If RepairTech is indeed right about that reel to reel being made by Sony it thusfore should be a high quality unit.

If Matt says it's made by Sony, then I'd believe him. But although Sony did make a number of units for other companies back then, they always made sure that their own branded stuff was better. Most reel to reel decks were fairly well made no matter who made them. They were not cheap. Teac and Studer/Revox are the ones to have though. Nothing wrong with Sony units either. The Pioneer ones that actually fit in a component stack are really neat too.

Regarding the 'not sure what this is' - is there a model number/serial number?
There's an AM/FM forum that might be able to track it down.

Jimmie

The control layout and function knob is pure Sony - bottom-end model from the '60s, prob a 150 series or close.

Greg, go here: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=128

You'll find the most knowledgeable group of folks in the world when it comes to vintage hi-fi/audio equipment. Whatever you do, don't get rid of that receiver until you find out more about it. As is the case here, it's not permitted to make any mention of intention to sell, either for yourself or anyone else, but it's perfectly ok to ask for advice as to value, rarity, etc.. The Dollars & Sense Forum is specifically to discuss values, so it's exactly what you're looking for.

In your post mention that you ran into "Fisherdude" on another site, and he suggested you drop by. You'll find a very friendly bunch of folks.

Sony didn't OEM audio recorders for other companies. I know this because I worked for them. Superscope had exclusive distribution rights on all Sony manufactured recorders in the US up to the late 70's. That R-R control layout was very common in Japanese recorders. JVC, Panasonic, and others all made similar machines. The Ampex AX 50, a unit very mechanically similar to the single motor Sony machines was built by Hitachi. I have a JC Penny's reel to reel that looks virtually identical to that Magnavox. It appears to be either a JVC or Matsushita built machine.

Point taken but quality wise, 6 of one and a half dozen of another.

The RTR could possibly be a panasonic, who knows?
I certainly don't know every model in the world - but I can fix 'em if they're on my bench!

Regardless of who made it the reel to reel still should be a good quality unit. At least it's not one of those cheap battery operated abominations

I didn't mean to suggest otherwise. Most of those machines were pretty decent.

The reel-to-reel machine is Sony from top to bottom. It looks to be of about TC-252 vintage (late 60's). It'll be a single-motor, two-head machine, and not a three-head unit like the TC366 or 377, but it's not a cheapie. If its heads aren't worn down, it should turn out a good and useful piece of gear after a bit of proper refurbishment. Sony built workhorse decks and recorders in those days.

Larry

Really?? How about this one that I just pulled off the shelf?:



Notice anything familiar about it? (Hint: Except for the name and some trim pieces, it's virtually identical to the one in the OP's picture) And it's absolutely NOT a Sony machine. There's no Sony labels anywhere, the heads aren't Sony heads (they made their own), no Sony transistors, completely different layout internally, different motor, different mechanical layout, etc. As I said before, Sony did not private label their audio tape machines. I worked for them, and I know this to be fact. Consider the reputation of Japanese companies for copying other's products. Well, they were just as famous for copying each other's products as they were for copying American products. It looks to be a decent machine. It's not a Sony.

Doesn't matter who made it. If it works and sounds good it is worth at least a few dollars. Who knows maybe there is a Magnavox collector out there somewhere looking for this exact reel to reel.

Well then, if it's a copy of a Sony machine, it can be expected to look like one, and I can understand why I was fooled.

Sorry about that.

Larry

Actually it was made by Matsushita (Panasonic). They had a very similar unit under the Panasonic name: model RS-765US.

For reference, here's a picture of the aforementioned Sony TC-252. Comparing the layout with the pictures of the Magnavox and Penncrest units, I can certainly understand why there is confusion as to who made them.


(internet photo)

Dave

And here's the Panasonic version:

Hmmmmmm!

I have eight reel-to-reel machines with Sony nameplates on them.

I sincerely HOPE they're all Sony machines.....

Larry

When I was working for Sony I visited one of their tape recorder factories in Japan. They were making the TC 366/377 units. The whole place was heavily automated. Fascinating to see. As for who made your machines, I'm wondering if you're aware that Sony also owned Aiwa?