Berlant Concertone 707

The Berlant Concertone 707 (also known as Concertone 707 or American Concertone 707 in transitional branding) is a mid-1960s vintage open-reel tape recorder, produced around 1966 during the final phase of the Berlant/Concertone era as the company transitioned manufacturing and branding to TEAC in Japan. It was a compact, portable, transistor-based (solid-state) design aimed at consumer and semi-portable hi-fi use, emphasizing lightweight operation with battery or AC power capability—making it one of the more "truly portable" 7" reel machines of its time.

This model fits into the late Concertone lineup (post-500/600 series), after earlier U.S.-built high-fidelity decks like the 1401 or 20/20, and alongside transitional TEAC-built units (e.g., similar to some Concord or early TEAC portables). It was marketed as an affordable, versatile entry-level stereo recorder for home, travel, or field use, with surviving examples rare and often found in vintage sales (e.g., eBay listings) as untested or restoration projects.

Key Technical Specifications 

• Tape Speeds: 1.875 ips, 3.75 ips, and 7.5 ips (three-speed versatility for extended play at slower rates or higher fidelity at 7.5 ips).

• Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 16 kHz (good for a portable transistor model; respectable mid-range clarity for home hi-fi or voice/field recording).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Not explicitly listed in most sources (likely ~45–55 dB typical for mid-1960s solid-state portables without advanced NR).

• Track Configuration: 4-track (quarter-track) stereo/mono (standard for consumer portables of the era; allows bidirectional recording on compact tapes).

• Heads: Likely 3-head design (erase, record, playback) for off-tape monitoring.

• Reel Sizes: Up to 7" standard (compact and lightweight for portability).

• Motors: 1 motor (simplified single-motor transport for reduced weight and power draw; contrasts with 3-motor designs in higher-end Concertone models).

• Timing Accuracy / Wow & Flutter: Not precisely documented (expected ~0.3–0.5% or better for portable class; adequate for non-critical listening).

• Power: AC and battery operation (true portable feature; often used with internal batteries or external DC for fieldwork).

• Other Features:Solid-state (transistor) electronics for reliability, lower power consumption, and portability (no tubes).
  Stereo inputs/outputs, basic level controls, and likely NAB equalization.
  Compact, suitcase-style enclosure for easy transport.
  

• Weight: Approximately 16 lbs (lightweight for a 7" reel deck; emphasized portability compared to heavier 40–70 lb prosumer models like the 507 or 508).

• Original Price: Around $239.95 (budget-friendly positioning in the mid-1960s market).

Design and Build Overview

The 707 featured a simplified single-motor transport to achieve true portability while handling 7" reels—uncommon for the era, as most quality decks used 3 motors for stability. This made it lighter and more power-efficient (suitable for batteries), though with potential trade-offs in wow/flutter and tension control compared to the brand's earlier 3-motor hi-fi machines. The all-transistor circuitry marked a shift from tube-based predecessors, offering cooler operation, instant-on, and better battery life.

As a late Berlant/Concertone product, it reflected the company's move toward TEAC-licensed or built designs—similar mechanics appear in some Concord-badged or early TEAC portables. It prioritized convenience (multiple speeds, battery/AC, compact size) over studio-grade performance, making it ideal for amateur recordists, travelers, or home users wanting stereo capability without bulk.

Compared to prior models in your queries:

• Earlier like the 1401 (1950, 3-motor, 10.5" reels, 15 ips) focused on high-fidelity U.S.-built pro/hi-fi.

• Mid-era like 508/605 (early 1960s, 3-motor, quarter-track) were prosumer with better stability.

• The 707 shifted to lightweight/portable consumer use, sacrificing some precision for mobility.

Today, these are niche collectibles due to rarity and portability appeal. Common restoration needs include recapping electrolytics, cleaning mechanisms, battery compartment corrosion (if present), and head alignment. Service info is limited but may overlap with similar TEAC/Concertone portables from the 1960s.