Stumbled upon this National Panasonic RS-J1 and received it today. Can't find much about it on the web but it looks identical to the Technics RS-M1. It also contained the original adaptor and demo cassette (manufactured by Victor Musical Industries / JVC). Very nice to see that the layout of the RS-J1 is the same is my National Panasonic RS 5600, it only lacks the record button but the eject button even has the same blue stripe. Based on an news paper ad i found, this must be sold around 1980. The production number is KI005115. Does anybody know if this means that is was produced in 1980, 11th of May and was nr 5 that roled from the production line that day? And a close up of the top and the a-side of the cassette. Interesting to see that it's a JVC tape.
Indeed, that's the Technics RS-M1. Only sold in Japan. There is more info on the web about this Technics version then on the National Panasonic version but they are imo the same (accept for branding). The M1 came in 2 colours, haven't seen a black J1 on the web.
Neat, I hadn't seen this thread, I've lusted after that little guy for a few years. I think Techmoan got his idea after I posted it in some holy grail thread years ago. Not to be mean but the Technics does look better in black, although they must be identical inside. That's cool that you have a BB with the same transport.
All those Japanese companies were all in each others pockets. swapping labels when it suited. Sanyo, Aiwa, Akai, Technics, Panasonic, Sharp. They made the product first and then allocated the brand name or names. And/Or distributed it to a third party like Sears in the USA or Tensai in Europe. But the quality was always amazing with these Japanese companies.
I just posted an ad for the Panasonic Version down below! In the really old days of the forum member TPR had a "Boombox Database". The guy used to know everything, even without all the info on the internet. I think the CD (which he sold on this site) had a ton of AKA (also known as), yes several brands even relabled equipment, wikiboombox.com will sometimes note these. If you haven't read Axle's Thread from The Vintage Knob, it's now on archive.org, he goes into detail about Japanese Manufacturing and the sharing of parts and equipment. If you can't find it let me know I have the link around here somewhere.
