Sony TC-777
Tapecorder 777
Sterecorder 777
(march 1961 - 1984)

Sony's original audiophile, high-end and professional Tapecorder - all this rolled into one machine was sufficient to make the TC-777 not only a sought-after recorder in the early 1960s but also a reliable workhorse still available for sale (and selling) in the early... 1980s !
Sony made its original reputation with tape recorders - a reputation that still is unmatched by anyone : professional video meant and still means Sony (1" in the 60s and 70s, Beta in the 80s, Digibeta and DV/DV-Cam in the 90s and today) and professional audio for about 25 years meant Sony (PCM-3348 series, APR-5003 etc).

Available at first in two version TC-777-S2 (2-track) and TC-777-S4 (4-track), the features are about the same as those found later recorders : three motors, mic/line mixing, sound-on-sound, tape/source monitoring etc. Many later updated versions were produced afterward but the basic mechanical construction remained the same until 1984.
Four of the original features do stand out : the four PCBs inside the 777 are "plug-in" type à la Sony TA-2000 or Kenwood Supreme 1 - that's four years before the 2000 and seven years before the Supreme.
Also solenoid-operated transport controls !
Also XLR-type inputs - in 1961 !
The Electro Bi-Lateral heads incorporate both 1/4 and 1/2 track stereo cores within each head so that each model can replay tapes recorded on the other : 4-t rec, 2-t play, 4-t play (S4) or 2t-erase, 2-t rec, 2/4-t play (S2).
The Sony patented TRAC-STAN drive is centered around a capstan that has a traction tread surface above and below the tape contact area and a statically balanced tape tension stabilizer. 3" illuminated precision VU meters, automatic tape lifters and all-Sony transistors and diodes provide convenience and stability.

Shown here by way of a circa 1964/65 USA catalog with the optional RMA-719 rack mount adaptor (9,50$), SSA-777 powered loudspeakers (175$) and MX-777 stereo mixer ("less than 175,50$") ; the more common MX-600 mixer was also available. Complete with carrying case and remote control, the TC-777 cost 695$ in 1965 - quite a sum for the amateur recordist !

The "777" name, btw, stuck on Sony for many of its all-time best : TC-K777, TA-F777ES, CDP-X777ES, CDP-777ESA, CDP-777ESJ, SCD-777ES... Even Reymio recently named its famed cd player - CDP-777 ;-)