Tandberg Model 1

Description

The Model 1 was Tandberg’s first tape recorder and was produced in two versions, Model 1 and Model 1H.

Model 1 had no internal speaker and was available with a choice of either one or two tape speeds.
Model 1H was fitted with an internal speaker (Høyttaler, hence the “H” designation) and two tape speeds. The 1H was fitted with either a plastic or wooden speaker grille (see images, right)

This first offering from Tandberg didn’t feature the ubiquitous joy-stick transport control that was to define all future Tandbergs right up until the early 1970s – that wasn’t to make its appearance until the subsequent Model 2 of 1954. Instead, a large rotary knob served to select the required transport mode.

Both versions of the Model 1 were half-track mono recorders with two heads, a single motor, a seven-inch reel capacity and an audio output of 1.5 watts. Tape speeds were 3¾ and 7½ ips (either speed was available on the Model 1 and both on the 1H)