Phonoland

Hi I'm new to collecting and came across a Readers Digest AM-FM 8-Track. From what I can ascertain, these do not hold much value. Can anyone tell me if this is correct as well as a bit of history on these. Who manufactured them, how did RD sell these, etc. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

I think there's one of these for sale on eBay right now.

I remember when these 8-track players were offered by Reader's Digest back in the 1970s, though, of course, I was a mere tot.....

They were basically a promotional item to get people to join Reader's Digest's version of a record club -- Reader's Digest Music, Inc. In 1962, they even joined forces with RCA -- http://books.google.com/books?id=nE0EAA ... 22&f=false

The program eventually evolved to include, not only LPs, but cassette and eight-track tapes, and later, CDs.

The 8-track player, offered for a nominal cost--or for free, depending on what was involved in the promotion--was an incentive for people to join the club and agree to buy X-number of records or tapes. Based on what I've read, these were re-branded units, often made by second or third tier companies that normally sold under such names as Electrophonic, Yorx or SounDesign.

If you can locate some old 70s-early 80s issues of Reader's Digest, you'll probably spot an ad featuring the player.

Thanks Joe_DS! I appreciate the info. My grandmother used to collect RD Magazines. I'll have to go through them and see if I can find any of the ads. Thanks again.