Crestwood Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder, 1951
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
1951
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2011.438.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Jack English.
Material
Iron alloy
Plastic
Cadmium
Vinyl
Copper alloy
Rubber (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 9.75 in
Width: 18 in
Length: 11.5 in
Inscriptions
On instructions: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS / for the / CRESTWOOD / MAGICTAPE / RECORDERS / MODELS 11A5OFF & 11B50 / CRESTWOOD RECORDER CO., CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Plate on rear of case: CRESTWOOD / SERIAL NO. 7038 / 110 VOLTS 60 CYCLES A.C. / 100 WATTS USE ON A.C. ONLY / CRESTWOOD RECORDER CORP. / CHICAGO ILL / MADE IN U.S.A.
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