AKAI GX-635D Pro Serviced 1/4" Open Reel Tape Deck, Tested, Excellent Condition

Akai GX-635D 10.5" Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck – Serviced – Excellent Original Condition

Offered here is an exceptionally attractive example of Akai's highly regarded GX-635D auto-reverse reel-to-reel tape deck, presented in excellent original cosmetic condition and recently serviced.

This particular GX-635D was previously serviced by Audiotronics in Florida, according to its previous owner. The maintenance performed included mechanical lubrication, head demagnetization, and cleaning of the controls. The machine has subsequently been inspected and tested and is operating properly.

Cosmetically, this is a particularly beautiful example. The brushed aluminum faceplate remains extremely clean, with crisp original lettering and only very minor indications of previous use. The knobs, switches, transport controls, reel tables and surrounding trim all present extremely well. The original wood side panels are similarly impressive, retaining a rich, even finish with remarkably little wear.

Of particular interest to collectors, this machine has the solid, unperforated version of the head cover, rather than the more commonly encountered cover with openings. It has been represented to us as a late-production GX-635D and this head-cover configuration is comparatively uncommon. We have photographed the machine extensively from all sides, including the tape path and head area, so please examine the photographs carefully for its exceptional overall condition.

The GX-635D was one of Akai's premium large-reel machines of the period, combining the company's celebrated GX (Glass & X'tal Ferrite) head technology with a substantial three-motor transport and automatic bidirectional operation. It is a 4-track, 2-channel stereo/monaural machine capable of both recording and playback in either direction. Akai equipped the GX-635D with six heads — two GX recording heads, two GX playback heads and two erase heads — and three motors: one AC servo capstan motor and two AC eddy-current reel motors.

The transport accepts reels up to 10½ inches and operates at 3¾ and 7½ ips. Additional features include automatic and manual reverse operation, direct-function transport controls, selectable reel size, pitch control, a real-time minutes/seconds counter, separate microphone and line recording-level controls, source/tape monitoring, timer operation and illuminated dual VU meters.

Factory Specifications

Track system: 4-track, 2-channel stereo/monaural
Reel capacity: Up to 10½ inches
Tape speeds: 3¾ and 7½ ips
Pitch control: Greater than ±6%
Heads: 6 total — 2 GX record, 2 GX playback, 2 erase
Motors: 3 — AC servo capstan motor plus 2 AC eddy-current reel motors
Wow & flutter: Less than 0.03% WRMS at 7½ ips; less than 0.04% WRMS at 3¾ ips
Frequency response with WR tape: 30 Hz–27 kHz ±3 dB at 7½ ips; 30 Hz–21 kHz ±3 dB at 3¾ ips
Frequency response with LN tape: 30 Hz–25 kHz ±3 dB at 7½ ips; 30 Hz–19 kHz ±3 dB at 3¾ ips
Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 62 dB (DIN 45500)
Distortion: Less than 0.5% at 1 kHz / 0 VU at 7½ ips
Channel separation: Better than 55 dB at 1 kHz
Fast wind time: Approximately 120 seconds for 1,800 feet of tape
Dimensions: 440 × 483 × 256 mm / approximately 17.4 × 19.0 × 10.1 inches
Weight: Approximately 21 kg / 46.4 lb.

Power requirement for this particular unit: 120V / 60Hz, as marked on the rear panel.

The GX-635D's combination of direct-drive engineering, large-reel capability, six-head bidirectional recording system and Akai's extremely durable GX heads has made it one of the company's most desirable classic open-reel decks. Beyond its technical capabilities, it is also an imposing piece of late-1970s industrial design, with its massive brushed-aluminum face, illuminated analog meters and substantial original wood cabinet.

This example is especially appealing because it has not been cosmetically modified or restored. It retains the appearance Akai intended, and its excellent overall preservation is readily apparent in the photographs.

Please examine all photographs and the accompanying demonstration video carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the actual machine being offered.

Packing, Shipping & Pickup

We have extensive experience packing and shipping large, heavy vintage reel-to-reel machines throughout the United States and internationally. This GX-635D will be professionally and extremely carefully packed, with particular attention paid to protecting the reel tables, controls, faceplate, cabinet and transport mechanism. The packed machine will be placed in a heavy-duty shipping carton with substantial cushioning and reinforcement appropriate to its size and weight.

Full-value third-party shipping insurance is available and strongly recommended, particularly for international shipments and other high-value destinations. We will be glad to arrange coverage as appropriate for the shipment.

Worldwide shipping is available. International buyers are welcome to contact us for a shipping quotation before purchase. Import duties, taxes, brokerage charges or other destination-country fees, where applicable, are the responsibility of the buyer.

Local pickup is also very welcome, and we will gladly arrange a convenient pickup for buyers who prefer to collect this substantial machine in person.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions concerning the deck, its operation, packing or shipping.