The Article
Mohawk Midgetape 44 (Vintage Shorts No.2)
25th August 2021
Second in my Vintage Shorts series of oddities and we’re off to the USA to look at this miniature tape recorder
This is an American-made Mohawk Midgetape 44 (model BR-1).
The first in a series of tape recorders from the company which would expand to the Midgetape 300, 400 and 500.
It’s dated 1957 and uses a metal tape cartridge although I hear the the model was actually released in 1955 at a few cents under $250.
The electronics inside include three subminiature valves. Specifically a pair of XFW40s and a single XFY54.
A rewind handle is attached. There is not fast forward option for this model, though.
Connectors were added for both microphone and headphones that sat alongside a built-in speaker.
Many thanks to Eric Wrobbel for his kind permission to use the above image. Check out Eric’s website for more on this vintage tech, for information on his own publications, other subjects on his site and his YouTube channel.
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Many years ago my father designed the tape cartridge used in the Mohawk tape recorder. 1st the tape cartridge was made then they designed and built the recorder around the cartridge. I had 2 of them when I was little. My father’s name is Murray (Morris) Krumholtz.
That’s a bit special Justin, thanks for letting us know. It remains a fascinating piece of tech.
Congrats for your father and for info ! Beside others historical cassette recorders, this device is also presented in mine http://www.cassetterecorder-museum.com and exhibited in the Museum of Romanian records.