My No-So-Screen-Accurate MacReady Tape Recorder from The Thing.

CB2001 · May 25, 2018

Yes, it's the same model and make of the one in the film (including the microphone). The General Electric Model 3-5121 (aka 3-5121A). Before you ask about the microphone, my Dad and I suspect it's a GE microphone (I bought the microphone from a separate auction, which didn't have any info either. After looking up other auctions for other GE tape recorders, Dad found an auction for a GE Silhouette Series 7 tape recorder that has the same microphone, which is why we suspect it might be a GE microphone that may have been in the prop department, as the 3-5121 has a built-in microphone).

The reason why I list is as not-so-screen-accurate is the fact the cassette door has the General Electric logo, which it appears to be scratched off in the film. Since this is also an antique, I do not plan on scratching off the logo to match it completely match. And yes, it still works.

https://youtu.be/t-2fTzhDxO0

The original scene for comparison:
https://youtu.be/ZH7hyzPIbp0

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Yaan · May 26, 2018

Pretty cool. Did you find it or is it an old piece from your dad?

CB2001 · May 26, 2018

Yaan said:
Pretty cool. Did you find it or is it an old piece from your dad?

I found the tape recorder and the microphone separately via eBay. As soon as it came in, my Dad and I opened it up to make sure the mechanics inside still worked or if we needed to replace the belt inside (the belt was still good). Of course, when I mentioned the microphone, my Dad decided to see if he could find out about it's manufacturer (that's when he found the auction for the other GE tape recorder I mentioned which had the same microphone). I figured out what the model was a while back and posted the information on it here on the forums, it was just recently I decided to get the recorder. Finding the matching microphone was just luck. [emoji4]

My Dad, however, has helped me out on two past Thing related items (a flamethrower prop and MacReady costume, both of them no-so-screen accurate as well). He and I are both fans of Carpenter's film, so having him him help out to make sure the recorder was in working order was rather fitting, as he also grew up as a teenager repairing tech like that.

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dropshipbob · May 29, 2018

I have the cassette recorder, now I just need the microphone!

CB2001 · May 29, 2018

dropshipbob said:
I have the cassette recorder, now I just need the microphone!

Above, I mentioned an auction on eBay that my Dad found. GE Siholette Series 7 I believe I mentioned. It’s possibly a GE microphone.

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dropshipbob · May 30, 2018

Yeah, I saw that auction, but I don't want to pay $40 some dollars for a tape recorder when all I want is that one part.

And with the way things go, if I were to buy it, I won't be able to turn around and sell the tape recorder itself to make the money back.

CB2001 · May 30, 2018

dropshipbob said:
Yeah, I saw that auction, but I don't want to pay $40 some dollars for a tape recorder when all I want is that one part. [emoji20] And with the way things go, if I were to buy it, I won't be able to turn around and sell the tape recorder itself to make the money back.

Well, like I said, my Dad and I think it's a GE brand microphone, but it's hard to be sure (because other GE microphones I've seen have the GE brand on it where the on/off switch on the microphone). But, even now, I'm not even sure if it is a GE brand microphone. But, keep searching eBay (the listing I found mine under was just listed as a vintage tape recorder microphone, with no mention of GE).

ADDITIONAL EDIT: I did find an auction for about six vintage reel-to-reel tape recorder microphone auction that has one. However, they're asking $49 for the lot of six. So, I recommend just keep looking and readjust your search to include other possible terms like the reel-to-reel microphone. Might be able to get lucky.

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dropshipbob · May 30, 2018

The one you have looks like a match to me! But I will keep looking.

CB2001 · May 30, 2018

dropshipbob said:
The one you have looks like a match to me! But I will keep looking.

Yeah, the one I have is a match. It was when I rewatched the scene did I notice the black top above the silver trim. But I paid attention to the shape of the top of the microphone to know it for sure,

But, like I said, try various search terms outside of "tape recorder microphone", like "real to reel microphone". You may get lucky.

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SSgt Burton · Feb 20, 2023

Hey everyone (sorry for the necropost) I came across this thread as I've been putting my own MacReady costume/collection together over the last few months. I found this mic via ebay that I think is a close match. Unfortunately I had to buy a whole package of a vintage portable cassette player, tapes, AC plug etc and paid through the nose for it.

BUT- the brand is Sharp and the model is RD-428UA. So it's possible a Sharp brand mic in the film.

PS- The GE tape recorder is on the way too (but is stuck in transit limbo right now). I could only score the 5121-B model which has some minor differences (3rd pic).

Hope this helps.

CB2001 · Feb 21, 2023

SSgt Burton said:
Hey everyone (sorry for the necropost) I came across this thread as I've been putting my own MacReady costume/collection together over the last few months. I found this mic via ebay that I think is a close match. Unfortunately I had to buy a whole package of a vintage portable cassette player, tapes, AC plug etc and paid through the nose for it.

BUT- the brand is Sharp and the model is RD-428UA. So it's possible a Sharp brand mic in the film.

PS- The GE tape recorder is on the way too (but is stuck in transit limbo right now). I could only score the 5121-B model which has some minor differences (3rd pic).

Hope this helps.

Good for you on the tape recorder. Some minor differences, but close enough.

As for the microphone, that's interesting. I mean, my Dad and I did consider the possibility that it might be another brand, but unsure as to what.

dropshipbob · Mar 14, 2023

SSgt Burton, good to "see" you again!!! Thanks for the info on the mic, it certainly looks like the screen used version.

My No-So-Screen-Accurate MacReady Tape Recorder from The Thing.

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