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Phantom's Reel To Reel Tape Recorder OnLine Museum

Phantom Productions, Inc. • "creative entertainment and production since 1964"

Phantom productions has a 5 hour 2 DVD set profiling our vintage tape recording clooection for $14.95.  The set also includes some history of sound recording; how the tape recoder works and a bit about recording in Texas during the 1960's through the 1980's.

 

We have vintage Calrad mics for sale at this link

Phantom Production's Reel2ReelTexas logo
 
Unusual/Unique Recording Items
 
 

"Phantom Productions" is the registered trademark of Phantom Productions, Inc. Copyright 2008 • All pictures and content on this web site are the property of Phantom Productions, Inc.

This is a list of our vintage reel tape recording collection for Unusual/Unique Reel Tape Recording Items As time permits we'll be building links to more pictures, a bit of history about our items, catalog listings and some recent pricing information.  PLEASE NOTE: None of the Phantom Vintage Museum pieces are for sale.  This listing is provided to reflect our collection.

NEW! Page dedicated to our microphone collection

Great publications

Phil Van Praag's book "Evolution of the Audio Recorder" and Tascam 30 Years book

Please note none of these items are for sale on our site!

picture of Phil Van Praag's book 'volution of the Audio Recorder"

NOT for sale on our site!

Here's a link to a review of the "Evolution of the Audio Recorder" book

Link to source to purchase "Evolution" (as of 01/01/11)

picture of Tascam book

NOT for sale on our site!

Information

Source for Tascam book as of 10/21/09

2nd source

NOT for sale on our site!

Source 1 

Source 2 

Source 3

NOT for sale on our site!

Source

NOT for sale on our site!

Source

NOT for sale on our site!

Source

NOT for sale on our site!

Source

 

Cover of the November 1959 Tape Recording magazine in Phantom Productions' vintage tape recorder collection 1959 Comments regarding tape recording in the NOvember 1959 Tape Recording magazine in Pahntom Productions' vintage tape recorder collection   click for larger picture

1959 Comments regarding tape recording's future in the November

1959 Tape Recording magazine 1958 Chronology of Tape Recording

 

 

Last Dance

These are some of the last in
a line of reel tape recorders
from major manufacturers

 

Akai GX-747 in Phantom's vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Akai GX-747   more

 

Ampex ATR800 in Phantom's vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Ampex  ATR800  more

 

Phantom's Fostex B-16 16 track reel tape recorder

Fostex F16   more

 

Pioneer RT909 and RT 707   more

 

 

Tascam BR-20T

Tascam BR20T more

 

Technics RS1700 in Phantom's vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Technics RS-1700   more

 

Webcor Professional

CP2550 '66 listing  more

       
What are they doin' now?
Akai   1  Ampex  1
 Fostex  1 Pioneer 1
Tascam 1 2 3  Technics 1
       
  Story of Nipper -  Click on the images below for a larger image

picture of RCA Nipperpicture of final painting of Nipper and the phonographpicture of final painting of Nipper and the phonograph part 1picture the story of Nipper and the phonograph part 1   picture of Nipper and Page 3 of the story about the painting

Limited edition picture of RCA Nipper from Harrod's, London


Edison Cylinder (Standard) 1904  $20  Cylinders were $.25 each

1904 Edison standard cylinder player in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1904 Edison standard cylinder player in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1904 Edison standard cylinder player in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

1904 Edison standard cylinder player in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1904 Edison standard cylinder player in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection 

  Play Phantom Production's videos about this Edison cylinder player    Windows Media   •  QuickTime  •  RealPlayer

Go to another movie of Edison cylinder player  (RealPlayer)  1908 ad


Phantom productions' vintage recording collection cover of 1982 db magazine showing old German tape recorders   Page 1 of 1982 db magazine article on German reel to reel tape recorders from 1928 to 1945  Page 2 of 1982 db magazine article on German reel to reel tape recorders from 1928 to 1945  Page 13 of 1982 db magazine article on German reel to reel tape recorders from 1928 to 1945  Page 4 of 1982 db magazine article on German reel to reel tape recorders from 1928 to 1945  Page 5 of 1982 db magazine article on German reel to reel tape recorders from 1928 to 1945  Page 6 of 1982 db magazine article on German reel to reel tape recorders from 1928 to 1945

Birth of the German Magnetophon Tape Recorder 1928 to 1945


Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU with Brush head - 1958 - $315 to $425 • view video  Windows Media   •  QuickTime  •  RealPlayer

1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection   1958 Amplicorp Magnemite 610 VU spring wound reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection


Brush Sound Mirror BK401(wood cab)

