Wollensak Reel to Reel Tape Recorders

Company Description

Wollensak produced reel to reel tape recorders from 1964 to 1973 which were manufactured in USA. These tape recorders targeted the consumer market. The early models of Wollensak tape recorders used tube electronics and later on they transitioned to solid-state tape recorders. The company produced both 2 and 4 track machines available in 110-120v voltages.

1899– Wollensak was founded Andrew Wollensak in St. Paul, Minnesota. Andrew Wollensak was first employed as a machinist by Bausch and Lomb in 1882, and helped Edward Bausch with the design of the Iris Diaphragm shutter
1950’s– The company was bought by the Revere Camera Company
1960– Wollensak was acquired by 3M, eventually becoming the Mincom Division
1964– Releases the T-1980 Sound Room model. It was larger but nearly identical to the T-1580
1967– The 5000 Series was developed for the consumer market. It was designed to be more competitive, and could hung on a wall or used on a surface
1969– Production of the last R-R, the 6000 series,  which had 2 motors and a 70 watt amp

Wollensak Reel to Reel Tape Recorder ModelsSubmit New Model

General Information

Manufacturer: Wollensak

Years in Business: 1899 To 1972

Country: USA

Years making R-R Tape Recorders: 1956 To 1972

Wollensak Reel – Reel Models & Release Dates

1956 – T-1500 – First Revere-based design  10 years with various cosmetic changes/refinements.

1958 – 1965 – T-1500AV – Industrial version of 1500

1958 – T-1515 – The 1st stereo deck

1959 – T-1515-4  Revision  of the T-1515

1960 – 1962 –  T-1520 12 Volt car model.

1962 – T-1570 – Mono version of T-1580

1962 -1966 – T-1580 – First Stereo recorder

1962 – 1967 – T-1500SS – Solid state version of 1500

1969 –   T-1520AV – The updated (final) AV model. Adds Auto Level Recording (ALR)

Sources  1 – 2