I picked this up from a pawn shop today.
Thanks Chris for helping me out.
It's not a Nagra, but it was only $20 AUD, so couldn't resist.
The National RQ-501S is a vintage reel-to-reel tape recorder that was manufactured by the Japanese company Panasonic under the National brand. It was produced in the 1960s (I think 1967) and was one of the first portable reel-to-reel tape recorders that featured a built-in amplifier and speaker.
The RQ-501S has a sleek and compact design, and looks durable... considering it's age.
It measures approximately 12 inches wide, 9 inches tall, and 6 inches deep, and weighs about 10 pounds.
This tape recorder features a two-speed motor, which allows for recording and playback at both 3.75 and 7.5 inches per second. It also has a built-in dynamic microphone, and an external microphone jack for recording from an external source.
The speaker out accepts a 3.5mm jack.
mono playback only
In addition, the RQ-501S has a built-in amplifier and a small speaker, making it possible to play back recordings without needing an external speaker.
Other features of the RQ-501S include a built-in VU meter, a tone control for adjusting the treble and bass frequencies, and a recording level control.
It runs on AC power or batteries, making it easy to use on the go.
Sadly, this one has lost its battery cover.
The National RQ-501S was well-regarded for its reliability and durability, and was popular among amateur musicians, journalists, and other people who needed a portable and easy-to-use tape recorder for recording interviews, speeches, and music.
A bit about the history of Japanese tape recorders.
Japanese portable reel-to-reel tape recorders of the 1960s were popular among audio enthusiasts and musicians who needed a portable recording device. Some of the well-known brands were Sony, Akai, and TEAC.
These portable tape recorders were typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and use in a variety of settings. They were powered by batteries or AC power, and could record and playback audio on small reels of magnetic tape.
Many of these tape recorders featured high-quality components, such as precision tape heads and powerful amplifiers, that allowed for excellent sound quality. Some models also included built-in microphones, mixing capabilities, and other advanced features.
One of the most popular and influential tape recorders of the era was the Sony TC-50, which was introduced in 1962. This portable recorder was a game-changer for musicians and audio professionals, as it was the first tape recorder to use a three-head system that allowed for immediate playback of recorded audio.
Overall, Japanese portable reel-to-reel tape recorders of the 1960s were important in the development of audio recording technology, and helped to popularize portable recording among musicians and audio enthusiasts.
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