[Vintage-Audio] Revox B77 Two Track Or Four?

[Duane Fischer]

Hi All,

I need some conclusive answers gentlemen. Thanks!

The Revox model B77 stereo reel to reel tape deck came as a two track one
direction only unit or as the four track, two in each direction, unit. So I am
told anyhow.

I have been told that the two track version used the space for a single track
that the four track version used for two tracks, or twice the track width. If the
tape is 1/4 wide, four tracks = 1/16 per track or on the two track one direction
version 1/4 is divided by 2 and each track is 1/8 inch wide. Is this correct or
not?

I am also told that the two track machine has two speeds; 7 1/2 and 15 ips.
Whereas the four track model has two speeds also; 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips. Right or
not?

Short of actually having the B77 in front of you and recording to see what
happens, is there any 'for sure' way to tell if it is the two track one direction
model or the four track two directions model?

Duane W8DBF
dfischer at usol.com