This is one of the first commercial reel tape recorders on the market.  See 1947 ad from the Saturday Evening Post dated October 11, 1947.  This unit has a date stamped on the main board dated Jan 22, 1948. Here's movie of the recorder running.  The tape that came with the recorder included the Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott fight in the late '40s.

picture of Brush BK 401 Sound mirror reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions, vintage recorder collection  picture of Brush BK 401 Sound mirror reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions, vintage recorder collection  picture of Brush BK 401 Sound mirror reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions, vintage recorder collection  picture of Brush BK 401 Sound mirror reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions, vintage recorder collection  picture of Brush BK 401 Sound mirror reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions, vintage recorder collection  picture of Brush BK 401 Sound mirror reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions, vintage recorder collection


Professional Battery portables

Here are some of the serious on-location battery recorders (5" +)

Nagra III  1958  More info on You Tube

Nagra III in Phantom Productions vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Mix Magazine article  Nagra

Nagra III in Phantom Productions vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Nagra III in Phantom Productions vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Nagra III in Phantom Productions vintage reel to reel tape recorder collection

Sony 510-2 1976 - 1986 $1,850 to $2,300 more info Specs

Sony 510 in Phantom Productions, Inc. vintage reel tape recorder collection

Sony 510 in Phantom Productions, Inc. vintage reel tape recorder collection

Sony 510 in Phantom Productions, Inc. vintage reel tape recorder collection

Sony 772 (1969)    24 lbs  - $750

Sony 772 2 track battery 15 ips 7" reel professional portable tape recorder in PPI's vintage recording collection

'68 ad '69 Review '69 Sony 770 ad

'70 Sony 770 ad '70 catalog listing

click on image for larger view

Sony ad for 770

Sony 772 2 track battery 15 ips 7" reel professional portable tape recorder in PPI's vintage recording collection

Sony 772 2 track battery 15 ips 7" reel professional portable tape recorder in PPI's vintage recording collection

Sony 772 2 track battery 15 ips 7" reel professional portable tape recorder in PPI's vintage recording collection

Sony 772 2 track battery 15 ips 7" reel professional portable tape recorder in PPI's vintage recording collection

Uher 4400 Report Monitor 1981 $1,361.25

1/4 track stereo, 4000 full track mono

1981 Uher 4400 Report Monitor 5" reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1981 Uher 4400 Report Monitor 5" reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

1981 Uher 4400 Report Monitor 5" reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection 

1981 Uher 4400 Report Monitor 5" reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection 

Tandberg Series 11-CP  '69 - '73

7" reel portable $699.00  view RealPlayer movie

picture of Tandberg11CP in Phantom reel tape recorder collection

'68 Directory

'69 ad $449 • Pro version 11-P $699

picture of Tandberg11CP in Phantom reel tape recorder collection

73 Directory Listing $699.00

Tandberg 11CP reel tape recorder in PPI's vintage recording collection

picture of Tandberg11CP in Phantom reel tape recorder collection

takes 10 "D" cell batteries


Miles Reproducer Co., Inc. Walkie-RecordALL

Miles Reproduction, Inc. Walkie RecordAll sonoband recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Miles Reproduction, Inc. Walkie RecordAll sonoband recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Miles Reproduction, Inc. Walkie RecordAll sonoband recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection   Miles Reproduction, Inc. Walkie RecordAll sonoband recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Miles Reproduction, Inc. Walkie RecordAll sonoband recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection   

Miles Reproducer Co., Inc. WALKIE-RECORDALL • recorded on sonobands cello tape - 12 tracks

Play Phantom Production's videos about this Walkie RecordAll recorder   Windows Media   •  QuickTime  •  RealPlayer

A sonoband slips on to the spools and a needle etches the recordings on the band.  The compact, portable device was activated by turning the black button on the top.   (The Field Museum)

1953 $450 ($600 in 1960's)  •  Related links:  Ad  Pics  Additional information more more 2 Resource page


Magnasync Nomad 1960 & $1,025

Label on back states "Magnesync film recorder, Magnephonic sound systems, made in North Hollywood, Calif U.S.A."

Unit has XLR microphone and 1/4" line inputs.  Cool unit! •  Play Phantom Production's videos about this Nomad 16 mm recorder   Windows Media   •  QuickTime  •  RealPlayer

Magnephonis Magnesync Nomad film recorder 

Precision hi-fidelity magnetic recorder for 16 mm movie cameras.  Now you can produce professional quality sound movies with the amazing versatile "Nomad" 7 lb recorder reproducer!  Lip-sync recording at time of take.  Small magnetic recorder that mounts underneath a movie camera.  It is connected and interlocked by a flexible shaft, and is driven by it.  The movie camera drives the Nomad which has a fully transistorized amplifier and uses rechargeable batteries.  For longer runs a DC motor may be attached. The Nomad uses 16 mm magnetic film (instead of tape) at the same rate as the camera for simple editing.   The Nomad provides recording of two separate soundtracks (one each for voice and music) which are automatically mixed when played back.  This method eliminates the need for sound-dubbing, and the duplication of original film where a composite print is required.

