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What happened with wire recorders? [message #94278]

Thu, 19 August 2021 13:02

Madison
Messages: 337
Registered: June 2017

Grand Master

I've read a bit about them, and it seems like they're the most stable form of storage, so why aren't they more popular? It can't be blamed on the digital revolution because wire recorders fell out of fashion long before then. What happened? Was it just bad PR? I've been to many estate sales and garage sales to hunt one down. I can only find bits and pieces. It's just so odd because I have found three vintage radios in decent condition and countless sets of record albums, so what gives? I've found a few on eBay and will probably pick one up there. I'd still like to know why they're so hard to find.

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Re: What happened with wire recorders? [message #94285 is a reply to message #94278]

Thu, 19 August 2021 16:47

Trilling Me Softly
Messages: 48
Registered: December 2018

Baron

Wire recorders were mostly used by businesses, so you're unlikely to find one at an estate sale or similar. I don't think they were ever popular in personal homes - not like a turntable or cassette player. I'd look elsewhere.

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Re: What happened with wire recorders? [message #94293 is a reply to message #94285]

Fri, 20 August 2021 21:15

gofar99
Messages: 1955
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona

Illuminati (5th Degree)

Hi, There are a number of factors as to why they are not used. First the wire is expensive and unfortunately subject to breakage. Repairs are difficult. Second head wear is high. Third fidelity is rather limited. They were mostly used for dictation and similar functions and never were good enough for hi-fi so when alternatives came out like cassettes they just faded away. Cassettes have been replaced with digital storage now as well.

Good Listening
Bruce

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Re: What happened with wire recorders? [message #94566 is a reply to message #94278]

Tue, 05 October 2021 21:43

Kingfish
Messages: 557
Registered: November 2012

Illuminati (1st Degree)

They are great conversation pieces when you want to invite other audiophiles over for dinner.

I'm a sucker for history, so I always look at things like this with a kind of reverence rather than "It's just antiquated history."

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Re: What happened with wire recorders? [message #95084 is a reply to message #94566]

Sat, 15 January 2022 10:24

Strum Drum
Messages: 229
Registered: November 2017

Master

I learned about wire recorders from you guys. I've never heard anyone mention them in real life, and I've never run across a wire recorder in person. I'd love to see one up close. They seem nifty.

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Re: What happened with wire recorders? [message #95253 is a reply to message #94278]

Thu, 17 February 2022 21:58

Concorde
Messages: 149
Registered: December 2013

Master

Someone at some point said: This is a hassle. There has to be a better way."

They say necessity is the mother of invention, but if someone can think of an easier way of doing something they'll work to make it happen.

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Re: What happened with wire recorders? [message #95266 is a reply to message #94278]

Sun, 20 February 2022 07:35

Silver
Messages: 116
Registered: December 2013

Viscount

I think they need to make a comeback solely for a niche purpose: To help better protect copyrighted material. Make the wire the first place a person stores a work of art. Time-stamped, of course.

Who's gonna steal that?

It's the perfect place, really.

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