GUIDE TO MODEL IDENTIFICATION.  

In the days when Ferrograph were first produced, life was slower, standards higher, and quality and reliability were the watch words.

In fact changes were few and far between. The basic recorder hinged around the Wright & Weaire Tape Deck, a robust mechanism, which was designed to be used, and used hard.

Facilities, were few, and changes were slow to appear.  The Ferrograph policy on this was that changes had to be justified on the grounds that they would improve the performance or usability of the instrument, otherwise they would not be considered.

Most of the changes that did appear, were mechanical tape deck modifications.  The electronics on the domestic products did not change significantly until the introduction of two channel & stereo machines and the need for separate record / play amplifiers.

"For more than 12 years - longer probably than any other firm in the industry we have been making Tape Recorders. 

But never have we aspired to produce the greatest number nor to cater for all sections of the market.

Ferrographs, in fact are not mass-produced.  

Each is built with painstaking in a series of complicated operations that can only be carried out by experienced technicians* dedicated to the pursuit of quality".

* ( See Simonside)

Always check this first.  Later Ferrograph models usually pre-fixed the machines serial number with the model number e.g. 5 /44888 would be a series 5 machine.

The original design, found on the earliest machines utilising the "Model "A" tape deck.  In this design only one idler was used, it was lifted up / down with the lever shown.

Early Wearite Tape Decks were only two speed models, but later the deck was modified to cater for three speed operation, on this deck this only applied to models in the "YD" range.

This used only one idler pulley which was lifted up or down to select the speed.

This type of speed change switch first appeared on the Series 2 range.

On some models the tape speeds were on the deck plate, on others the switch was simply marked "L" low or "H" high.

This gear lever design was introduced with the Series 5, but now the operating speeds are clearly indicated.

Similar to the Series 5, but now with three, not two speeds. This type was only available on a Series 6 mechanism.

SERIES 2.  

Two piece head cover, each section detachable, for access to the heads for cleaning.

SERIES 3.

Similar to Series 2, but note the extra moldings on the front section. We'll see what these were for later. Some early series 4 models incorporated this head-cover.

SERIES 4.

The hinged one piece head cover was introduced on the Series 4, this design incorporates a push button pause control on the right hand molding of the covers front edge. 

A camera cable could be connected to this to allow remote operation of the pause control.

SERIES 5 & 6.

Similar to the Series 4 but without the pause control button on the front edge. The pause control now being incorporated with the "RUN" lever.

Applied to Model "D", & G100 tape recorders.

SERIES 2. 

Early Series 2's had no provision for a tape counter, but later models had a horizontal cut-out between the reels at the rear of the deck, to take the optional counter kit.  

But this was not at the time fitted as standard. However, it would have been done to allow future decks to be fitted as standard with the counter. Very late Series 2, early Series 3 decks incorporated a factory fitted counter, which looked much neater.

CONVERSION KIT.

Ferrograph Series 2 owners whose machines did not have a counter fitted but who required a counter. Could if they wished buy this kit, which came with all the necessary parts, and instructions, and could be fitted by any competent home constructor, willing to spend the time.

SERIES 2.

With the kit fitted. For a time the remaining production of these decks would have been used by Ferrograph and the kits fitted at the factory. Until the new Series 3 deck was ready for production.

SERIES 3.

The tape counter now integrated into normal production decks, these originally had a black bezel.

SERIES 4 & 5.

The counter remained substantially the same, the only real change being to a chrome bezel.

SERIES 6.

The final version, angled for better view, it took 20 years to get this.

Late Note: Although this type of counter first appeared on domestic Series 6 machines, there are examples of it being seen on early models.  I tend to think that these were retro fitted. One appeared on a G100 models which sported the original Model "A" deck, which has we know was not originally equipped to take a counter at all.

This half round meter face with the raised bezel was used from the earliest models, up to and including the Series 2.1948 - 1953 approx.

This square raised bezel type of metering, which lookedmuch larger, was introduced with the Series 3 and continued to include the Series 4 mono only recorders.  1959.

Although, usually having a black meter bezel, on the Series 66/77 they could also be cream coloured.

Small diameter capstan only used from Series 5 onwards.

The circular control knob either Black or Cream colour is the original design.

This type was fitted to all models up to and including the Series 3. 

In order to put the machine into the record mode, this had to be held down whilst turning the control to "Record".

Many owners felt that this was an affront on their technical ability, and were offended by it. 

It was however, very often the case that new Ferrograph owners did from time to time go into record, instead of play, thereby erasing the recording they were about to play.  

HOWEVER, IT WAS A GOOD LESSON, AND THEY RARELY DID IT TWICE.

The significance of this is that on this model the pause control was incorporated in with the run lever.

Pulling the lever until it locked in place, started the machine, then pushing it forward again latched it in the pause position. Very useful, and very nearly too late, this was one of the best improvements made to these decks, especially for those who used them a lot for tape editing.

Ferrograph Statement.

"We believe that a Tape Recorder, being an instrument of high mechanical precision, needs a great deal of critical an unhurried supervision at every stage of its manufacture which it would be difficult to carry out in a factory geared to large-scale production.

This then is the Ferrograph tradition. It is based upon a policy of utilising to the full the wealth of technical knowledge an craftsmanship that is still part of Britain's heritage.

Today all who are seriously interested in tape recording-and this includes those who use the Ferrograph professionally in scientific an industrial research, in the teaching of music, drama and languages, in the manufacture of gramophone records, in the exploration of far-away places, in radio and home entertainment - know and appreciate the fact that Ferrograph equipment is the best that money can buy."

Tape guides were not fitted to the early Model "A" tape deck,

which affected early machines like the Model "D" and the G100's.

Tape guides became a feature of the Wearite deck with the introduction of the Series 3. Strangely enough though, there are instances of Series 4 decks not having adjustable guides on the supply side of the head block.  In one case only a fixed peg was fitted.

Long ago we foresaw that a time would come when many would expect the Tape Recorder to compete with-perhaps even to oust - the gramophone as a home entertainer. 

We have never shared this viewpoint.

Because Recording has always been our business we have consistently and whole-heartedly directed our energies towards the attainment of the highest standards of fidelity in tape recording - realising full well that magnetic tape stands supreme as a recording medium.

Sometimes you can come across a recorder that seems to be a

contradiction in terms. Looks like one model, turns out differently.

Shown left, is a Series 5 recorder. It has the amplifier panel, but the "RUN" Lever clearly indicates Series 4.

Unfortunately, the person who purchased this machine would have missed out on the locking pause control, introduced on the Series 5, instead this is still a push button on the head cover.  Glad it wasn't me.

Another example of change of model syndrome, is the machine (left).

This is the underneath view of a Series 5 deck.  However, it already has the Series 6 flywheel, which is deeper in order to accommodate three idlers instead of two.  

Just above and behind the top idler, you can see the slot for the third idler arm to fit. On top it still only has a two speed selector switch.  Again this situation is brought about by the gradual introduction of additional features. 

Something to watch out for.