The few places we've found reference to this machine is these quotes "collect old odd film sound recorders of the era -- including a Perfectone, Stellavox SM-5 with Rangertone, Nagra II (spring-wind with tube electronics), Nagra SNNs (which I use), Sony EM2NS, Magnasync Nomad, Maihak springwind, and many more."   - source unknown

And this quote from Jeff Kreines "It looks to me like the split-16mm mag that was used in the very uncommon Magnasync Nomad from the early 60s. It was a very odd machine -- it attached to the camera with a flexible shaft, and was driven directly by the camera motor (so it stayed in sync, even with spring-wind cameras)."


Magnecorder M30, M33  • 1952-1954   $499.95picture of magnecorder M30, M33 in portable casepicture of Magnecorder M30, M33

 

Interestingly, this recorder was initially acquired by Phantom to be provided to the movie company making the new Howard Hughes film Aviator (2003).  They went with a Brush Sound Mirror recorder instead.

Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 08:41:22 -0500
To: <phantom@austin.rr.com>
Subject: Motion picture props

Hello,picture of magnecorder M30, M33 in portable case
My name is Montgomery Pollack. I own a Motion Picture prop house in Los Angeles Ca. We are working on a new film to be directed by Martin Scorcese, starring Leonardo DeCaprio. It is called "The Aviator" It is about Howard Hughes love of flight. There is a scene that has Hughes using a reel to reel tape recorder in 1947. The director has requested a Rangertone or a Magnecord, Magnetophon or a Ampex 200A. I need to purchase this items. Do you have or know of anybody who might have such an item. It needs to work and be in very good condition. I can be flexible in my timeline. I can use any reel to reel recorder from 1947-1950. If I cannot find such a beast we will just use a Webster wire recorder. Any information would be extremely helpful.
Thank you
Monty

 


In another request in October 2010, we were the recipient of a referral to potentially digitally covert a backup copy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's master recording of "Give Peace A Chance." Here's a brief summary of the correspondence.

"I purchased the tape for $8,000 through a major legitimate auction house.    I do not think it was widely publicized nor did they know just how important and rare this is

I will call phantom (and if ok with you I will give them a copy of this e-mail from you !). In addition I am trying to reach Ken Scott who now resides in Los Angeles

I have purchased the vinyl.   The documents say that this song was recorded during the yoko john Bed-in.   However until I compare the tape with the released vinyl I won't know.  Maybe this was recorded a few days later in the studio.   

Lots to learn.   I will keep you informed!

So the possibility exists that the tape was made on the machine that was brought in to the hotel bed in.  Or.  The tape was made a few days later at Trident. Ken would know

And the possibility exists that the released vinyl is the same as the tape (bed in) or the same as the recording made at the studio (if there is one)

I won't be able to solve the mystery until I get, as you say, a dvd made of the tape.   And that's what I will do @ phantom.  Do you have a contact there??

You are very helpful and are probably happy to hear it wasn't an ebay find!

I did also purchase, years ago, john lennons typewriter (from his aunt) and it is on loan to the grammy museum near Staples Center

Any more thoughts?Many thanks, Steve"

"Martin, Pls contact me re reel to reel master tape I own that was verified as John Lennon's recording of Give Peace A Chance. Ken Scott producer,1969, Trident Studios....I was recommended to u by experts in los angeles Respectfully Steve"
---------------

"Hi Steve!
Very interesting tape and information.  We use several recorders for transfer work.  They are in excellent shape for their age.  They include a Studer B67 that is a 1/2 track mastering deck that runs 7.5 and 15 ips.   It had been excellent in handling tape.  Additionally we have a Tascam BR-20T which is also a 1/2 track mastering recorder and the last reel to reel produced by Teac/Tascam.  We also have a 4 track Otari MX5050 BQ II which is a 4 track recorder and also a great tape handler.  We prefer to complete our transfers through a Tascam DM3200 board (no effects, just straight) going to a Mac Pro with Final Cut Pro mastering.

To be honest, I am a tad nervous to handle such a valuable tape, however would be willing to assist you in any way I can.

Thank you again for contacting us and thanks to the person recommending us.
Martin"

--------

"Martin, Very happy to let you know that I have made contact with Ken Scott who is willing to help on this journey!!!
Ps.   I'm a bit nervous too, but this is historical and I want to have the best possible team on the  journey! Steve"

photo of John Lennon & Yoko Ono dub master of Give Peace A Chance from the "Bed-in" period

 

11/08/2010

"Hi Martin, I was meaning to update u this week.    Ken Scott, the engineer on the tape has been guiding the process!    He had moved to Los Angeles in the 80's.

