Can anyone I.D. this tape player, circa 1981 or so?
It's from "The Thing".
It's from "The Thing".
The Thing tape recorder/player I.D.
- Thread starter dropshipbob
- Start date
Anyone?
Could someone maybe offer a higher res screen cap?
Could someone maybe offer a higher res screen cap?
ob1al
Sr Member
Had a google for you but came up blank.
It's (obviously) a tape recorder with an external mic hooked up to it. The branding seems to have been sanded off or hidden. It does have quite a few distinct features though, particularly the black oblong section cutting into the speaker grill.
It's (obviously) a tape recorder with an external mic hooked up to it. The branding seems to have been sanded off or hidden. It does have quite a few distinct features though, particularly the black oblong section cutting into the speaker grill.
Chloe
Member
I have seen some Panasonic and Philips models with similar lines. This site might be worth a look:
http://www.vintagecassette.com/
http://www.vintagecassette.com/
Yes, I too thought it looked like some sort of metalized tape was stuck over the area next to the built in mic.
Chloe, thank you for that link!
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Chloe, I agree, I think it's of Panasonic manufature as well. I looked at that site but didn't see it there.
CB2001
Master Member
I know this post is a couple of years old, but I found the model and make of the tape recorder Mac uses (or at least I think it is). It's not a Panasonic or a Philips, as I've looked at images for comparing. I think its a General Electric Model 3-5121B. I found this picture and it seems to match the one in the film (with only two exceptions: the cover appears to have the metal covering displaying the recorder's manufacture is removed (and the metal scrip next to the mic appears to be normal in fact) and the text on the strip indicating where the play button is a black box with white text (similar to the area where it indicates the record button). Check and see.
Picture from the film.
The General Electric Model 3-5121B
I was looking at it because I think I found a thrift store that may have one and was looking for reference photos to take with me when I go back up to check.
Picture from the film.
The General Electric Model 3-5121B
I was looking at it because I think I found a thrift store that may have one and was looking for reference photos to take with me when I go back up to check.
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Excellent find!
Any clue on the microphone to duplicate the whole set-up?
Any clue on the microphone to duplicate the whole set-up?
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CB2001
Master Member
Thanks.
But when it comes to the microphone, it's much harder to say for certain because there's not much of a clear shot for a potential reference. I'm assuming it would be manufactured by GE as well, but the problem is that there were many companies that made microphones independent of the manufactures for the tape recorders (to be precise, replacement microphones in case the manufactured ones get broken or lost). I've come across some of them that have similar shape, but the color is different. So, its kinda hard to know for certain if its one from the original manufacturer or a replacement.
But don't take my word on that. Like I said, it's hard to say with what we see of it and so far, I haven't had as much luck in identifying the microphone by picture like I did with the cassette recorder.
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Grey
Sr Member
Here's a larger screencap, I think CB2001 is close but it could be a different model, the text that says 'AUTOMATIC STOP' at the top of the cassette lid is clearly white text on black plastic, whereas the recorder posted has black text on silver metal.
Attachments
![The.Thing.1982.BluRay[18-12-03].JPG](https://therpf-f28a.kxcdn.com/forums/data/attachments/73/73353-376b3a1c8008d8c9ccc134382053dd9b.jpg){kind=small}
This page is interesting-
THING-FEST Contaminates ?Days of the Dead!? |
The tape recorder is wrong but the microphone looks close.
THING-FEST Contaminates ?Days of the Dead!? |
The tape recorder is wrong but the microphone looks close.
CB2001
Master Member
I'm afraid the microphone is also incorrect. The silver portion goes down further than it does in this here (which is only near the top portion), in addition to the shape of the top of the microphone itself.
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Yeah, I should have updated this thread as I did pick up what I think is an accurate tape player/recorder, but I didn't think there was any interest. I too, would like a microphone to go with mine. I also have plans to isolate the audio when Mac is speaking into the recorder and transfer it to an old audio tape and have it sitting in the recorder. Hit "play" and viola. 
I'd love to do the same thing. Would be super cool to have just laying on a shelf nonchalantly.
Please update the thread if you get any further.
Please update the thread if you get any further.
CB2001
Master Member
Now ID the one from Escape From NY.
For that one, so far, I suspect is a Panasonic. Can't really tell for sure, but like I said, I suspect that it is a Panasonic.
It looks like a westinghouse microphone a bit (from the picture above):
What I'm sure about, it's a dynamic microphone
What I'm sure about, it's a dynamic microphone
Could be this one too; but not sure for the shape ^^
CB2001
Master Member
New update: I found an eBay seller selling the same type of model/make recorder as seen in the film (the auction still has a few hours left on it before it closes). The model ID number that's on the paperwork that comes with the unit is Model 3-5121, no letters following that.
Comparing it to the screenshot, it is 100% a match, including the white writing on black plastic. So, now, we've got a confirmation on the model of the tape recorder for sure. But if you're unable to find the exact one, you can always settle for a Model 3-5121B (the one I found and mentioned earlier, with the silver banner around the cassette door).
Comparing it to the screenshot, it is 100% a match, including the white writing on black plastic. So, now, we've got a confirmation on the model of the tape recorder for sure. But if you're unable to find the exact one, you can always settle for a Model 3-5121B (the one I found and mentioned earlier, with the silver banner around the cassette door).
It looks like a westinghouse microphone a bit (from the picture above):
What I'm sure about, it's a dynamic microphone
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNTk5/z/IyEAAMXQzr1R0tUu/$(KGrHqRHJ!4FHJEnK,nZBR0tUu(JqQ~~60_57.JPG
This one looks more correct than the other.
