What model is this Pioneer Cassette Deck from the 1970's (and MSRP?)

[Robster51]

I owned this Pioneer Cassette deck back in the 1970's but no longer have it other than this photo. Can anyone tell me which model it is and what it might have sold for originally? Thanks.

It's sitting on top of a Wollensak 8-Track Recorder Model 8055. Looking for the original MRSP on it too.

 

[jayvis]

It's a CT-5151. It was first sold in 1974 for $270 USD.

 

[Robster51]

Thanks a lot.

 

[R-2-R]

I remember my brother used to have that exact same model Pioneer cassette deck.

 

[jayvis]

I remember my brother used to have that exact same model Pioneer cassette deck.

Yeah, the CT-5151 is a typical example of the first generation of Hi-Fi cassette decks and you saw them at a lot of Pioneer dealers back then. The very first Hi-Fi cassette decks originated in 1970 and all used a top-loading format, piano key controls, dual VU meters, and slider level controls similar to this. By the late 70's, the majority of manufacturers had adopted the front-loading format with electronic push button controls.

 

[OBMG74]

Bought one in 74/75.
Worked a lot of hours bagging groceries to buy it. ($240 list at $2-something per hour)
I was never enamored by the sound quality, but then again, I couldn't afford chrome tape, so used basic regular bias tape.

Front load with servo controlled functions certainly was a big step up when they came out and fit in the rack, not on top which is usually reserved for the turntable.
The piano keys were pretty clunky.