The tape was taken to his trusted studio where it was hand rolled on to a metal reel and baked.

The next day it was was played and recorded on to two cd's.  One for ken and he signed one for me.   Photos were taken too.      It all went well.   After the one playing, the tape went back to the original spool and is now in a humidor to preserve its condition.

There are a couple of things on the very beginning of the  tape that were not included in the vinyl,  we were excited to hear them!   Ken Scott recalled the session with John and Yoko where the work was done

It looks like this was a copy of the master that was made for security reasons before the studio shipped the master to the place where they made the vinyl records.   If it was the master, we would have apple and emi lawyers all over us, as they have ownership rights!

There r still some unanswered questions that ken, who is being honored with Paul,McCartney in England next month, is trying to answer when he sees some of his pals at that reunion. Steve"

Steve sent us an original 45 record which reflects that the recording was actually made in Room 1742, Hotel La Reine Elizabeth, Montreal, Canada (this was the second bed-In that was held in May of 1969).

picture of Berlant 2020 and Edison cylinder player

Berlant Concertone 20/20 recorder in portable cases and Edison cylinder player

picture of Magnecord PT6-AH and Recording Amplifier  1965 Magnecord ad  in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

Magnecord PT6-AH and Recording Amplifier

Note ad for Magnecord looking for the oldest working record er.  We were told by the seller that this specific equipment was used to record traveling bands such as Whoopee John back in the 1940's and 50's.

 

picture of Crown 3M

Crown 3M


picture of matched pair of Ampex microphonespicture of early Brush professional recorderpicture of box of blank Edison cylinders from Ford Museum

Factory matched pair of Ampex microphones • Early Brush professional recorder Case of Blank Edison Cylinders from Ford Museum


Items of interest from the 1977 Accurate Sound catalog

Cover of 1977 Accurate Sound Company's catalog in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection  1977 ad for Mobile Home recording studio for sale from Accurate Sound company's catalog in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection  1977 ad for 16 track recording studio  for sale from Accurate Sound company's catalog in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection   1977 ad for Neumann Disk Mastering System  for sale from Accurate Sound company's catalog in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection


wire recording - late 1940's to early 1950's (haven't found wire ads after 1951)

Webster Chicago 180-1 Wire recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel recorder collection 

Webster Chicago 180-1 

splicing wire    1948 catalog listing 

Play Phantom Production's videos about this Webster Chicago 180-1 wire recorder 

 Windows Media   •  QuickTime  •  RealPlayer

Webster Chicago 180-1 Wire recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel recorder collection

Webster Chicago 78 Wire recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel recorder collection 

Webster Chicago 78 

1950 $88.95

brochure  1948 Allied cat  1951 Allied Catalog listing

second Webster Chicago 78 Wire recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel recorder collection

Pentron AstroSonic wire recorder, AM radio and phonograph unit in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Pentron AstroSonic wire recorder, AM radio and phonograph unit in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

Pentron Astra Sonic

1949 $149.50 '49 Allied cat  '49 Lafayette cat 

Sold as an Allied Knight product in '51 Allied cat

 

How to splice recording wire from Webster Chicago 288 manual  in Phantom Productions' vintage reel recorder collection

  Splicing recording wire from Webster Chicago 288 manual 


 

A Unique AkaiStereo Terecorder AkaiStereoTerecorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection

Akai produced over 100 models of reel to reel tape recorders.  This is one we had not seen previously.  When stereo came along, it looks like Akai created their first stereo recorder by adding a 2 track head, stereo outputs and a second smaller unit to house the second channel electronics and speaker.  This unit has a switchable head to go from Full track to two channel Half track (stereo).  Pretty cool unit.  Interesting styling.

AkaiStereoTerecorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection AkaiStereoTerecorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection  AkaiStereoTerecorder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection


Sterapapter to add a stereo head to a tape recoder - ad is in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1959 ad for the United Kingdom Gramdeck that turns any gramophone into a  reel to reel tape recorder in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

Here's another way to add stero


Rheem/Roberts 1000

picture of Roberts 1000 reel to reel with black and white video capability picture of the Roberts 1000 audio and black and white video recorder combination  picture of the Roberts 1000 audio and black and white video recorder combination  1977 ad for Roberts 1000 stereo reel tape recorder with a built in B&W video recording capability in Phantom Productions' reel tape recorder collection

This is the incredible 4 track reversing audio recorder with a built-in black and white video recorder.

