On going research
I would still welcome contact with former Brenell, Soundcraft Magnetics, Truvox,
Thermionic Products and indeed any other British tape-recorder company's staff and those with specialist knowledge
of these companies and their products in broadcasting, Ministry of Defence and industry.
I am also keen to learn more of Brenell's early days as general engineers; of their telephone answering machine;
of Frank Underhill and his Planet and TRD connection. In addition I am particularly keen to beg/steal/borrow/buy Brenell,
Soundcraft Magnetics, Truvox and Thermionic Products' literature and documents to further my research into these
companies and their products.
Please contact me on: bjrustic@aol.com
BOOKS
"Brenell - True to Life Performance"
The history of tape recorder development at home and abroad with an exhaustive history of Brenell and Soundcraft
Magnetics and intimate photographs of (almost!) every prototype and production model. A foreword by Alex Nicholas, who
bought Brenell and co-founded Soundcraft Magnetics, adds a unique authority to this major work.
150 pages of history and 200+ B&W illustrations. A4 soft-back £ 15.00 +
£3.00 p&p UK (Air mail please ask)
A
Guide to British Tape Recorders (4th edition)
The
most comprehensive guide to the British tape recorder industry with an A-Z of over 100 companies and their models.
370+ pages, A4 softback, 300+ B&W illustrations.
£ 30 + £5 p&p UK (Air mail please ask)
A Truvox Product (3rd edition)
The history of Truvox, Thermionic Products, Racal Recorders and others in Dan Prenn
electronics and communications group.
160 pages, 200+ B&W
illustrations, A4 softback
£15.00
+ £3.00 p&p UK
Modern
instrumentation tape recording - 3rd edition (1986)
Written
by a Thorn-EMI senior engineer, this engineering handbook covers non-audio instrumentation and data recorders with a bias
to EMI-SE Labs models. Highly recommended. NEW (but old stock). £ 5 + £1.50 p&p)
Brenell specifications, circuit diagrams and service
notes (2011)
This is about as complete a set
of data on Brenell recorders that I personally have, covering all models for the Sound Master to the Mk.6 and Type 19
in detail, plus the pre-amps. The IC-2000, Mk.7 etc never had a full set issued, while the Mini-8 is 99% complete - as
some are too large to scan.
These are mainly scanned from Brenell documents - I have used the 'best available
copy'; the factory service notes were typed and duplicated. These have been retyped to be made legible.
NOTE!
I am not an audio engineer so these are 'offered in good faith at your risk'. If in doubt, ask a qualified service
engineer.
90 pages A4 £15.00 + £2.00 p&p UK - overseas, please ask.
Payment details
Postal order or cheque in Pounds Sterling made payable to Barry M Jones
Barry M Jones, Unit 2, Rustic Crafts Workshop, Bixley Lane, Beckley, RYE, East
Sussex, TN31 6TH
SALES & WANTS
This is a free service for private sales and wants by tape recorder enthusiasts. I will take no part in the transactions
- so buyer beware! I reserve the right to refuse any advertisement and will not accept those from traders.
FOR SALE
BRENELL STB2 - standard 1/2 track - contact Douglas on douglas@mindseye3d.com (posted 29/11/2012)
MSS portable
case for MSS PMR/FR tape decks - rare. In need of TLC! Free!!!
BAIRD Soundmaster - early Baird
version in gun-metal/bronze (see front page) for spares or repairs (this has not worked since I've had it!). £25
BAIRD Soundmaster De Luxe - late Baird version in cream livery. Excellent cosmetic condition .. was working
but recently went 'phutt'. Repairable. £30. e-mail me for photo.
These three are strictly BUYER COLLECTS
- I need the space
Contact me direct on bjrustic@aol.com
WANTED:
MINI-8 - Contact Jason on jaytee1010@hotmail.com (Nov.2011)
I am after the following:
Circuit diagrams for IC-2000, Mk. 7S
Brenell Mini-8 remote control unit
Planet U1 tape recorder
Epsylon tape deck
Truvox R7
Details
and information on the Brenell based 'Cadey' tape decks
I
am always interested in interesting Brenells and the special application Mk.5 and Type 19 models.
Wood and alloy cover for an Armstrong 127 tuner amp and an Armstrong M5 Stereo
decoder for same.
"Studio Sound" magazines 1970s-1980s
for ongoing research.
"Wireless World" magazines
- certain issues 1950s/60s - please ask!
Please contact me on
bjrustic@aol.com
Magnetic tape
As you all probably know, Quantegy analogue magnetic tape has been discontinued; the last production
run was by Quantegy (former Ampex/3M) in the USA in the spring of 2007. It is unlikely production will resume unless
there is a proven demand by us all buying new tape - so get buying! US dealers Reel Deal Pro Audio have
bought the remaining stock, but good stocks are still available in the UK from StudioSpares, Canford, Stanley Productions
and SVS Media.
RMGI, the former Philips plant has now begun production of the former EMTEC (BASF-Agfa)
LPR35, SM and PER tapes from www.protape.co.uk.
Zonal Media in Surrey have a wide range of Zonal stock and leader tape via their www.Tapeshack.co.uk website or through Canford.
For
master recording, you should still use virgin standard play tape of under 5 years of age. Please note that for older
tape decks with tape head pressure pads you use must use glossy backed tape - NOT matt back-coated tapes! For run of
the mill recording BASF LP35LH is still to my mind the best alrounder and good old stock is still to be found on e-Bay.
LINKS
I can recommend the following links:
The "Get Reel" site is a cornucopia of tape recorder makes and
models. I must also point out that the "Audiotools" site is a cornucopia of vintage hi-fi manufacturers with
links to specialist sites.
Colin Braddock has an incredible knowledge
of, and experience in, the service and repairs of all good tape recorders, at his workshop in Blackpool.
Terry Martini's superb history of Wright & Weaire and Ferrograph,
Built like a battleship is now available from his website. Please note George West's site has now closed.
For those who share a passion for Armstrong tuner/amplifiers, there is
a superb site on Armstrong Audio at audiomisc.co.uk/Armstrong/armstrong.html
