Kudelski Nagra III BH portable reel-to-reel recorder, serial BH 66 871, Swiss-made around 1966. Radio-reporter version with built-in speaker amp. Speeds 15 / 7.5 / 3.75 ips.
Launched in 1958, the Nagra III was the first transistorised Nagra — about 30 germanium transistors and a servo-controlled direct-drive motor, replacing the earlier valve and wind-up machines. It became the film and broadcast location standard, and stayed in production until 1968 when the all-silicon Nagra IV took over. That makes the III the last Nagra built on germanium electronics, and many enthusiasts prize it for that classic Nagra character. Good working examples are increasingly hard to find.
Condition:
- Powers on and plays back correctly.
- Excellent for its age.
- Known issue: the power connector is loose — wiggling it can cut power. Small service (re-solder/tighten) should fix it.
- Plexiglass dust cover has a crack (see photos).
Included: reel of tape, banana-to-jack/RCA cables for connecting to modern gear, external PSU.
I bought it on Reverb and am selling because I no longer use it. Collection in Paphos, or EU shipping (buyer pays).
