Tape Project Forum

Tape Machines => Tape Tech => Topic started by: steveidosound on April 01, 2012, 08:05:51 PM

Title: miniature reels smaller than 3"
Post by: steveidosound 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...

Title: Re: miniature reels smaller than 3"
Post by: ironbut 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

Title: Re: miniature reels smaller than 3"
Post by: steveidosound on April 02, 2012, 10:04:37 PM

Quote from: ironbut 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

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 !

Title: Re: miniature reels smaller than 3"
Post by: Listens2tubes 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?