Vollmer tape deck - Hi Fi yearbook

[brenellic2000]

Has any got the 'Hi Fi Year Books' for mid-1950s to circa 1961?

I'm after details and photos of the Vollmer tape deck, imported by G G Chitnis and understood to be the Model '120' (120 Maxiphon ?). This appears to be a standard 7" deck - nothing unusual visually - but according to the very rare contemporary reports it had variable speed (like the Reflectograph's), up to 6 head and up to 12" spool capacity.

I suspect the report may have combined details of two different models! What does Hi-Fi Year Book say?

Barry

[Synchrodyne]

There is no mention of Chitnis in HFYB 1957, 1958 or 1959, but it is listed in 1960 and 1961 with failry ordinary-looking domestic models. I haven't gotten to the later years yet. (I have 1957 through 1980, which I think was the last issue, but I'm missing 1956 - just too costly when it comes up on eBay.)

Chitnis is in the Audio Fair Catalogues 1960 and 1961, but not in 1964. The 1961 entry finishes with "further attraction in the demonstration room will be a variable speed Chitnis tape deck (for professional use)." This follows a comment about a new semi-professional model using an English-made deck. Maybe Chitnis used the Reflectograph deck for some of its models?

I'll scan and post when I get a chance and if someone else doesn't beat me to it.

Cheers,

[Synchrodyne]

Here are the scans from the Audio Fair 1961 catalogue.

I also found the 1962 catalogue - no mention of Chitnis therein.

HFYB scans to follow when I can get to them.

Cheers,

[brenellic2000]

Thanks,

These are the German 'Elektron' decks which Gopal Chitnis modified for the UK market. The Vollmer 120 is specifically referred to (Wireless World, I think) but I wonder if the reporter got his wires tangled up re the 12" 6 heads model with another AEG based Vollmer, as there was no such large Reflectograph. Chitnis' devise had a vertical follower variable speed rather than the inclined one used by Reflectograph.

Chitnis came to the UK from India circa 1954/5 and 'worked for the German importers' - but whether for Vollmer, Elektron or possibly TSL in London, I know not. His own Chitnis Electronics collapsed circa 1961 with an aborted Collaro Studio based 'professional model' ... but Frank Underhill (Planet/TRD/Brenell) also worked for Chitnis on a 'professional machine'... and if you squint, have a pint of rough cider and an erotic, psychodelic dream, the Planet does look vaguely like the Vollmer 120 - from a distance.

Could you scan the report of the variable speed deck for me?

Now then, in the 1961 HFYB, is Elektron also listed at Westfaelische Strasse, Berlin?

Barry

[Synchrodyne]

Unfortunately HFYBs of the period don't really help, as they mention neither Vollmer nor Elektron, just Chitnis.

For what it's worth, I have attached the scans from HFYB 1960 and 1961 anyway. I don't think that I have other than one or two WW issues from that period, but I'll look through them.

Cheers,

[brenellic2000]

Thanks,

Personally, I've never found the HFYB to be that helpful - more of hindrance at times! -and certainly not worth the astronomical prices they fetch!

Seeing the 1961 copy again reminds me that I am still trying to discover whose deck Cape Electrophonics used!... Amps , yes, but tape deck? No one seems to have heard of it!

One day!

Barry

[Synchrodyne]

Cape Electrophonics from HFYB.

[brenellic2000]

Thanks again!

I was aware Cape employed a Brenell deck in their system, but I have yet to find proof that the VLTA or B was a Brenell deck by default, or if it was a Brenell specially tuned/modified by them.... or if it was any 3-speed deck of choice (as suggested in the first advert). Note the HFYB Cape entry says: "7-1/2ips, 3-3/4ips, 1-7/8ips model available." The Brenell came as standard with 4 speeds 15 to 1-7/8ips; there wasn't a separate low speed model!

No matter! The 'Cape tape recorder' appears to have disappeared soon after!

Barry