radio and 8 track repair

@Gerry: You are the only person to mention 8-tracks. Do you collect these? I have quite a few that I have restored. I was already into tape when I got into them because I was surprised how great some 8-tracks can sound. I eventually bought a Muntz tape deck that played both formats, thinking that 4-tracks would probably sound better. But for both formats, it completely depends on the luck of the draw because many 4 and 8 tracks sound horrible.

Muntz had a copyright on the 4-track format but could not copyright the cartridge shell because that had already been invented. The early Muntz 4-tracks do sound great, the later ones do not as Muntz adjusted his duplicating speed based on demand. Factory 4-tracks were often duplicated at the Muntz duplicator in Van Nuys but they always used their own masters and ran the duplicator at 30 ips. Muntz had his own masters but was so cheap he didn't even use leader and they were all on 5" reels. Every other 4-track could be complete or not. When Livingston Audio Products made him a winder that would go faster Muntz would make copies at 120 ips! Then he went out of business after his big fire. I think most contracted out to Livingston until Ampex got into 4 and 8 track duplication.

Being part of that generation that drove cassette tapes, I didn't look at cart tape until I was in my late 40's! Properly recorded 8-tracks can sound better than a cassette, especially of the same vintage. Clarion made a fantastic 8-track deck in the late 80's and I am sure there's a 1.5 din 8-track delco out there which would look great in the grand national.

 

Hello Jim, I have an AM sonamatic form a 69 gs , Worked when removed( 40 years ago) and has no out put now, lights up, makes no sound, at all. What would the cost be to make work again. Thanks Chris

 

Chris - Best bet is to call or text Jim. It's been awhile...

 

Copy that, Thanks

 

I can also vouch for Jim Shepard’s work. And yes, best bet is to call or text him. He’s super responsive.

I also agree. I don’t think you will be disappointed in his work. I’m fairly certain he can fix any radio and may even make improvements in the process.

 

Jim refurbished my radio, and added BT. He really knows his stuff. Kept me in the loop during the process, and cost wasn’t too bad either.