be gentle, and it will love you back.