Tesla B100: From Prague to Lelystad - A Story of the Audio Journey.

More than 70 years ago, in a land far away from electric cars and space exploration, there existed a company named Tesla. But hold on to your charging cables, for this was not the Tesla you might be thinking of. No, dear reader, this Tesla hailed from the heart of Europe and specialized in something entirely different—audio equipment.
Our story takes us back to August 10, 1946, in the picturesque city of Prague, Czechoslovakia. In the humble factory of "Microphona," a history of collaboration began. Sixteen different companies, both local and international, joined forces—think Czech ingenuity mingling with the brilliance of Philips, Siemens, and Telefunken. Together, they birthed a national company later called TESLA Narodni Podnik, which would soon enchant the world with its audio prowess.
Enter the Tesla B100 Reel to Reel Tape Recorder, a true maestro of sound. Manufactured between 1975 and 1977, this sleek desktop unit brought the joy of stereophonic and monophonic recording and reproduction to the masses. Whether you wished to capture the melodies of a receiver, the nostalgia of a gramophone, the enchantment of a microphone, or the echoes of another tape recorder, the Tesla B100 was there to faithfully weave your audio dreams.
But what about our dear friend Ilon Mask? Well, it seems even the tape recorder industry couldn't resist a playful nod in his direction. Legend has it that once, during a particularly lively conference call, Mr. Mask found himself in need of a reliable audio companion. Hearing of the Tesla B100's remarkable technical and sound properties, he cheekily quipped, "If only I could record my brainstorming sessions and listen to them on Mars!"
Alas, the Tesla B100 could not quite fulfill Mr. Mask's extraterrestrial desires, but it did offer an array of delightful features. With its clear arrangement of control elements and user-friendly operation, even the most technologically challenged souls found themselves nodding in approval. With a power output of 4W per channel, separate controls for recording and playback, and clever indicators that doubled as a visual spectacle during playback—this tape recorder was a true virtuoso. Yes, it is only one tape speed here, 9.53 cm/s, but it provides you with an impressive frequency response for 50 – 15000 Hz.
And let us not forget the Tesla B100's pièce de résistance—the design. Adorned with a protective plexiglass lid and housed within an elegant, wooden veneered cabinet, it exuded an air of sophistication. Imagine it, dear reader, gracing the desks of music enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, radiating vintage charm and melodic possibilities.
Now, as the years went by, the world of audio technology evolved, and our dear Tesla B100 began to fade into the background. But fear not, for its legacy lives on. Today, the Retro Audio Museum in Lelystad, the Netherlands, stands as a proud guardian of this piece of history. Visitors from around the globe can behold the Tesla B100's time-defying beauty, basking in the nostalgia it evokes.
So, my friends, the next time you find yourself humming to the tunes of Tesla, remember that Ilon Mask's kingdom extends far beyond the realm of electric vehicles. Unleash your imagination, transport yourself to the golden era of reel-to-reel tape recorders, and celebrate the legacy of the Tesla B100—a marvel of sound, a symbol of Czech craftsmanship, and a delightful deviation from the well-known Tesla tale.
And perhaps, just perhaps, Ilon Mask's musings will reach the ears of the universe one day, thanks to the audacious spirit of the Tesla B100.

 

great introduction, mate !

just to complete, here a „classic“ Tesla vehicle:

 

Thank you!

 

And the only one I would own

 

Need to find time to travel to Lelystad!

 

Yes, please! Just let me know in advance so I can reserve a one-hour slot for your visit, you are very welcome!