Trying to fix... A dead 1980's Retro Sharp GF-9191 Boombox!

[@codebeat4192]

That's weird, I bought the same a year ago and also the fuse was missing. The seller said the unit was not working at all. I tried the DC connector (be careful, switched polarity - center is minus) and there was life! After this I opened the unit and fuse was missing. New fuse, works great. I had also problems with the deck and replace everything. Mine is also playing a little too slow but after a while it starts to play close to correct speed. I think it has something to do with the new belts that stretches over time. The deck is still not perfect, pretty high flutter. I think it has something to do with the capstan rubber replacement.

[@B3NN10N]

Ha. That’s cool. Yeh I think the capstan has too much friction.

[@andysmart257]

Great vid! Can you post the part number or link for the band kit you purchased?

[@B3NN10N]

I got it off eBay. Although I have since purchased a 100 pack of various belts from Amazon and they seem to be very similar. I think they were about £4

[@MyLostToys]

I have the Sharp GF 8080 the radio works perfectly, but the cassette player only makes a static noise.

[@darrenlee1938]

Any idea how to tighten the handle?? Mines loose

[@80s_kid.]

Every Single GF9090, GF9191 and GF9494 i have ever had has always played back Slow, i have a GF9090 and GF9191 now, Both had new belts, both play slow, i'm told that the new capstan belt is too tight, but it was the dumbest thing sharp ever did not fitting a Potentiometer (variable Resistor) on the motor, i have videos on my channel of my boombox collection.

[@B3NN10N]

That’s interesting and puts my mind at ease. I did wonder why they didn’t have a variable resistor on the motor because most other brands do. I gave given up with it for now after wasting many hours! Maybe one day I will get it off the shelf.. fantastic design though.

[@80s_kid.]

@@B3NN10N Yes they are an Awesome Box, the first 9191 i had was in 1996, a friend of mine got it for christmas in 78/79 he had it for years, then in 96, it was my 26th birthday, he knew i was collecting boomboxes, so he sold me his other radio, a Jvc Pc55 for £50, and then went in his wardrobe and said "oh and you can have this as a present" his old GF9191, it was still mint, but he had painted the woofers red, they looked great.. i have another now but it needs a new treble slider because its only adjusting in the right channel, the left channel is none responsive and dull with no treble, i sprayed it with switch cleaner but its just worn out, but finding another is a waste of time, i'd have to buy a wrecked one and butcher it for the slider. i'm in no rush though.

[@callumthomas6152]

Ive found out you can actually adjust the speed on these motors! These boomboxes and a load of other 70s tape players all use a mechanically governed motor. I think most of these motors have a hole in the side where you can stick a screw driver and adjust the screwson either side of the inner assembly by a tiny amount each time before testing if its the right speed. Its a pain in the arse to do but it is possible!

[@80s_kid.]

@@callumthomas6152 That is awesome to know, thanks for that, i will have a look at one of mine to see if i can do it, i wasn't aware of it.. it would be great if i can do it.

[@sweepohquek4463]

@@B3NN10N same as my sharp GF4500 there is strangely no VR for motor adjust. I simply change out the DC motor with a compatible dimension MicroMotor bought from AliExpress for less than USD$ 5 which has a built in speed control and get done with it. much faster than tryring to fiddle or open up the strange vintage Sharp DC Motor

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

Same thing happened to my vintage JVC RC-X610. It was plugged in but not turned on and then I heard a sound similar to when you clap your hands, and now it doesn't turn on at all - CD, tapes, radio - all dead, worked perfectly before that though. Any ideas what that could be? 🤔

[@B3NN10N]

Sounds like the fuse dude. Open it up and have a look I guess.

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

@@B3NN10N Will do, hope that would be it. I love that machine, it's a well built one, and it's damn difficult to find anyone who still fixes them.

[@B3NN10N]

@To_protect_and_to_serve they are relatively simple machines to be fair. Always good to learn, I would encourage you to open it up.

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

@@B3NN10N Will do. It's not going anywhere, will get it fixed one one or the other. Not many of them left around, and I think many will want to own them again after everything been reduced to soulless digital stuff. VHS tapes, vinyl, cassettes, DVDs etc. - they all have future. Charming stuff.

[@B3NN10N]

@To_protect_and_to_serve yeh. I got the fuse off Amazon. Definitely agree, the old stuff is the best

[@loicbourillon9012]

Great video I have a small one with my post problem of the left winder which does not turn when I play do you have an idea thank you

[@B3NN10N]

Have you replaced the rubber on the spindle. It turns to goo.

[@loicbourillon9012]

@@B3NN10N great, thank you you have a video for how to change it

[@westelaudio943]

Isn't that one still from the 70s? That seems to be a common problem. I got a 9595 from 1980 for free (yes ! !) same thing. I think I'ma try some fuel line. The diameter of the capstan seems to be about 1/10".

[@Ology3121]

Do you repair to order? Ive bought this same model tape needs fixing.

[@B3NN10N]

No sorry buddy. Wouldn’t be cost effective to you or me, but happy to help if I can.

[@leungstanley3047]

You need adjust the speed when a new belt is in place. This motor is a special vintge type. The speed is controlled by two screws INSIDE the motor. You need to open up the motor and you should see the screw inside the motor.

[@SangiTariq]

Lovely 😜🌹

[@victor58010]

Use medical rubber tubing for the Capstan sleeve , possibly 4 or 5 mm

[@B3NN10N]

Yeh buddy, tried it. Still slow strangely.

[@jamessanders8507]

The pinch will not be too tight

[@ArturSaSIAEDK]

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