The Gay Tape Recorder Challenge - Recordio R-603-A Vintage R2R

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Can a tape recorder be gay? YES it can – IF it was made by the Wilcox-Gay corporation under the Recordio brand!

Ok, the title is a pun, but the tape recorder is real and very unusual in design and construction. In this video we explore the vintage Recordio R-603-A reel to reel 2-track mono tape recorder that was probably made in the early 1960s, and may have been designed even earlier!

Although it is branded as RECORDIO, it was probably made by the Wilcox-Gay Corporation - the Recordio division. Wilcox-Gay pioneered the Recordio concept (a special record cutting machine) and branded it “Recordio” (probably a contraction of the words: recording and studio) to stand out in the audio market. When tape recorders became popular, Wilcox-Gay advanced into making unique and quality tape recorders, spinning off the Recordio division and brand.

I purchased this rare vintage Recordio tape recorder from E-Bay and the seller admitted that it was not working properly. The main filter capacitor (a paper multi-section electrolytic unit) had failed - causing AC hum to enter the 3-tube amplifier system. It may have damaged the recoprd bias coil, causing a permanent recording failure.

This very interesting vintage R2R tape recorder features: 1 speed (3-3/4 ips), two track (half-track) operation, takes up to 5-inch reels, has a 3-tube amplifier and 4-inch speaker. It also acts as a PA system and could be used as an amplifier for special phonographs and radio tuners that the company made for it.

This vintage tape recorder was obviously used a lot and the head shows serious signs of tape wear - in fact, there was recording tape caught up inside the mechanism.

I was able to repair this machine only to the point of playback. Although the electronic components test as OK, the recording function is scratchy and distorted.

To demonstrate the excellent transport mechanism and that this machine was designed for music as well as voice tape recording, I have it play a selection of the song: “Losing My Head Over You” by fellow YouTuber: Craig Farraway. Used with his permission!

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COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:

This is an educational video, a critique, and report on an historic piece of vintage audio electronic equipment that is no longer manufactured or sold in stores. It is covered by the Fair Use Section of U.S. Copyright Law:

"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

The song: “Losing My Head Over You” was composed and performed by Craig Farraway and is used with his permission. Visit Craig at:    / craigtube