1962 Wollensak T-1515-4 reel-to-reel tape recorder

[@ZenithClarity]

Hard to believe 2010 when this was put on youtube was a DECADE ago! In 2020 i am still envious that you got this GREAT unit for FREEEEEEEEEEE!

[@SDsailor7]

I am giving the one I got for free.

[@tsrorst2792]

I got one of these for free too! It's got all the gadgets and everything, though mine was in use. It's got some chipped paint, some rust on the vent, but other than that it's pristine! I am very envious of that receipt though. Wow, what a great piece of history that is.

[@EricLDC]

These things this model anyway is sturdy as hell. Got mine off Craigslist for 30.00 guy had it in attic since be was a kid he's 50 now. It works fine and I didn't have to replace the belt or tubes even Bought the belts just in case anyway. Cool video thanks Had manual and the studio mic which is probably rare as heck Compared to it's normal mic.

[@DanielGross-jk4eq]

My Friend you got a Gold Standard in tape recorders! If all is ok with that machine your set with this set up! GOOD FOR YOU MAN!

[@RainJetSprinklers]

That thing is the epitome of styling. Wonderful sound and looks!

[@leukostad1592]

Thanks for showing this nice recorder!

[@AllAmericanFiveRadio]

Wow, what a nice find. It is going to great that being able to play your grandfathers tapes again.

[@tomrybak3074]

I collected a few of the T1500 mono models that I modified to use as a low watt guitar amp. You can use it as is to run a guitar or mic through but I removed much of the tape recording parts to simplify and reduce weight. They can put out some nice tube distortion when turned up. I wouldn’t modify this little gem though. It’s too nice, practically brand new, what a museum piece.

[@artmanjohn2]

Just got me a 1958 Wollensak T-1515 Stereo Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder from the local Goodwill Store for a whole Seven Bucks. Looks the same as yours but doesn't say 3M on the back, probably before 3m got involved. No box, but has all chords, mike and all parts. It literally looks brand new, mint condition. Very pleased!!

[@farmerinchico]

I enjoyed watching this video. My father used to listen to a lot of music on those reel to reel machines. Thanks for posting!

[@phill903]

Nice find especially with all the tapes you have of your grand dad's to listen too... You can't beat a freebie !!

[@radiorobertakaandy5982]

You did very well with that.i have 3 tape recorders myself.

[@WillWatchAnything]

I have this exact model I picked up a thrift store about a year ago. Other than the tape counter not working it works beautifully. Using the CPI inflation calculator, $162.89 in 1962 equals $1,227.95 in 2012.

[@Musicradio77Network]

This is indeed the "Saving Mr. Banks" reel-to-reel tape recorder, because it was inspired by the movie about PL Travelers and "Mary Poppins". I saw this movie a few months ago, but I want to download this movie this weekend.

[@DandyDon1]

If you have not done so already, rebuild the power supply section as my T1515's filter caps bit the dust a few months ago. Also these were built with one side of the AC connected to the chassis through a resistor or a capacitor. 50/50 chance of getting a AC tingle. FF is glazed idler wheel, so is the 7.5ips. Get the SVC manual it's worth the investment. Recording selector switch is faulty/dirty or the head driver section is weak. Test the tubes... Clean the switches with Caig DeOxit. Follow

[@ramishrambarran3998]

This is another quality product from The Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company. " We're like salt !" Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.

[@sneakerset]

Yes. I remember having a Wollensak. My Dad had just moved up to an Ampex deck...so I inherited the Woolly. Splicing audio tapes was kinda fun. Does anyone remember the drop-outs that would occur over a quickie splice(scissors and scotch tape) ?

[@mikegross6107]

Two no no's; use a sharp razor blade and splicing tape (if you are still splicing tapes).

[@FloppydriveMaestro]

wow cant complain for free thats in excelent condition for a 48 year old machine its probably worth a fortune

[@jahaziel2912]

I'm a newbie in radio and everything is done digitally... I wonder what it was like to work with these in a studio and what it was like to produce commercials with reel-to-reel machines!

