Where to find parts for an Akai reel-to-reel tape recorder
September 14, 2013 12:23 PM Subscribe
My stepfather has an Akai GX4000D reel-to-reel tape recorder. Somehow he has lost a capstan, which is the little pulley thing that the tape moves around as it plays. Akai no longer supports any of their reel-to-reel equipment and we've been unable to locate replacement parts. Does anyone have an idea where we might find a capstan?
Response by poster: We've been watching eBay and this part hasn't come up. I probably should have mentioned that in my question.
posted by workerant at 3:09 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by workerant at 3:09 PM on September 14, 2013
My understanding of reel to reel players says that the capstan is integral with the motor. Are you talking about that, or the larger rubber pressure wheel that runs against it?
posted by gjc at 4:14 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by gjc at 4:14 PM on September 14, 2013
Response by poster: The capstan that was lost is not integral to the motor. It is a 1" x .25" cylinder with a screw on the end. If we have to buy a motor to get one, we will consider that.
posted by workerant at 5:32 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by workerant at 5:32 PM on September 14, 2013
Best answer: If you mean the capstan sleeve (which goes on the capstan spindle, is what the pinch roller runs against, & comes in different sizes for different tape speeds) as seen in the pics here, they seem to be reasonably available (e.g. at least one of the local Aus parts suppliers carries them).
If you're in the US, try the link above to Oak Tree Enterprises for starters (I've used them before for odd parts).
posted by Pinback at 5:46 PM on September 14, 2013
If you're in the US, try the link above to Oak Tree Enterprises for starters (I've used them before for odd parts).
posted by Pinback at 5:46 PM on September 14, 2013
Best answer: If Pinback's suggestions don't work out, it couldn't hurt to ask on the Tape Op message board.
posted by raisindebt at 2:25 PM on September 15, 2013
posted by raisindebt at 2:25 PM on September 15, 2013
Response by poster: Pinback, I'll stand you a beer if we ever meet. The guy at Oak Tree mailed the part today. Thank you!
posted by workerant at 6:15 PM on September 17, 2013
posted by workerant at 6:15 PM on September 17, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by zippy at 12:57 PM on September 14, 2013