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Question about Nakamichi cassette deck 1.5

My Nakamichi cassette deck 1.5 has sat unused in a shed since 1991 (bought in 1989). It had barely had a single cassette put through it as I was just crossing over to CDs (I now only own LPs). I actually forgot I owned it until I decluttered recently and rediscovered it. 

So it's "virtually brand new" although nearly 30 years old, though it is missing one of its feet.  I don't own a single cassette to put through and test it. 

Any tips on how to clean it and avoid dust damage, e.g. scratching sensitive parts inside?  I put it on briefly and it is clearly still working.  Unfortunately it was in the shed on its own with no box. 

And any clues as to value if it is indeed nearly mint other than dusty? 
innernorthian
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rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Not certain how you were able to test that it still works other than to power it up and seeing that the fast forward motor still spins.

Can it still record and play tapes ... that requires a cassette tape.   

Cassette tapes have a plastic notch in the top of the cassette tape housing.  If the notch is intact, you can record.  If broken off, you can only play the tape.  It is time to buy a cassette tape, prerecorded or otherwise, at some garage sale. 

I would think that the rollers must have dried out and will need to be replaced.  Be very careful with the tape head as that is vulnerable to scratching.

I would think that compressed air would be ok to use to clean out the insides of the deck.  I would not use compressed air for the tape mechanism.  For that, q-tips and denatured alcohol are your best bets for everything but any rubber parts, like the rollers.  

See how it goes.  


Rich 


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