1985 GE radio/cassette recorder: ultimate cheapness

This General Electric mono AM/FM radio cassette recorder from 1985 looks quite nice and functions adequately, but suffers from an extreme lack of features, as well as DC biasness. It was definitely designed to be a bargain-basement model.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• lq34+hq35
• 1985
• '85
• 85
• ge
• g.e.
• general
• electric
• mono
• monaural
• am
• fm
• am/fm
• radio
• tuner
• receiver
• cassette
• tape
• player
• recorder
• deck
• boom
• box
• boombox
• ac
• dc
• bias
• not
• stereo
• no
• frills
• model

[NEUDude]

I've seen some of those GE cassette players of the 80s even had the two reels labeled "Supply Reel" and "Take Up Reel." Does this have that?

[vwestlife]

This one does not have those markings, but my shoebox-type GE cassette recorder does. It is featured in my video "Cheap but good 1980s GE cassette recorder".

[Leafblower29]

what is DC bias?

[vwestlife]

AC bias and DC bias are two different methods for recording audio onto tape.  AC bias sounds a lot better but requires extra circuitry which costs more to build, so a lot of cheaper tape recorders and boomboxes used DC bias, which gives a hissy, distorted sound, especially on the letter "S".

[coolbluelights]

the DC bias S isn't too bad actually. they should have at least put an earphone jack, but still it's better than the shit out of china today! but I bet this was made in taiwan or something lol lots of stuff was made in taiwan in the 80s

[vwestlife]

Yes, the quality of construction is actually very good... it says Made in Malaysia. But it just is a totally no-frills model.

[blue06lt]

I had one of these units, but it was white. I got it in 1989 and it was very good for what it was, a basic unit. It performed extremely well and I am hoping it didn't get thrown out, I don't know where it is currently. GE really knew how to make a good product back in the day, and it shows here!

[vestern22]

O I looked around and I noticed there is no iPod dock either, so cheap really

[Lachlant1984]

It's cheap and entry level, but at least it works, it probably just needs some maintenence. Even in the 80's this would have been considered cheap and run of the mill at best, most of these monaural radio tape units are the same, few of them have redeeming qualities or features.

[storrs19]

I have this exact same model and it may be bargain basement but I will say one thing. The AM tuner blows away my GE "SuperRadio". This model picks up distant stations and low power local ones (500w after sun down) with ease. I remember buying it at Target for about $25 or so and it still works fine.

[coondogtheman1234]

OMG I have this same exact radio and mine has the same problem as tghbenz99's the tape/radio switch is messed up and you gotta wiggle it.

[masterlee123]

it my look feel cheap but my dad still have his sinces 1992 and he use the radio everyday but not the tape

[Mrtechguy94]

Hey man ur handle may not be staying up because it's too loose cuz my uncle has this same exact radio and the handle stays up on his. Great video

[kevin12567]

LOL, I love it when you say "DC bias-ness"

[CassetteMaster]

Yeah, the 80's did seem to be the beginning of the Cheaping Slide, and the DC Bias Increase. GE just has that DC bias reputation. I have many GE recorders, and amongst all the MONO GE ones I have, only ONE is AC bias!!

[CassetteMaster]

DC bias. Well, a plain basic cheap one! I have a Panasonic that is similar, it also has no jacks, and DC bias... I'll probably do a video response.