True Tone AB-700 Ultra Glide, Dash-mount record player.

[Guest jdavisfilmprops]

Hello All,

I'm a propman for a movie we are shooting in Atlanta, that takes place in 1963. The script calls for a True Tone AB-700 Ultra Glide record player. Besides finding just a little bit on info on the internet, I haven't had much luck. I also can't seem to find any reliable pics. Does anyone know if this actually exists, or if it was also produced under a different name? I've seen pics of other units online, but any info would be helpful. I'm looking to buy, at least, one working unit, if not two, in the best possible condition.

Thanks

[Guest Skyking]

I never heard of a True Tone AB-700 but the ARC was pretty popular in the mid 60's I bought this one new for my '64 Chevelle back then. Sears, Roebuck sold them...........I now have it in my Buick. Edited March 22, 2013 by Skyking (see edit history)

[DAVE A]

I guess you are filming "The Watsons Go To Birmingham". While I understand that the book specifically mentions buying the True Tone Ultra Glide, from all I can find, it would appear that the author was taking some literary license in naming the record player. I can find no record of any actual model by that name. I see Chrysler had the "Highway Hi Fi" in 1955 followed by Phillips with the "Phonoautomat" in 1959-63. Next appears to be RCA with its AP1 model from 1960-63 and Sears Allstate with the ARC2500. Do you really think anyone would know if you substituted one of the other units that are available?? With a little clever camera work, you could avoid the shots that show brand name or do a little prop work and "create" a True Tone Ultraglide!!!

Edited March 22, 2013 by DAVE A
correct spelling (see edit history)

[West Peterson]

Or, with a little clever graphic artistry, you can make a period-looking label to put on one of the ones that Dave mentioned.

[Guest Bob Call]

Truetone was the trademarked brand name for radios, phonographs, televisions and musical instruments sold by Western Auto Supply Company. They may have sold a model AB-700 phonograph but the chances of finding one are probably slim to none.

[MarrsCars]

Can't you just take care of that in post? (Sorry, old industry joke I realize.)

I'm sure you already know this but it likely doesn't need to actually work, so you could just fab up something based on an original image, or if you can find a shell from one you would only need to have the table itself turning but not actually making sound via needle or speakers, so any small electric motor would do the job, since the sound would be dubbed in later correct? (Technically, I guess this would be taking care of it in post.) Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I found small bit of info this if it helps any: Western Auto Supply Co. ; Kansas City manufacturer in USA, m

I'm working on some films in France and NYC this year (Producer), cool to see another film guy here.

Edited March 24, 2013 by MarrsCars (see edit history)

[Guest jdavisfilmprops]

Thanks for the info and the pic. If you know of one for sale, please let me know.

[Guest jdavisfilmprops]

Thanks for the thoughts, but not only does it have to work but there are several inserts shots, with the player in full action. Don't I wish we could do it all in post

[Guest jdavisfilmprops]

Great! Thats' the type of info I really need. It helps narrow it down. I suspected it was some sort of branding related issue. All the best.

[Guest jdavisfilmprops]

Thanks for the info. It helps narrow it down. All the best.

[Guest Skyking]

Or, with a little clever graphic artistry, you can make a period-looking label to put on one of the ones that Dave mentioned.

Something like putting Plymouth hubcaps on a Chevy...............who would spot that?