About the Company
Simon was a British manufacturer of consumer reel-to-reel tape recorders, active from 1955 to 1965, producing tube-based and later solid-state models for the domestic hi-fi market.
Company origins
Simon Sound Services, established in 1941 by Reginald W. Simon, initially made transportable disc recorders before entering tape with models like the SP series in the mid-1950s.
Key models and technology
Early machines like the Simon SP2 (1955) were portable half-track mono recorders with two speeds (3¾/7½ ips), three-motor drive (Collaro), 10-inch internal speaker, and W-gate lever control, weighing 50 lbs for robust home/portable use.
Later solid-state decks continued the consumer focus, emphasizing simplicity and affordability over studio features.
Production scope
Simon targeted UK families with quarter-inch tape decks featuring built-in amps and monitoring, but lacked the innovation to compete long-term with Japanese imports; output ceased around 1965.
Historical role
Simon represents classic 1950s British domestic engineering—reliable tube portables bridging wartime disc tech to transistor hi-fi—now collectible for rarity and period design.