  Rheem Roberts B&W video camera and recorder 1050AV ad in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recording collection

Jerry Lewis pictured with Roberts 1000. '69 ad  •  Ad for Roberts 1050AW (note the Rheem Manufacturing address)


Akai • Roberts • Rheem • Califone

Comparison of Akai Rheem Califone & Roberts 500 reel tape recorders relaeased in 1967

early Roberts reel tape recorder logo in Phantom productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection.Roberts provided good solid reel tape recorders in the semi-pro class during the late 1950's, 1960's and early 1970's.  They had an interesting evolution including this original Roberts logo (right) which we photographed on one of our earliest Roberts models.  The logo very much resembled the Rolls Royce logo. Here's the first Roberts tape recorder ad we've come across from 1958 using that RR logo.  This one was soon replaced by the crown over the name Roberts.  We've seen various stories about the styling of early Akai/Roberts that closely resembles the Ampex 600.   One source speculates that Ampex engineers had joined with Akai and Rheem/Roberts. Others relate that it was just a popular functional style that was copied.  The Akai > Rheem  > Roberts  > Califone story  has many interesting and intriguing versions.  Our collection includes a few of the Roberts/Akai twins (recorders that were virtually identical, but tagged differently).  The name "Roberts" allegedly came from Robert Metzner and Robert Margolis who worked together.    In February of 2012 I corresponded with Robert Metzner who lives in Beverly Hills, CA and his son Richard.  One of the pieces of information they clarified was that it was Robert Craig of Craig Electronics, who founded Roberts recorders with Robert Metzner.

Robert Metzner owned the Roberts company and its Educational Products Division was named Califone.  These companies were bought by Rheem Manufacturing (which interestingly does not mention tape recorders on its history/about page).  A friend of ours briefly worked at Rheem's NY HQ, but was unable to find any records regarding their tape recording years. This may have been because the recorder component of Rheem was based in CA.. The Roberts Akai relationship allegedly arose from Akai turntable motors that came to the attention of Califone and the relationship evolved into Akai manufacturing the Roberts components.  Please note the story from Billboard below which details an agreement allowing Akai to market their recorders along with Roberts in the US in 1971.  Prior to that time Akai was not available for sale in the US due to the Akai Roberts distribution agreement with Roberts/Rheem (also note Akai ad below from June 1,1971.)  See also.

We provide some of the many versions of the Roberts/Rheem/Califone logos below.

early Roberts reel tape recorder logo in Phantom productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection.  Rolls Royce style logo used on early Roberts reel tape recorders  Rheem Califone logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection   Roberts Duet logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection  Roberts "R" crown logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection    Roberts "Roberts" script style crown logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection  Roberts "Original Design by Jack Davis" logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection  Roberts script letters logo on Roberts Speaker system in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection  Simple word "Roberts"  logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection    Rheem Roberts logo on reel tape recorder in Phantom productions vintage tape recorder collection   


picture of Rheem Califone 73-T reel tape recorderYes...this Rheem Califone 73-T really is from the Rheem Manufacturing Co.   At some point Rheem bought Roberts and distributed the Akai built tape recorders. 1971 Akai ad announcing that they would now be able to

Califone International Inc., 1145 Arroyo Avenue, San Fernando, CA 91340. Founded in 1946 as the educational products division of Robert Metzner’s Roberts Electronics with reel to reel tape recorders.

Rheem acquired a substantial majority interest in Califone Corp., in 1959, and a minority interest in Roberts Electronics, Inc., in 1961, and formed the Rheem Califone-Roberts Division, selling tape recorders, teaching machines, sound systems and other related equipment for the home, schools and industry.

1968 United Kingdom Akai reel tape recorder ad in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collectionOther references - Billboard July 3, 1971 - "Akai America will introduce a full line of tape players Sunday (27) at the Consumer Electronics Show,  The Califone-Roberts division of Rheem Manufacturing Co. has entered into an agreement with Akai Electric Co., Ltd. of Japan that will allow certain tape products to be sold in the U.S. under both the Roberts and Akai brand names.  Under terms of the agreement, Roberts will continue to market the major part of the Akai made products under the Roberts lab on an exclusive basis. "The benefits to both parties this new agreement are numerous and mutually desired,." said Roberts president C.R.Phillips (from 1974 to 1985, Mr. Phillips was Executive Vice President and Director of Akai America, Ltd., a 1971 ad for Akai reel to reel tape recorders reflecting that Akai could now sell their tape recorders in the US after an agreement with Roberts Recorders expired.  Ad is part of the Phantom Productions' vintage reel to reel recording collectionconsumer electronics company. Prior to that he was President of Califone-Roberts Division of Rheem Manufacturing Company. Mr.Phillips received a B.A. from Pepperdine College, Los Angeles, California with emphasis on Business and Speech Education, in 1956.).  The agreement enables Akai America, the U.S. subsidiary Akai Electronics, to market tape equipment which has been denied under a previous Akai-Roberts contract.  Akai has been limited to marketing its 1/4 inch videotape player.  The ad to the left shows Akai tape recorders available in 1968 in the United Kingdom.

