Questions about the GF-8989

[Lasonic TRC-920]

What size speakers are in the Sharp GF 8989?

What are the radio's external dimensions?

Full Logic Control Deck?

Are these easy or hard to rebelt?

Decent tuner?

Are there typical problems associated with this radio?

Sound quality? Compared to?

Personally, I think it's a good looking radio

 

[Gluecifer]

These are very nice radios, but the size of them is what is a disappointment to a lot of people.
It's a small midsize, I'd say a little smaller than a SCR-8.

The features on them are great, not rebelted mine though so I don't know how hard they are to do. Based on Sharp's other decks I wouldn't expect it to be the easiest replacement though.

They're a really beautifully designed box, but due to the size/power limitations the 8989 feels like a bit of a missed opportunity as it's got the rockin street looks, but lacks the power to really be a street box. The deck is more soft-touch than logic too, tuner is quality.

Worth getting one for a collection regardless though I think. They certainly have a lot of positives in the aesthetics.



Rock On.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Thanks Rick,

I have one on the way...kind of rough shape, but the price was right. Smaller than the SCR-8??? Wow, wasn't expecting that?

For some reason, they look like they would have an 8" speaker. So is it a 6" speaker?

 

[Gluecifer]

Yeah, pretty sure they're 6s.



Rock On.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Yeah, pretty sure they're 6s.



Rock On.

OK, thanks bro

 

[-GZ-]

I love my 8989s. Its maybe 85% of an SCR8? I don't think you'll be disappointed, Chris. Definitely 6s. Its a damn fine box. I can turn the volume up almost full tilt with no distortion.

 

[-GZ-]

I actually find it hard to believe YOU have never heard one.

 

[Alberto]

Hey Chris, bro I have a few sharps, GF 9191, GF 515, GF 9494, GF 777,etc. With the exception of the 777, with all the others, the one thing that is problematic with the cassette deck is that stupid rubber tire that fits over the capstan. The only thing that I found that works half way decent is some fuel tubing that I purchased from my R/C hobby store ( I fly giant scale R/C airplanes). It's not perfect, it's not as good as the original, there is a slight bit of wobbling, but it works. just a heads up. Now that I think about it, you may know about this because if I remember correctly from an older post, you have a GF 9191.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

I love my 8989s. Its maybe 85% of an SCR8? I don't think you'll be disappointed, Chris. Definitely 6s. Its a damn fine box. I can turn the volume up almost full tilt with no distortion.

6's....I can live with that...85% of a SCR-8...damn, that's much smaller than I thought . There is something about them that looks much bigger.

NOPE, never had one. I'm pretty sure Patron had one at the Meet last year, but there were so many radio's there I didn't get much face time.

I do love the look....it looks like the control panel of a 747 Jumbo Jet!

Hey Chris, bro I have a few sharps, GF 9191, GF 515, GF 9494, GF 777,etc. With the exception of the 777, with all the others, the one thing that is problematic with the cassette deck is that stupid rubber tire that fits over the capstan. The only thing that I found that works half way decent is some fuel tubing that I purchased from my R/C hobby store ( I fly giant scale R/C airplanes). It's not perfect, it's not as good as the original, there is a slight bit of wobbling, but it works. just a heads up. Now that I think about it you may know about this because if I remember correctly from an older post, you have a GF 9191.

OK....interesting....I guess that's not an available part then. The one I bought on ePay says the deck works, but we've all heard that before

I may hit you up for more info on that fuel tubing.

Like I said, it's a beater and I got it for cheap...so I'm expecting to have to do the full tear down and restoration.

 

[Alberto]

Hey bro, I have plenty of that fuel tubing, and if the deck is not working because of it ( all my sharp decks were not working because of this capstan tire) I have plenty and I will send it to you no problem.

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

I used some medical tubing 5mm OD, 2mm ID that cost me $25 a metre but it's worth it.
This tubing is super high quality and has worked perfectly on the 4 Sharp decks I've used it with - No warbling at all as the tube is perfectly round with a properly centred hole that fits nice and tight.

