Alaron Portable 4 Transistor Reel to Reel Tape Recorder, Model B-421, circa 1965
Add to SetSummary
In 1930, a new material--plastic tape coated with magnetic pigment--opened worlds of possibility for sound recording and data storage. Professionals used open-reel magnetic tape recorders to pre-record radio shows; consumer models were used for home recording and music playback. The format was sonically superior to compact cassettes introduced in 1963, but shifted to niche use by the 1980s.
In 1930, a new material--plastic tape coated with magnetic pigment--opened worlds of possibility for sound recording and data storage. Professionals used open-reel magnetic tape recorders to pre-record radio shows; consumer models were used for home recording and music playback. The format was sonically superior to compact cassettes introduced in 1963, but shifted to niche use by the 1980s.
Artifact
Tape recorder
Date Made
circa 1965
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
99.10.4
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Plastic
Metal
Dimensions
Height: 2.25 in
Width: 4.75 in
Length: 9.5 in
Inscriptions
Alaron/4-TRANSISTOR/TAPE RECORDER/B-421 | REW/STOP/PLAY/REC/MIN-MAX/MIC/EAR | PRODUCTION/NO.Y-180927
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