1929 Akai founded, audio manufacturer of reel-to-reel tape recorders, tuners, audio cassette decks, amplifiers, video recorders, and loudspeakers

Last reel tape recorder the GX-747 was produced 1981 to 1983

1984 Akai Professional division founded to manufacture electronic musical instruments
MG1212 – The world's first integrated 12-track recorder/mixer
AX80 – Eight-voice analog synthesizer with unique user interface

Here's some units sharing the same configuration and different name and model number.

Roberts 770X  •  Akai M-8

      1965 Akai M-8 tape recorder ad in Phantom Productions vintage reel tape recorder collection

'66 ad  More pictures

'67 McGEE catalog listing  $349.95

'67 Lafayette catalog listing  $359.95

'68 catalog listing $349.95

'65 AD  '66 AD

Akai X-300  •  Roberts 5000X

picture of Akai X300 and Roberts 5000X

This recorder was produced in 1967 under the Akai, Rheem and Roberts names.  In the above picture, that's our Roberts on top and the Akai below. 

 

Roberts 400 1963   •  Akai 345

    

Roberts 4000X   1965 $795    •    Akai X-355

'65 Directory

picture of Roberts 400X with remote    

 

Roberts 333X 1970 - 1973 $549.95

picture of Roberts 333 reel, cassette and 8 track unit 

Roberts 333 reel, cassette and 8 track unit. Movie of Roberts 333X working  - RealPlayer  Ad  71 catalog listing

Akai X-2000SD  $549.95

'72 ad

1973 catalog listing On sale $495

1973 directory listing

Here's the Akai version of the Roberts 333X

Akai X-2000SD version of Roberts 333X

Not in collection

Speaking of Roberts...how about this conversion of a Roberts 997 to play an iPod by W. B. Morton

Roberts 997 reel tape recorder  iPod conversion Roberts 997 reel tape recorder  iPod conversion  Roberts 997 reel tape recorder  iPod conversion

(summary from ebay listing used with permission from W.B. Morton)  Here is a Roberts Model 997 Reel to Reel deck that has been repurposed to play music files via a universal iPod docking station.  Past meets present!  Plays loud enough for a small office, dorm room etc.  I played an iPod and CD player through the mic inputs and everything sounded fine although there is some distortion if the volume is turned all the way up.

The Roberts 997 tape transport and record/play heads were in terrible shape, so the following was done to put the separate right and left single ended amps to work (and make the resulting case look better):

1.  Removed the reel motor and associated drive wheels.
2.  Remove forward/reverse link mechanisms.
3.  Keep the play/record and forward/reverse switches in place for any future experimental tinkering.
4.  Kept the link arm connecting the play/record switch to the sliding switches on the separate amps (again for any future experimenting).
5.  Lock the amp sliding switches in place in order to fix the amps into the 'play' position.  This can be easily undone if the link arm is to be enabled again.
6.  Removed the 6267 (preamp) and 6AR5 (bias oscillator) tubes - not needed for current purposes.
7.  Replaced the 12AD7 dual triodes in each channel with 12AU7 tubes.  The original dual triodes were bad anyway and the 12AU7's work just dandy.
8.  Pulled all of the exterior textured vinyl covering off (no easy task) and covered the exterior with linoleum for a smooth surface.
9.  Painted the exterior and body panels with black wrinkle-finish paint.
10. Painted the interior of the cover with regular black spray paint.
11. Added a hinged fold-down shelf to the front of the chassis (where the reels were).  This is where the iPod dock is placed when in use.
12.  Added a 3-prong power receptacle and moved the fuse to the back panel.
13.  Added a double throw switch to allow earth grounded operation or to simulate historical 2-prong operation.  The 'up' position connects earth ground and power, the 'down' position connects only power, the center position disconnects both power and ground.  The 'down' position will avoid ground loops depending on what other equipment may be used as a source and how that equipment is connected to earth ground itself.
14.  Installed a duplex wall socket inside the chassis to accommodate power connection to the iPod dock via its USB power adaptor and to apply power to the amps.
15.  Kept the internal speakers in place.  Just for fun.
16.  Kept the external speaker connection plate on the right side of the chassis.  Just for more fun.
17.  Kept the external doors for the internal speakers in place as the cavity behind each door is just large enough to hold the iPod dock and remote control when the unit is not in use.
18.  Attached an iPod holder to the inside of the cover (the white thing inside the cover in the pictures).  The sides of the holder are adjustable to securely hold various iPod models.
19.  The front cover door is detachable just as it was when the unit was originally built.

