Converting a cassette player/radio--where do I start?

Hi! 

I bought an old cassette player/radio at an estate sale (really cheap!) and I'm wondering where/how I start in converting it into a guit amp. 

I've seen a few vids of some Australian (?) cat doing it, and he took out the magnetic head that reads the tapes.  I've also read one can simply solder the positive to the head.

I'm open to any advice on how I start this undertaking.

Thanks!

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  • Crappy lo-fi can sound good too? The old later 8-track recorder combos are great sounding too, they’ve got the added mojo of germanium transistors 

  • Several ways to do it Andy. THE deal (from my own experience) if IF it has a record button on the cassette function. If not, there are others who can help you. If it DOES have a record option, you literally just blow up (cuz it will never work as a cassette player again) that by opening it up, pushing RECORD, and when the record head pops out, carefully snipping the 2 wires going to that record head. Solder them to the pos. and neg. posts on a 1/4 inch input and plug it in being sure to leave the record button ON. When you do this you get instant amplifier. In fact the louder you turn up the volume the more grit and distortion. Works killer for old little Walkman cassette-recorders or boom boxes w. record function. Depending on the guitar or mic you plug into your female input jack, you got coolness and depending on the wattage, can be really hip. Plug headphones in and blow your brains out. That's my 2 cents, and it all takes about 20 mins. to convert 'em like this. Have fun. If it plugs into AC be careful!! -Glenn

    • It's not in front of me right now, but I think it does record.  So, how do I know which is positive and which is negative?  Are they different colors?  Or do I determine that from where they're attached?

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