Grundig tape recorder

pirca · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:31 pm Post subject: Grundig tape recorder

The widow of a doctor (MD), is selling a lot of things.
I see a Grundig tape recorder (Model TK-64). It is circa 1962.
Can it be good?
Those recorders have a lot of moving parts (Belts, etc.)
In 47 years... can it be in good state?

What I must see?

What "tests" I must do?

Shocked

satanfriendly · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:09 pm Post subject:

I don't know about good, but it can be nostalgic. I picked up an old Grundig similar to the one you mention from a car boot c/w a dozen or so tapes, a quick clean, a touch of oil where required and voila a beautiful looking R2R. And working.

Sounds..well....1960's! Not exactly the pinacle of HiFi as we know, but wonderful for a bit of background music and for some reason gives a lovely sense of atmosphere.

If it's cheap enough, then why not. Think I paid £10 for the lot if I remember.

What must you see? Clean I guess is about as good as it gets given its age. An indictaion of whether it has been looked after.

Test? Does it work! Even if it turns it is no guarantee it will make a noise.
_________________
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paul401 · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:40 pm Post subject:

Hi,
nice piece of retro kit SF. I notice it's a good colour match with your placemats. Coincidence? Or a cunning new way to get more 'kit' into the home environs? Mmmm, crafty methinks! Very Happy

Pirca, as stated, you just need to try it out. Check the push buttons all lock and hold. Check play,fast forward and rewind, if the reels 'struggle' then the belts are are worn. Sound quality, check tape heads to see if clean, also pinch wheel and roller (all easy to clean with alcohol) and general overall condition.
Any tapes with it may have deteriorated, depending on storage conditions, so may not be a totally reliable guide to playback quality. As satanfriendly says though, if the price is right and it's generally ok, why not!

Paul

fscl · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: Grundig tape recorder

Damien Taylor · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:35 pm Post subject:

fscl · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

DTaylor writes:

dalehazelton · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:40 pm Post subject:

I found one of these in the trash in Brooklyn once (it was in the pouring rain). The machine was pretty much toast then and I couldn't get it to work, but I think they were made more for spoken word fidelity than anything, so I didn't feel horrible about having to dispose of it a second time.