Stella tape recorder ident. ?? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

John_BS · 13th May 2011, 4:55 pm

In 1963 my "star" Christmas present was a Stella-branded Philips tape recorder. It had piano-key controls, 1 7/8 + 3 3/4 ips speeds, and a circa 6" speaker mounted on the top behind a grey moulded plastic grill (but sloping forward a few degrees) It was, I think, a valve-transistor hybrid design. I think the entire machine was in two-tone grey.

I've not been able to find anything similar when trawling through R&TV Servicing books of the 60's. Does anyone recognise this description? I sold it in 1967 when I upgraded to a Sony tape-deck.

John

Leon Crampin · 13th May 2011, 5:07 pm

ST458?

Leon.

mickjjo · 13th May 2011, 5:29 pm

Check out the pictures towards the bottom of this page:-

http://www.bandrecorder.be/submerken.html

The Stella ST458 / Philips CR1607 is similar to the Philips/Cossor CR1604 and Hornyphon 4210T.

Regards, Mick.

Andrewausfa · 13th May 2011, 5:32 pm

John,

I was just, this very second, preparing to go up in the loft when I clicked on your post. I was going to retrieve a two-tone grey Stella reel-to-reel that I bought 25 years ago and had forgot was up there until a couple of weeks ago.

I'll see what model it is.

Andrew

John_BS · 13th May 2011, 5:44 pm

Well, many thanks guys: that was quick! yes it's the 458. Brings a little tear to me eye! It was a solid & reliable machine.

Sadly, I probably never got he best from either tape machine 'cause it was prior to me understanding bias adjustment etc.

John

Andrewausfa · 13th May 2011, 5:57 pm

Crumbs how weird is this. Just back down from the loft and it's a ST458. It was in use until 1992-ish when we moved here. You're quite welcome to it John.

Andrew

Bumblebee · 13th May 2011, 6:56 pm

I have one of these, Nice tape recorder. Owned it since 1992.

John_BS · 13th May 2011, 7:17 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrewausfa

Crumbs how weird is this. Just back down from the loft and it's a ST458. It was in use until 1992-ish when we moved here. You're quite welcome to it John.

Andrew

That's very kind of you Andrew. I wasn't specifically on the scrounge: just wanted to find the model for nostalgia's sake.... I'll PM you.

John

John_BS · 16th May 2011, 3:17 pm

Thanks to everyone for their help with this: the thread can now be closed.

John

13th May 2011, 4:55 pm	#1
John_BS Octode Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wincanton, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,785	Stella tape recorder ident. ?? In 1963 my "star" Christmas present was a Stella-branded Philips tape recorder. It had piano-key controls, 1 7/8 + 3 3/4 ips speeds, and a circa 6" speaker mounted on the top behind a grey moulded plastic grill (but sloping forward a few degrees) It was, I think, a valve-transistor hybrid design. I think the entire machine was in two-tone grey. I've not been able to find anything similar when trawling through R&TV Servicing books of the 60's. Does anyone recognise this description? I sold it in 1967 when I upgraded to a Sony tape-deck. John

13th May 2011, 5:07 pm	#2
Leon Crampin Octode Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Surrey, UK. Posts: 1,874	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? ST458? Leon.

13th May 2011, 5:29 pm	#3
mickjjo Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dartford, Kent, UK. Posts: 1,661	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? Check out the pictures towards the bottom of this page:- http://www.bandrecorder.be/submerken.html The Stella ST458 / Philips CR1607 is similar to the Philips/Cossor CR1604 and Hornyphon 4210T. Regards, Mick.

13th May 2011, 5:32 pm	#4
Andrewausfa Octode Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,180	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? John, I was just, this very second, preparing to go up in the loft when I clicked on your post. I was going to retrieve a two-tone grey Stella reel-to-reel that I bought 25 years ago and had forgot was up there until a couple of weeks ago. I'll see what model it is. Andrew __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life. Or they should do. BVWS Member

13th May 2011, 5:44 pm	#5
John_BS Octode Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wincanton, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,785	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? Well, many thanks guys: that was quick! yes it's the 458. Brings a little tear to me eye! It was a solid & reliable machine. Sadly, I probably never got he best from either tape machine 'cause it was prior to me understanding bias adjustment etc. John

13th May 2011, 5:57 pm	#6
Andrewausfa Octode Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: St Ives, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 1,180	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? Crumbs how weird is this. Just back down from the loft and it's a ST458. It was in use until 1992-ish when we moved here. You're quite welcome to it John. Andrew Attached Thumbnails __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life. Or they should do. BVWS Member

13th May 2011, 6:56 pm	#7
Bumblebee Pentode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wolverley, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 102	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? I have one of these, Nice tape recorder. Owned it since 1992.

16th May 2011, 3:17 pm	#9
John_BS Octode Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wincanton, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,785	Re: Stella tape recorder ident. ?? Thanks to everyone for their help with this: the thread can now be closed. John