About the Company
Fidelity (officially Fidelity Radio Co. Ltd. or Fidelity Radio Limited) was a British manufacturer based in London, UK, known for producing affordable consumer electronics including radios, televisions, stereos, and reel-to-reel tape recorders. Founded in 1946 by Jack Dickman (a former RAF serviceman from WWII), the company started with radios in 1947 and diversified into tape recorders as the format gained popularity in the late 1950s. Fidelity targeted the budget and mid-range domestic market, offering reliable but not ultra-high-end machines for home recording, radio dubbing, and family use—similar to other British brands like Ferranti or Thorn-EMI affiliates.
The company grew significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming one of the larger UK producers of consumer audio gear by the early 1970s (with some sources noting it as the largest in certain segments). It faced competition from Japanese imports and shifting formats, eventually ceasing operations around 1988 (though reel-to-reel production ended much earlier).
Production History for Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders
Fidelity produced reel-to-reel tape recorders from 1959 to 1970 (with some models extending slightly into the early 1970s before the format's decline). Manufacturing occurred in the United Kingdom, with machines assembled for the consumer market rather than professional or semi-pro use.
Late 1950s: Entry into tape recording began around 1959 with early models like the Argyll and Argyll Minor (released late 1959). These were valve (tube)-based, often with basic mono or half-track recording at standard speeds (e.g., 3¾ and 7½ ips), and featured wooden or vinyl cases typical of the era.
1960s: Peak production decade. Fidelity offered a range of tabletop/portable models, many still valve-powered (e.g., some 1960s units noted for using tubes for amplification). They included features like built-in speakers, radio tuners in some variants, and affordable pricing to appeal to home users. Models were not as sophisticated as Ferrograph or Revox but emphasized reliability and ease of use.
Late 1960s: Final major model included the Braemar (introduced around 1968), marking the end of their reel-to-reel lineup as cassette formats rose in popularity.
Production wound down by 1970, aligning with the broader industry shift away from open-reel for consumers. Fidelity continued other audio products (e.g., stereos, record players) into the 1970s–1980s but no longer focused on reel-to-reel.
Surviving Fidelity reel-to-reel machines are collectible today among UK vintage audio enthusiasts, often praised for their sturdy build and nostalgic charm (e.g., valve models from the 1960s). They appear occasionally in specialist directories, forums, and sales listings, though less documented than premium brands.