“Simphonic” model 2B (early 1950s) - Page 2 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Ted Kendall · 3rd Feb 2019, 8:47 pm

Excel did something similar, I think - it was to do with making the duration of a tape match that of a reel of film.

Phil G4SPZ · 3rd Feb 2019, 10:11 pm

Peter, thank you very much for posting that advert. As far as I can tell, that is the exact same model that my friend owns. 1951 as a release date seems to be pretty accurate.

Fast forward winding can be achieved, but only by unthreading the tape from the capstan and letting the (left hand) take-up spool motor run at high speed.

Phil G4SPZ · 4th Feb 2019, 8:49 am

Afterthought - comparing the advert posted by Peter with the one on Terry’s ‘Ferrograph World’ website suggests that the Model 2B was actually released before the Model 1A. The advert for the 1A clearly says that “the well-known Simphonic Model 2B is still available”. The specification also seems to have evolved towards a more modern standard:

2B - single-track, 7.5 and 12 IPS
1A - twin-track, 3.75 and 7.5 IPS

Ted Kendall · 4th Feb 2019, 8:56 am

Angus McKenzie started off with a 1A - his recollection of it was that it hummed like Gorgonzola and reproduced pianos as if they were under water, but that it worked and got him interested.

brenellic2000 · 4th Feb 2019, 11:58 am

Hi Ted,

Frank Thistlewaite redeveloped the 'Excel' as the 'Celsonic' complete with synchroniser especially for film sound-synchronisation.

Phil,

In essence, and in theory, the original 'Simphonic' became the Symphonic 2B when the new, much improved Simphonic 1A with Monomaster W-gate control appeared in autumn 1951. The 1A was rebodied as the SP/1 Portable in 1954 and then re-engineered as the semi-pro SP.2 in 1955... the SP.3 was a recased SP.2.

3rd Feb 2019, 8:47 pm	#21
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,670	Re: “Simphonic” model 2B (early 1950s) Excel did something similar, I think - it was to do with making the duration of a tape match that of a reel of film.

3rd Feb 2019, 10:11 pm	#22
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: “Simphonic” model 2B (early 1950s) Peter, thank you very much for posting that advert. As far as I can tell, that is the exact same model that my friend owns. 1951 as a release date seems to be pretty accurate. Fast forward winding can be achieved, but only by unthreading the tape from the capstan and letting the (left hand) take-up spool motor run at high speed. __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

4th Feb 2019, 8:49 am	#23
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: “Simphonic” model 2B (early 1950s) Afterthought - comparing the advert posted by Peter with the one on Terry’s ‘Ferrograph World’ website suggests that the Model 2B was actually released before the Model 1A. The advert for the 1A clearly says that “the well-known Simphonic Model 2B is still available”. The specification also seems to have evolved towards a more modern standard: 2B - single-track, 7.5 and 12 IPS 1A - twin-track, 3.75 and 7.5 IPS __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts Last edited by Phil G4SPZ; 4th Feb 2019 at 8:53 am. Reason: Clarity

4th Feb 2019, 8:56 am	#24
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,670	Re: “Simphonic” model 2B (early 1950s) Angus McKenzie started off with a 1A - his recollection of it was that it hummed like Gorgonzola and reproduced pianos as if they were under water, but that it worked and got him interested.

4th Feb 2019, 11:58 am	#25
brenellic2000 Octode Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rye, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 1,647	Re: “Simphonic” model 2B (early 1950s) Hi Ted, Frank Thistlewaite redeveloped the 'Excel' as the 'Celsonic' complete with synchroniser especially for film sound-synchronisation. Phil, In essence, and in theory, the original 'Simphonic' became the Symphonic 2B when the new, much improved Simphonic 1A with Monomaster W-gate control appeared in autumn 1951. The 1A was rebodied as the SP/1 Portable in 1954 and then re-engineered as the semi-pro SP.2 in 1955... the SP.3 was a recased SP.2.