[@GatheringSticks]

$125 bucks in 1962 was a lot of money. That machine is beautiful. Retrochad could probably tell you how to fix it

[@mznxb9872]

Wow! In the original box with the manual...and stereo too! What a find! Anyone recognize that music? From the movie, 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest', when it's "medication time" LOL. That's what all the schools had when I was growing up, for foreign language and various other classes. A very high quality deck. It will sound even better hooked up to an external amp.

[@pcallas66]

The low faint recording issue may be bad capacitors in the record amp section if it's not dirty heads. The other issues may be some clutch that may be hung or as you suggested may be a bad belt or two somewhere. You have a great machine there.

[@radiotubes]

Interesting I have thee same model.And have the same hobbies. Small engines and electronics. Just took mine out of the basement ,Havent played mine since before i moved about 14yrs ago. lol .My grandfather sang to Eddy Arnold on cassettes,Hope i get them one day? lol

[@clubcar98]

Id say its a score for free! Can't beat it, especially with the manuals and the purchase receipt.

[@thriftstoreshivers]

I have had one of these for 7 years and record on it regularly. Take off the top cover to manually select 7 1/2.

[@paulfo2822]

My family had one of those they work great

[@krissilva5335]

Would you consider photographing or scanning the manual? I also found one (well, actually two) and it would really help out. Thanks for the video!

[@fordfanatic100]

I've got an old sony reel-to-reel that I've been thinking about selling for a few years but never knew what it was worth.

[@CorgiConnect]

That's a nice find even if it were not for free, with the original manuals and all. Search for videos from CassetteMaster. He had done a video of one of these with the outer covers removed so you can see how it works mechanically. That video may answer some of you're questions on why the fast forward and speed change do not work. Thanks for sharing!!

[@sunbeam8866]

The 'Stereo' version simply allowed playback of four-track stereo tapes, through an external amp for the extra channel. By the early '70s, these were transistorized, the 'Stereo' version had been discontinued, some of the parts, like the lid, had switched to green plastic, and the list price was near $300! By then, you could buy a modern portable Sony, with less weight, more compact and more features, for under $200.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

Did you know that the tube chassis (b&w machines) and solid state chassis (olive green machines) are direct replacements for each other including identical connectors and screw holes. I've put tube chassis in solid state machines and solid state chassis in tube machines. 😊

[@kbs1212]

I found this same one in the basement of this old 1940's house I'm staying in, except it doesn't have the words STEREO on it, just like the one you said your grandfather had I think. Anyways I had no idea how to use it so this video really helped. Unfortunately I didn't find an owner's manual. Now I just need to find me some reel-to-reels ... PS: You kind of sound like Jerry Seinfeld. Awesome.

[@dancraver3815]

Just got the same unit got it working would like to find a place to get it serviced like lined cleaned new rubber I seen that my motor pulley has it's knurrels worn off

[@drh4683]

If you still have this unit, I'd be curious as to what city the unit was made. I know the Revere-Wollensak division was based in Chicago, but I could never determine if the tape recorders were actually built in Chicago too. Since you have the original box, could you tell me who made the cardboard box? There should be the certification tag on the bottom of the box and it should list the city too. Generally, the city of origin of cardboard box supplier is the same as where the product was made.

[@DandyDon1]

up with Caig Shield S-Series - Contact Protector (formerly PreservIT). Let the sprays completely dry after application and before powering the equipment back on.

[@mikegross6107]

I wish you could have shown us the "guts" and seen if your problems were the belts. Also you should have connected some good speakers for the "HI FI" sound. Other than that you sure were lucky getting a PORTABLE reel to reel THAT PLAYS YOUR TAPES for FREE!

[@krikorhadidian897]

It worth to repair the speed to 7.5 because you will get much better sound, and also repair the fast forward. I used to have WOLLENSAK it is tube amplifier and has a very beautiful sound.

[@phantom3rdchannel]

thats a real nice machine i have 2 of the mono version both mine have some belt issues. I'm betting that's whats up with your fast forward and speed.

[@pivotboy63]

someone bought that on my birthday! except i was born 35 years later

[@Bassboostz]

That is really neat!

[@CassetteMaster]

The non-working 7 1/2 speed and Fast-forward I believe can be fixed by lubricating the idler rollers and also cleaning the rubber surface with Windex.

[@HHG_BREEDINGGROUND1]

Yikes ! Not WINDEX. Buy some rubber renew (MT Chemicals) which is made to clean and renew the rubber if its not too far gone.

