Found a couple of JVC's for sale...

Browsing my local craigslist I found a JVC RC-656C and an RC-727LB for sale for $100 each. Both decks are non functional. The 727 is from the 70's if I'm not mistaken...the VU-meter bulb is shot and one the right channel is maxed out like its stuck. Should I go for it?

I might pay $100.00 for the 656 if its in good condition needing maybe belts and a cleaning . these are nice and have a pretty good sound as well.

656 is underrated love mine

The RC-727 has a really nice design that's definitely from the '70s. If you decide to go after the RC-727, be aware that the LB model is probably a 240V boombox without voltage selector - if that makes any difference. It was sold in the U.K.

Thanks for the input guys! Meeting the guy today. Pictures after!

Well here they are! Issues are as follows...

RC-656C

1. Volume knob a little scratchy
2. Both channels working on mono, left channel working intermittently on biphonic / wide, stereo
3. Tape deck play, fast forward, rewind functions all work but nothing but a loud, deep hum comes out during playback
4. Tips of antennae are gone

RC-727LB

1. Oxidization all over top metal controls plate, sliders very hard to move
2. Tape door plastic missing, measured it (5.5cm x 8.2cm) will cut a piece of clear plastic to size
3. Belts haven't melted but they're pretty hardened, deck wants to play, fast forward and rewind but after some short movement, it slows to a stop. Also humming during playback
4. VU meter bulb burnt out

The 727LB does indeed have a voltage selector switch, beneath the unit on the underside. Was able to pickup both for the equivalent of $135 US


Update: Read somewhere to repeatedly press record / stop over and over again to eliminate the farting sound. It worked on my first try and the tape sounded great! There's way more bass and fidelity in the 656 than its size made me think it had! Looks like a bunch of deoxit is getting sprayed into it tomorrow.

Beautiful , I never realised the 727 was that big. The 656 is one of my favorite boxes just haven't been able to afford another one.

That's a great deal for these boxes.

Those certainly look great for their age. Its getting harder and harder to find nice ones these days. And if you do, they want over $300 for them. Its bad enough my wife thinks Im crazy even thinking of getting others but she does support my crazy ideas. Maybe I am just crazy?

Maybe we all are a little crazy, and that's ok!

Nice score on both!! Congrats.