This is one of the first Teac reel to reel tape recorder produced by the Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company - TEAC in 1956. The recorder is believed to be based on the Ampex 300 which was created in 1949. The photo above right shows the Ampex 300 and the Teac TD-301 in our collection. The Teac is actually smaller. See also Berlant Concertone Teac connection
Note: the Ampex 600 was the unit that Akai & Roberts copied. External look alikes, however not near the same quality components. They say "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
We have a Teac TD-102 which includes the stereo electronics. This unit originally
belonged to Sound Masters of Chicago. The unit was built into a custom box and had an additional fan installed to help cool all the electronics. The capstan looks like its been soldered in place. Truly a well used deck. The old box actually had a refrigerator handle on top to carry the heavy recorder.
This Teac TD-102 tape recorder is pictured on the glass and wooden box that Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company (Teac) released in 1988 celebrating 25 years of Teac history.
This Teac TD-102 tape recorder is pictured on the glass and wooden box that Tokyo Electro-Acoustic Company (Teac) released in 1988 celebrating 25 years of Teac history. We also have the complete 1988 Limited Edition box that includes all the contents.
On March 10, 2013, we received the following information from Liam
"In 1959 I worked with the original TEAC engineers at Far East Network, Tokyo. I was invited by them to their humble shop near Tokyo Bay to see their latest creation. It was the original prototype stereo TEAC 1/4" Reel-to-Reel. The model for it was the AMPEX 300 series which we all worked with daily at FEN.
Our conversation was around the idea of marketing the recorder in the United States. My idea was to focus on small radio stations which could not afford an Ampex 350 costing more $1200 at the time.
Hindsight shows my choice not to help the company entry to the U.S. was a very wrong one.
It was interesting to see your early TEAC." - Liam -
Some Far East Network photos
Jerry Norton worked for Berlant Concertone and shared a summary with us about Teac building units for Berlant Concertone and building Dokorders for Tokyo Denki Onkyo.