Just a heads up Chris as there is better quality stuff around to make the deck work 100%.

But maybe the Ebay seller is right this time and you will have a 100% working deck?!

James.....

 

[Alberto]

I used some medical tubing 5mm OD, 2mm ID that cost me $25 a metre but it's worth it.
This tubing is super high quality and has worked perfectly on the 4 Sharp decks I've used it with - No warbling at all as the tube is perfectly round with a properly centred hole that fits nice and tight.

Just a heads up Chris as there is better quality stuff around to make the deck work 100%.

But maybe the Ebay seller is right this time and you will have a 100% working deck?!

James.....

Yes I agree, medical tubing would work much better.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Hey bro, I have plenty of that fuel tubing, and if the deck is not working because of it ( all my sharp decks were not working because of this capstan tire) I have plenty and I will send it to you no problem.

Thank you Alberto, I will take you up on that!

I used some medical tubing 5mm OD, 2mm ID that cost me $25 a metre but it's worth it.
This tubing is super high quality and has worked perfectly on the 4 Sharp decks I've used it with - No warbling at all as the tube is perfectly round with a properly centred hole that fits nice and tight.

Just a heads up Chris as there is better quality stuff around to make the deck work 100%.

But maybe the Ebay seller is right this time and you will have a 100% working deck?!

James.....

It would be cool if it's working. The guy has a good rating so I'm hoping it is indeed functioning....but it's nice to know there are options should I need to get into it!

AND THIS...is why you guys are the BEST!

I'm hoping this radio isn't going to be a let down....for some reason I really thought the 8989 was the size of a 931. :annoyed:

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Yes I agree, medical tubing would work much better.

Well then, medical tubing it is!

 

[k2j]

Well then, medical tubing it is!

that's killer to know. I always have used the fuel line and it seems to be not quite perfect. thanks for the tip

I really hate cleaning that goo off from out of those sharps and whatever else it gets stuck on whilest cleaning.. but it sure is satisfying when you get another playable deck in the arsenal!

You'll dig the sharp, I've had a few Gf's 5454,6262,8080,8585,9090,9797 and really enjoyed them all for different reasons. Downsized recently and now only have the one though

 

[-GZ-]

I meant 85% of the sound of an scr8. The size is closer. Almost same height and width...the scr8 is deeper. The sound might even be closer...but the realistic has more bass...I think. Hot damn...the more I think about it the might be almost the same damn box!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

that's killer to know. I always have used the fuel line and it seems to be not quite perfect. thanks for the tip

I really hate cleaning that goo off from out of those sharps and whatever else it gets stuck on whilest cleaning.. but it sure is satisfying when you get another playable deck in the arsenal!

You'll dig the sharp, I've had a few Gf's 5454,6262,8080,8585,9090,9797 and really enjoyed them all for different reasons. Downsized recently and now only have the one though

That black goo is the worst part of any resto. I have gotten better at dealing with it, but still end up with that crud all over my hands.

The only Sharps I have right now are the 777z, VZ2000 & 9090.

I need to go look and see if there is a manual for the 8989 in the manual section!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

I meant 85% of the sound of an scr8. The size is closer. Almost same height and width...the scr8 is deeper. The sound might even be closer...but the realistic has more bass...I think. Hot damn...the more I think about it the might be almost the same damn box!

Thank you very much for posting that picture. That helps allot since I have the SCR-8. I love that radio.

Damn, seeing that 8989 next to the SCR-8, I might like the 8989 more! That's a normal midsized box! I can deal with that!

 

[-GZ-]

Seriously bro....you will not be disappointed based on your current expectations. I "have" two 777s, two 931s....but I have THREE 8989s....that should tell ya something. Throw some batteries in that boitch and rock the f out. You're gonna love it.

 

[-GZ-]

You know I love my scr8 too...ask jimmy how much he loves his 8989.