[@DaleStewart633]

I like your Wollensack tr video. There's one here I might get. But I would be remiss if I did not point out, that the Mantovani song you played is the very song Nurse Ratchet would play to the patients in One flew over the cuckoos nest. Although on a 45, but I bet a very similar tube amp. Cheers!

[@mikeroque8155]

Dale that a big change from the old dale from capital punishment days .anyway I'm the friend of mike waldhart. I would know if you have any copy of first cd the one that has the first 7in.and the first two Lp.s on it if you do let know i really would like a copy. Thanx you.

[@DaleStewart633]

Mike Roque Well boy howdy if it ain't my ole buddy! So nice to hear from you! Send me a email: [e-mail]

[@tractormansam]

do you and dave still have tractorland?? if so when are you gonna make another update video??

[@DandyDon1]

Counter problem is either a stretched, glazed, broken or missing belt.

[@tinicum54]

When the motor mounts begin to collapse, and the motor fan scrapes the bottom, be prepared, I've repaired close to a hundred of those and the tube equivalents, A Nightmare the first time.

[@88ford4life]

Are those papa Johns napkins in the napkin holder? lol

[@dancraver3815]

Lubed felts for the head tention arms etc

[@mustie1]

funny in that the only 2 companies that my dad worked for was korvetts and 3m

[@ils360]

it needs to be cleaned the greas freazes up when it gets old in thease

[@drumdreamer92]

I don't know if you can help me, I found a similar model reel to reel in my grandmothers basement. I cannot get it to move or do anything. Do you know if you need to have a tape fed in to get it to move?

[@jtraveny]

@LynolsOffice do you sell old tractors to people in PA @jtraveny

[@EntropicSpore]

just purchased a T 1515-4 and a T-1500. Both need power supplies and tape. What size tape do they have and where can I buy some?

[@jimmycricket5366]

This was first used at least a year before JFK met his terrible fate. Makes you wonder why they couldn't record the accused's interrogation or testimony on a simple recorder like this when they had two whole days to do so.

[@stevenhoelderich9490]

It's, the fast,forward plug.

[@radjimmie]

What exact tape should I get for one of these is it different because its 4 tracks?

[@gerryroberts662]

You need to spin the play reel at 7 1/2 to warm it up for 5 minutes, then try playing a tape at 7.5.. mine has the same issue.. counter doesn't work..i talked a guy down from mine $50- down to $25.00.. record works on mine.. press record and the lever.. i have eben waiting 24 years for mine..used..organ and chimes sounds like my used 10'' lps i bought from sallys..

[@paulj0557tonehead]

I used to make tape loops on my Wollensak reel to reels. You can hear the music on Soundcloud: *paulj0557 SOUNDCLOUD Jacobs McClennan Slappy productions 1998-2000* (be sure to pan the BALANCE ALL THE WAY LEFT)

[@BobNchannel]

thats great

[@santanuroy1127]

Sir. I want to Purchase stereo Spool tàpe recorde, PL give me the source, how I can Purchase a good portable tape recorder reel to reel,PL give me details,

[@aaronzack14]

so mowers to antique stereos?

[@SDsailor7]

Why no audio?

[@RobConstantine]

This music was used in the film one flew over the cuckoos nest.

[@radiotubes]

Oh yeah to add, My counter is not working and I have the same fan lol

[@rickybeann]

how is the voice record, like elvis Presley?

[@reyem1O]

.....for free?

[@BETEP_BECT]

Супер аппарат

[@polski67uk]

A lot of money then.

[@digitalrailroader]

Its Nice to see how things were done in the "Old School" Way. its a dying artform to say the least, what with CDs, MP3s, and the like.

[@XXziomeqXX]

I'm pretty much the same way! ;)

[@zeusincoming282]

Montivani "Charmaine"

[@RCALivingStereo]

It just needs a good oiling And cleaning, clean the tape heads to have your high frequencies better to Wollensak made nice stuff Made in Chicago in the USA Quality!!!!

[@gerryroberts662]

Also demag could also help..

[@Gazpacho8]

@weirdstuffanimation7 It's not worth anything actually, maybe in another 48 years. lol