The lucky winner of the auction will receive the repurposed player, a universal iPod dock (Apple part number MB125G/B including USB power adaptor, various cradle adaptors, remote), power cord, and coax cables to connect the 1/4" speaker out jacks to your speakers.  For the input connections, RCA to 1/4" jack adaptors are included.  I will also send the two 6267 tubes (tested marginally ok, each has a rubber damper) as well as the 6AR5 tube just in case further experimentation will be done.   by W. B. Morton


Here's another interesting Rheem tape recorder/duplicator (I assume) •  These pics were donated by Nathan Luoto

Rheem model tape machine pictures in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection   Rheem model tape machine pictures in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

  Rheem model tape machine pictures in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Rheem model tape machine pictures in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection 

I need help identifying a Rheem model tape machine.  It is built into a large black metal box, with a large nickel or chrome plated cover over the heads. It has only one lever to engage and disengage the pinch rollers against the capstan.  It does not have transport controls. It appears that it was designed to have four separate tapes stacked and played together.  Spacers to go between reels, four individual heads stacked parallel, and four pinch rollers. There are two level knobs, two VU meters, and two 1/4 phone connectors on the front, and three RCA connectors on the back near the fuse and power cable. The only other control is a power switch and an indicator lamp.I rescued this unit from a pile of scrap/electronic recycling.
-Nathan


Another interesting evolution was the Berlant Concertone > Concord > Teac connection

Teac/Concertone 505  1960 - $495

This concertone was built by Teac. Here's the Teac version. some history 

picture of Phantom Productions' Concertone 505 reel tape recorderpicture of the Teac 505

More:  In the February, 1982 issue of Modern Recording and Music magazine, James Rayton with the Ascot Recording Studio in Hollywood, CA wrote:

"probably around the early '60s, the (Berlant/Concertone) assembly was moved to Japan, and around the same time, I believe, the company became known, paradoxically, as "American Concertone"; their product emphasis gradually moved into the mid-to-high-end consumer category, (and occasionally appeared under other trade names like 'Concord').  Whatever remains of the company today is perhaps better known as TEAC, who interestingly, continued making the old Concertone 90 at least through the late '60s, with only a change of nameplate (and probably solid-state electronics) and a different model number."

1966 listing of the Concord R-1100 in HiFiStereo tape recorder issue and same recorder released as the Teac R-1200 in a 1968 ad in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection


As I'm mentioning Berlant and American Concertone, here's photos of one our favorite's, the green with large white buttons Concertone 801 featured in Doris Day and Rock Hudson's movie "Send Me No Flowers."  Link to listing in our collection

Here's the identical recorder which was re-branded by Dokorder

picture of Concertone 800 Series tape recorder      Concertone 801 reel tape recorder re-branded by Dokorder as the Dokorder Reverse-O-Matic 801  Concertone 801 reel tape recorder re-branded by Dokorder as the Dokorder Reverse-O-Matic 801    Concertone 801 reel tape recorder re-branded by Dokorder as the Dokorder Reverse-O-Matic 801

Concertone 801 on far left and Dororder rebranded unit and origial box on right.  Photos courtesy of "technextdoor"

Concertone 801 reel tape recorder re-branded by Dokorder as the Dokorder Reverse-O-Matic 801


picture of R2D2 Replica (complete with sounds.  Teac 80-8 was used to record te sounds of R2Dr and 3CPOin the Star Wars movie  picture of R2D2 Replica (complete with sounds.  Teac 80-8 was used to record te sounds of R2Dr and 3CPOin the Star Wars movie picture of Teac 80-8

R2D2 Replica (complete with sounds). Teac 80-8 was used to record the sounds of R2D2 and 3CPO in the Star Wars movie


picture of Webcor signWebster Chicago control unit for wire recorder

Webster Chicago Amplifier Mixer 2L25 in Phantom productions' vintage recording collection Webster Chicago Amplifier Mixer 2L25 in Phantom productions' vintage recording collection

Webcor store sign (working)  • Webster Chicago control unit for wire recorder • Webster Chicago 2L25 amplifier and it tubes


Electro Voice microphones appeared under a variety of other brand names including; Ampex, Rauland-Borg & RCA

Ampex H-1390 matched pair

picture of factory matched pair of Ampex microphones

 

Ampex Slimair

picture of Ampex mike

 

