Thorn/Ferguson 7" open reel tape recorders - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

dazzlevision · 7th Sep 2005, 8:19 pm

Hello all,

These machines - the 7", three speed, 4 track mono (or stereo) sets, with the six "piano" tape transport keys on the front right-hand side, seem to be very popular (on Ebay, at least) and command a good price. One good thing perhaps, is they don't have any belts - apart from the tape counter, which is easily replaced! Thorn's subsequent (and last) series open reel decks had a quite a few belts in them and were obviously "cost reduced" designs - not so good!

I remember seeing this Thorn tape deck in an "Aveley-Cybervox" language laboratory decks in my secondary school (many years ago!). So they must have been quite robust & reliable?

What do you think of the all-transistor stereo version? I'm thinking of acquiring one for my ancient pre-recorded stereo tapes and test card music.

Dazzlevision

Andrew_Keith · 17th Sep 2005, 1:13 am

Hi Dazzlevision, Re your question bear in mind that even though these models may not have belts, they will however have various rubber idlers, clutch assemblys, and of course a pinch roller which can be just as prone to deteriorate as belt sets, and may in some cases be hard to obtain replacements. I think your best bet before laying out money on a machine is to try if you can to fully check it over and if possible give it an internal inspection. This may well be possible if you are buying from a shop but not so if you are buying from a seller on ebay. In that case you will just have to take a chance

. Hope this helps and good luck

Regards.

7th Sep 2005, 8:19 pm	#1
dazzlevision Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Near Swindon, North Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 4,023	Thorn/Ferguson 7" open reel tape recorders Hello all, These machines - the 7", three speed, 4 track mono (or stereo) sets, with the six "piano" tape transport keys on the front right-hand side, seem to be very popular (on Ebay, at least) and command a good price. One good thing perhaps, is they don't have any belts - apart from the tape counter, which is easily replaced! Thorn's subsequent (and last) series open reel decks had a quite a few belts in them and were obviously "cost reduced" designs - not so good! I remember seeing this Thorn tape deck in an "Aveley-Cybervox" language laboratory decks in my secondary school (many years ago!). So they must have been quite robust & reliable? What do you think of the all-transistor stereo version? I'm thinking of acquiring one for my ancient pre-recorded stereo tapes and test card music. Dazzlevision

17th Sep 2005, 1:13 am	#2
Andrew_Keith Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Salford, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 150	Re: Thorn/Ferguson 7" open reel tape recorders Hi Dazzlevision, Re your question bear in mind that even though these models may not have belts, they will however have various rubber idlers, clutch assemblys, and of course a pinch roller which can be just as prone to deteriorate as belt sets, and may in some cases be hard to obtain replacements. I think your best bet before laying out money on a machine is to try if you can to fully check it over and if possible give it an internal inspection. This may well be possible if you are buying from a shop but not so if you are buying from a seller on ebay. In that case you will just have to take a chance . Hope this helps and good luck Regards.