Akai GX-4000D // Vintage / Reel to Reel Tape Deck / Fully Serviced

The Akai GX-4000D is one of those classic reel-to-reel decks that just keeps going—a late-’70s crowd favorite built around Akai’s legendary GX glass-and-crystal ferrite heads. Those heads are basically immortal, resisting wear far better than metal designs, which means most GX-4000Ds still sound shockingly fresh decades later. With its simple, reliable two-head, single-motor transport, the 4000D is smooth to operate and easy to maintain, making it a perfect entry point into open-reel without feeling “entry level” in performance.

Sonically, it’s warm, punchy, and pleasantly full—very much that classic Akai house sound—with enough clarity and dynamic swing to make tape feel alive. Add in the handsome silver faceplate, solid knobs, and that retro charm, and the GX-4000D stands as one of the most lovable, reliable, and downright fun machines in vintage tape.

*Metal reels not included

S/N: 90320-14792

RESTORATIONS

• Full 30-point service check
• Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis

SPECS

Type   4-track, 2-channel, stereo tape recorder

Heads   2 x GX record, 2 x GX playback, 2 x erase

Motor   2 x reel drive, 1 x capstan

Reel size   up to 10.5 inch reel

Tape speeds   3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips

Wow and flutter   0.03% (7 1⁄2 ips)

Frequency response   25Hz to 33kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)

Signal to Noise Ratio   65dB

Total harmonic distortion   0.4%

Input   70mV (line), 2mV (DIN), 0.25mV (mic)

Output   0.775V (line), 0.3V (DIN)

Dimensions   17.25"W x 19"H x 10"D

Weight   46 lbs.

LINER NOTES

Many people believe that the Akai GX-747 and its successor the GX-747dbX were the finest reel-to-reel decks ever produced by Akai, or any one else for that matter (others insist it was Akai’s Pro 1000). It was extremely well made and utilized the evolving technology of its predecessors. Superficially, the GX-747 looks like an advanced version of the GX-646, with all of the functions of the latter and then some. As it was a 4 track machine, it did not feature 15 IPS which many of the competition could offer at the time. The function panel was the same as the one used on the GX-77 with the addition of an auto-mute button – (4 seconds, non-adjustable). A drop-down cover revealed the control panel which was almost identical to that of the GX-646.