Berlant Concertone 801

The Berlant Concertone 801 (often listed as Concertone 801, 801/4, or 801A with "Reverse-O-Matic" branding) is a mid-to-late 1960s vintage open-reel tape recorder, produced around 1967 as part of the American Concertone 800 Series. This was during the transitional era when Berlant/Concertone designs incorporated Japanese manufacturing influences (e.g., built by companies like Denki Onkyo Co., with some similarities to Dokorder models). It was a consumer/high-fidelity stereo deck marketed for serious audiophiles and home use, featuring innovative auto-reverse capability via the signature "Reverse-O-Matic" system for continuous playback without manual intervention.

The 801 built on the 800 Series (introduced ~1964) with refinements, including bidirectional 6-head operation for seamless forward/reverse recording and playback. It appeared in period catalogs (e.g., Allied, Lafayette) and even featured in media like the 1964 Doris Day/Rock Hudson film "Send Me No Flowers" (with similar 800/801 models). Surviving units are collectible rarities, frequently sold on vintage markets (eBay, Reverb) often as-is or for parts due to age-related issues like solenoid failures, capacitor aging, or mechanical wear.

Key Technical Specifications 

• Tape Speeds: 3.75 ips and 7.5 ips (standard hi-fi/consumer speeds for balanced fidelity and recording time).

• Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 18 kHz (strong extended range for the era, offering good bass and clear highs in home setups).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB (typical for mid-1960s consumer decks; respectable without Dolby or advanced NR).

• Track Configuration: 4-track (quarter-track) stereo/mono (bidirectional; supports auto-reverse for continuous play).

• Heads: 6 heads total (3 per direction: erase, record, playback) enabling full autoreverse without head flipping or tape reversal mechanics in some modes.

• Reel Sizes: Up to 7" standard (compact for consumer/portable-friendly use; NAB adapters possible but not primary).

• Motors: 3-motor transport (separate capstan, supply, and take-up for stable tension and reliable autoreverse operation).

• Timing Accuracy / Wow & Flutter: Approximately 0.2% (solid performance, aided by synchronous capstan motor and precise mechanics).

• Other Features:"Reverse-O-Matic" auto-reverse (automatic direction change at tape ends for endless playback; a standout gimmick/feature for the time).
  Sound-on-sound capability (multi-track overdubbing via heads).
  Dual VU meters, stereo inputs/outputs, NAB equalization.
  Likely hybrid or solid-state electronics in later variants (transitional from tube-era predecessors).
  Basic controls for level, bias, and monitoring off-tape.
  

• Weight: Approximately 55 lbs (heavier than base 800 at 41 lbs, due to added autoreverse components and robust build).

• Original Price: Around $439.95 (premium consumer positioning in 1967 catalogs; variants listed from $349–$440).

Design and Build Overview

The 801 featured a 3-motor direct-drive transport for smooth, low-maintenance tape handling and low wow/flutter—key for autoreverse reliability. The 6-head bidirectional setup allowed true forward/reverse recording/playback without mechanical head shifts, with the Reverse-O-Matic using sensors or foil cues on tape ends to trigger automatic direction changes (a novel consumer feature rivaling higher-end pro decks).

Built on a sturdy chassis (often with walnut or metal case options), it included integrated stereo electronics, power supply, and transport. As part of the 800 Series evolution, it targeted hi-fi enthusiasts wanting extended play and convenience without pro-studio bulk. It bridged earlier U.S.-focused Berlant designs (e.g., 1401, 20/20 with 10.5" reels/15 ips) and later TEAC-influenced portables (e.g., 707).

Today, these are prized by vintage enthusiasts for the unique Reverse-O-Matic and build quality, though restoration often requires solenoid/relay fixes, recapping, head relapping, and alignment. Service manuals (e.g., Photofact for 800 Series) exist and overlap with similar models.