Rauland-Borg 1248 BL

probably made by Electro Voice as similar to their Cardyne series

(1948 EV catalog listing)  1949 ad

Electro Voice Cardyne clone

      RCA SK-1001 - Electro Voice 664

Electro Voice 664 sold as the RCA SK-1001 in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection   Electro Voice 664 sold as the RCA SK-1001 in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

Electro Voice 664 sold as the RCA SK-1001 in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

RCA SK-1001 with the gray EV 664 and an EV 665

     

 


 

Heathkit AD-22 1965 $149.00 very similar to the Ampex 600 and was mounted in a samsonite case (note head cover record button and layout). '65 ad

  Rare Ampex clone sold by Heathkit in Phantom Productions' vintage tape recorder collection  Rare Ampex clone sold by Heathkit in Phantom Productions' vintage tape recorder collection  Rare Ampex clone sold by Heathkit in Phantom Productions' vintage tape recorder collection

Heathkit Speedwinder SW-1

Heathkit Speedwinder in Phantom Productions' vintage reel tape recorder collection

Speedwinder handles 10.5" reel; has two motors (one for fast wind and one to provide drag on the other reel); and auto cutoff.

1966 HeathKit/Magnecord reel tape recorder kit ad in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

In 1966 HeathKit joined with Magnecord to offer this 1020 kit

 


Brand new Electro Voice 664 in Phantom Productions' vintage reel 2 reel tape recorder collection (not for sale)

Electro Voice 664 (unique in that's it's brand new in original box) NOT FOR SALE

Sony CR-4 wireless microphone $250 1960  '60 ad '62 ad  '60 ad #2  Manual   Specs

picture of Sony CR-4 wirless microphone system  Sony CR4 wireless microphone specs  picture of Sony CR-4 wirless microphone system 

picture of Sony CR-4 wirless microphone system  picture of Sony CR-4 wirless microphone system 


picture of Sparta Broadcast Radio station console

Sparta radio station broadcast console

picture of Sony store sign

Sony store sign with working rotating color tape


Sony 555-A with matching speakers  '58, '59  $595.00

picture of Sony 555 reel tape recorder  picture of Sony 555 reel tape recorder from 1959   picture of Sony 555 reel tape recorder from 1959  picture of ad for Sony 555 reel tape recorder from 1959

'58 picture   '58 Ad  '59 ad $595.00 


picture of Ampex tape splicer

Ampex tape splicer (by Robins) & Ampex microphone (by Electro Voice)

Bell & Howell 2297  '68 - '70 $264.95

Unique in that it loads tape using a vacuum motor. An engineer visiting Phantom's studio said, "I can just imagine the Bell lab techs sitting around discussing placing a vacuum cleaner motor in a reel tape recorder."

picture of Bell & Howell 2297 reel tape recorder with vaccum loading   picture of Bell & Howell 2297 reel tape recorder with vaccum loading

'68 Directory   '68 ad  '70 Directory  view brief RealPlayer video clip 


Tape Timer

Concertone Tape Timer in wooden box in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Concertone Tape Timer in wooden box in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Concertone Tape Timer in wooden box in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection   Concertone Tape Timer in wooden box in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  Concertone Tape Timer in wooden box in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection  1961 write-up on the Superscope tape timer in Phantom Productions' vintage recording collection

Concertone tape timer in original wooden box  and with mounting bracket  • same timer except by Superscope from 1961 - $19.95


picture of tape recorder accessories     picture of Robins tape timer

Robins Head Demagnetizer with Concertone taper counter  •  '61 info   • Robins tape timer


 

picture of radio in form of a Roberts tape recorderpicture of redio microphone  tape recorder radio in miniature attaché case

Radio in form of a Roberts tape recorder   -  view video  •  classic microphone (center) and tape recorder radio in miniature attaché -   view video


picture of Poster for the public auction for the Armadillo World Headquarters

Poster for the public auction for the Armadillo World Headquarters

picture of Ampex black satin jacket logospicture of Ampex black satin jacket logos

Ampex black satin jacket logos


picture of unused RCA studio label

RCA studio label & cup

picture of Bell & Howell Cassette recorder in round container

Bell & Howell Cassette recorder in round container


picture of Akai briefcase recorder with radio

picture of Crowncorder briefcase recorder with radio

Click here to see more about the Akai500 and watch a movie of the "reverse!"


Unique Format Ad

picture of the Garrard Tape Load Magazine

Garrard Tape Load Magazine

picture of Sony used by Nixon from Newsweek, June, 2005

 

Article about adding legs for ventilation of the tape recorder  1959 Shure phono cartridge ad offering a trip to the UK to rceive a Rolls Royce  

Please note none of these items are for sale on our site!

 
Go to part 2 - Interesting listings from other sources
 

Thanks again for looking!

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