BK-401 (Soundmirror) 1947

The Soundmirror was the first tape recorder to be sold in the domestic market, the recorder used an unusual paper tape instead of the common plastic tape. This machine differs from most machines in the way that it has no pinch roller, the tape is drawn though the tape path relying on friction between the cork capstan and the paper tape, normal tape does not play very well on a machine like this. The recorder was a little bit unusual to operate, in the photos you see the machine laced to play a tape, to rewind a tape you must remove the tape from the head path and lace it around the upper tape sensor, the recorder would not rewind without doing this as the friction on the capstan and tape is too high.

Click SSB button to see Spec Sheet Backdrop