I’ve just repaired and serviced this absolutely incredible Sharp VZ-2000 linear-tracking, record-playing boombox. Now, THIS is a boombox!
The Sharp VZ-2000 is surely one of the biggest and baddest boomboxes from the golden era of boomboxes, the 1980s. This VZ-2000 is seriously HUGE, I can hardly lift it and it took two hands to get it to this position for the photo-shoot.
The VZ-2000
More info can be found at the Classic Boombox VZ-2000 page and this great page at the Laughing Squid. For a demo of this great unit and to see it in action, check out my VZ-2000 video on YouTube.
For the record, this monster weighs in at 16kg, WITHOUT the ridiculous 10 x D-cell batteries you’d need to take your records to the beach. Seriously, I don’t know who would put this thing on their shoulder and take a bag of records to the beach anyway, but if you want to, you can!
The Sharp VZ-2000 features a record player capable of playing both sides of your records without having to flip them. This in itself is a fantastic feature, essentially two linear tracking turntables in a box, with an amp and speakers.
In addition, the VZ-2000 features a tape deck with Dolby B noise reduction and able to work with normal, chrome and metal tapes. All controls are soft-touch, operating a motor-driven mechanism. This a pretty decent cassette deck, in a boombox!
Repair & Restoration
This unit originally belonged to my customer’s grandfather before being passed down to him, so it has great sentimental value. The turntable didn’t work and the tape deck was filthy. The owner wanted it cleaned up and restored to fully working condition, giving it the care and attention it deserved. As you’ll see, that’s exactly what I did.
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Nice work!
Thanks Iaen!
A big shout out goes to Mike from Liquid Audio,
Thank you for taking on the restoration of my late grandfathers sharp Boombox, he purchased this the year i was born might i add!!. After thinking for sometime the record player was down and out, then changing a few hands on people giving me false hope in saying they could fix it, i had all but giving up.
This is where Magic Mike came in, unlike the other previous experts mike promised me nothing apart from one thing i will have a look at it for you, i could see his confidence level for it wasnt high. While mike was busy doing turntables, amplifiers and his usual work “not 3 in 1 boomboxes”. A little time had passed.
Then bang out of the blew mike calls and hes had a look at the boombox, cleaned it up and got it running. I thought an angel from above was tricking me. So i sets off over to liquid audio to check out mikes work. Yes, i couldnt believe my eyes it was clean and look like new, i can see my reflection in this thing and im not kiddin!! Astonished with this mans eye for detail.
Stage 2 was the unveiling of the clean crisp mechanisms, opening and shutting the tape deck, the smooth movements of the radio tuner and last but not least the record door, which was jammed up you had to use force to fully undo it previously. These all opened just like new.
By this stage,
A) you cant wipe the smile off my face
B) im getting anxious to hear it
With the power from above, ‘the cord Magic Mike had made for me’ he has plugged it in, firstly firing up the radio. Then onto the tape player with this thing pumping out some ‘fully sik’ bass might i add, Last but not least we have played a record through it!! Simply amazing, for once in my life i’m speechless, i am overwhelmed with astonishment, i thought i would never hear it play again, would be 15 years ago since it last played a record. And it simply sounds amazing.
After getting it home safely and showing it off to all my mates, i have been using it flat out. And follow up services and repairs if needed, will be no hassle knowing liquid audio is only a phone call away.
Words cant explain how thankful i am for what Mike has been able to achieve for me, your a good man and your amazing workmanship on my sharp vz2000 boombox. I will be recommending you to all my mates, last but not least
THANK YOU!!
Regards Marcus
Hi Marcus, a massive thanks for this incredible feedback and for giving me the opportunity to work on your VZ-2000 in the first place! Like you, I became quite enthralled with the unit and in restoring it for you. Honestly, it was worth it just to see the look on your face when you walked in and saw it again! I’m really glad she is working well for you and with the two new styluses we will fit today, she will be playing records better than she has in years. Thanks again for your feedback Marcus.
Warm regards
Mike
Hi mike ive got one of the sharp vz2000 but the record player dont work . Tape and radio does and its in excellent condition. Just wondering where are u and how much to fix the problem . Cheers Barbara
Hi Barbara, thanks for getting in touch. I’m located in Carine, Western Australia. I wouldn’t like to speculate as to repair costs when I don’t know whats wrong with her, so I’d need to have a look before I could give you a better idea. If you’d like to book her in, please let me know. I’m very busy in the lead-up to Xmas though! Regards, Mike.
Hi Mike . Thanks for your replay . Unfortunately im in Brisbane Qld . But i believe that it will be the belt would u have any that i could possibly purchase of you or would you know anyone in my state that do repairs on things like that . Thanks . Barbara
Hi Barbara, the belt may well need to be replaced but they usually need much more work than this to get them working really well. I can’t recommend anyone in Brisbane I’m afraid. Regards, Mike.
I found sliders to 3D print at Thingiverse. If needed let me know.
Glad this is a fairly new place to post for the vz2000
hello barbara do you sill have your boombox….i have one too and i live in brisbane.. francis 0403 642 522
Hi Francis, I also have a VZ2000 in immaculate condition however last week i accidentally broke a slider knob! Does anyone know where you can get a replacement? I’ve looked everywhere 🙁
Jeremy Grindle
0408464493
Hi Friends, I live in Sydney and have a VZ2000 in brilliant condition however last week i accidentally broke a slider knob while moving!
Does anyone know where you can get a replacement? I’ve looked absolutely everywhere 🙁 any help would be appreciated.
Jeremy Grindle
0408464493
Hi Francis , yes I still have . Need record player fixed not sure where to take it . 0413357962. … Barbara
Anyone know of a place to service the Sharp VZ 2000 in Melbourne? I have one that I bought on gumtree that doesn’t power on but have spent a lot on it already and would love to get it working. Thanks for any help Patrick 0416319340
I would love to buy… I grew up with a this machine. My dad loved it. My 16 year old son now collect records and I would love to find one for him.
Hi Kirsty, yes these really are classic machines aren’t they, very collectible now.
Hi kirsty i have one to sell its in as new condition nothing broken new belts and sound amazing down side this iconic machine is heavyyy but a real party machine that stops you dead in your tracks
Its Rod from England here, I’ve just bought one of these (VZ-2000 E) on E-bay, The clever tracking mechanisim + Disc-Carrier both needed new drive belts which are avalable….. The cassette + radio are working well….
I do need to get a 3-D print service to copy me 3 missing/broken plastic fader knobs.. then its all done 🙂
Hi Rod, great work and well done so far, these are classic machines!