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Author Topic: miniature reels smaller than 3"  (Read 4715 times)

Offline steveidosound

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miniature reels smaller than 3"
« on: April 01, 2012, 08:05:51 PM »
Does anybody have any idea where I can find reels with or without tape smaller than 3"?
I have a collection of small "pocket" recorders and a couple will not  take even the more or less standard 3" or 3 1/4" or 3 1/2" size.
IIRC there were 2 3/8", 2 1/2", 2 3/4", and possibly some other sizes that were pretty small as well. I'm not even sure if any of the sizes I mentioned were ever really "standard". I think the one recorder uses 2 1/2". They mate with standard turntable spindles but the hubs are small enough I don't think I could "turn down" the outer flange on a 3" and make it work. Perhaps, if it did not have holes very near the edge and a really small inner hub...
Steve Williams

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Offline ironbut

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Re: miniature reels smaller than 3"
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2012, 01:06:12 AM »
Hi Steve,

I'd give some of the places like "Phantoms Reel to Reel Museum" a try. Too bad places like Olsons or Lafayette Electronics aren't still around. They used to carry that sort of thing.
In the meantime, here's a site that has some of those little guys.

http://www.dustygizmos.com/arcpages/arctape.htm

Also, check with D'Antiques,.. I'll post a link that'll drop you right onto their classical tape page with a Leroy Anderson tape right on the top (but if you wind yourself back to their home page, they have all kinds of audio goodies.


http://www.1stintunes.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=199&cat=Classical
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Offline steveidosound

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Re: miniature reels smaller than 3"
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2012, 10:04:37 PM »
Hi Steve,

I'd give some of the places like "Phantoms Reel to Reel Museum" a try. Too bad places like Olsons or Lafayette Electronics aren't still around. They used to carry that sort of thing.
In the meantime, here's a site that has some of those little guys.

http://www.dustygizmos.com/arcpages/arctape.htm

Also, check with D'Antiques,.. I'll post a link that'll drop you right onto their classical tape page with a Leroy Anderson tape right on the top (but if you wind yourself back to their home page, they have all kinds of audio goodies.


http://www.1stintunes.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=199&cat=Classical
Thanks !
Fascinating links I didn't know existed. Didn't see any actual tiny reels available however.
Reels are probably worth more than the little recorders are without them. I seem to remember colored leader tape being packaged on the tiny reels at one point. Perhaps a Radio Shack item from long ago. Yes,  they were available from all the electronics houses in the late 60s- sometime in the 70s.
BTW, I have that Leroy Anderson on vinyl and R2R !
Steve Williams

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Offline Listens2tubes

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Re: miniature reels smaller than 3"
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2012, 07:49:09 AM »
These are spy recorders. Or lecture recorders. Kinda like the mini cassette recorders that came later. Are the mini reel plastic or metal?
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