Elizabethan Major open spool player

[Stefron]

Would anyone be interested in buying this, it belonged to an old neighbour. Does not have a power lead.

[Cobaltblue]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Tape recorders are a very active part on this forum so I am sure there will be some interest.

Elizabethan made quite a few models so uploading some pictures would be very helpful.

You can also try and identify your exact model here:
https://www.radiomuseum.org/m/elizabetha_gb_en_1.html

You can ask for help in identifying value but if you wish to offer if for sale on this forum that must be in the Sales area with an exact price.

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=27

Cheers

Mike T

[DMcMahon]

Prices for vintage reel to reel (open reel) tape recorders can vary dramatically depending upon condition, operational state, make and model etc.

The Elizabethan range generally would be considered budget UK recorders, I think the Major would be considered more at the De-Luxe end of their range of models.

Not actually familiar with the Major model, looking at it, it looks a nice recorder using the respected Collaro Studio tape deck and having a nice looking moving coil record level meter.

eBay generally is a good source to see what prices people are asking and what some have actually sold for. By setting the search criteria for sold/completed sales it only shows one Major having been sold failry recently, this one went for quite good money especially as it was sold as "Not working/For spares".

David

[DMcMahon]

Forgot to mention that it looks like the Major is relatively rare compared to the more common Elizabethan models, such as the LZ range for instance, this could help to push up its sale value.

David

[Stefron]

As I don't know much about this machine I have attached some photos

[DMcMahon]

It is a British domestic 1/4", three speed, 3 motor (Collaro Studio tape deck), valve (x 4) tape recorder, vintage is around 1960 and can be used with tape spools up to 7". It has internal/integral power amplifier and loudspeaker (x 2). It is spec'd at 6 watt ouput which is quite high for a domestic recorder.

There is a 2 track and 4 track version, I am not sure which version this one is.

It has treble and bass controls and signal mixing capabilities, also can be used for superimposing and as a straight through amplifier. It looks like the input and output connectors are Jack socket type.

Looks like it still has its original tape spool retaining sponges in the lid which is unusual for a machine of this age.

Its condition looks pretty good apart from the lid. Always a small bonus to have the original Instruction Manual.

More technical details are available in purchaseable download here :-

https://www.service-data.com/section.php/2227/1/major

David

[emeritus]

I have a presently non-working example ( two-track mono) that belonged to my late uncle: unfortunately the rubber pinch roller has got hard and is disintegrating. At the time he bought it, it was I think the most expensive model on the range. The instruction manual helpfully includes a circuit diagram. The mains lead needs one of the small Bulgin 3 pin free sockets, and it uses those unobtainium very short mains fuses contained inside red plastic plugs that are used for mains voltage selection. A very nice machine.

[DMcMahon]

The missing mains lead with mini Bulgin would be no problem for people experienced at working on R2R machines. The mini mains fuses (if blown or missing) would be no problem for experierenced R2R people again to find a solution. The Pinch Roller rubber if hard/damaged could be a little more challenging depending upon type/size etc.

David

[DMcMahon]

P.M. (Private Message) sent.

David

[DMcMahon]

Have previously sent PM reply to the OP's PM reply.

David