Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 10, 2026

Rowe Customusic

Rowe Customusic is a background music system from the 1960s and 1970s. Up to six Fidelipac type C endless-loop magnetic tape cartridges can be loaded in the player, allowing up to 60 hours of playback. The case is 13+5⁄8 in (350 mm) wide, 11+1⁄8 in (280 mm) high, and 13+3⁄4 in (350 mm) deep. Like the 3M Cantata 700, the player moves the tape head between cartridges and, as in other Fidelipac players, between the four tracks on a cartridge. The current cartridge number is indicated on a seven-segment display. Automatic track advancement was triggered by a conductive tape strip on the splice of the tape loop, or manually by pressing a button. Another switch located next to the power switch disables cartridge changeover, replaying only the current cartridge.

Last revised
Jul 10, 2026
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Rowe Customusic is a background music system1 from the 1960s and 1970s. Up to six Fidelipac type C endless-loop magnetic tape cartridges can be loaded in the player, allowing up to 60 hours of playback.1 The case is 13+5⁄8 in (350 mm) wide, 11+1⁄8 in (280 mm) high, and 13+3⁄4 in (350 mm) deep.2 Like the 3M Cantata 700, the player moves the tape head between cartridges and, as in other Fidelipac players, between the four tracks on a cartridge. The current cartridge number is indicated on a seven-segment display. Automatic track advancement was triggered by a conductive tape strip on the splice of the tape loop, or manually by pressing a button. Another switch located next to the power switch disables cartridge changeover, replaying only the current cartridge.3

References

References

  1. Ad, Billboard vol. 76, no. 20, 16 May 1964, pp.47-48
  2. Tailored Background Music Can Lead Small Phono Op Into Uncharted Fields, Billboard vol. 74, no. 32, 11 August 1962, p.59
  3. bigdmc1: Rowe muzak player, YouTube 13 May 2010
External links