The Grundig TK 19 L is a 2-track mono tape recorder with a switchable automatic recording control. Like the TK 27 L, it is a model from a low-priced and successful device series from the manufacturer Grundig. In contrast to the simplest model of this device family, the TK 14, it has a tape counter, a tape end switch via an electromagnet and the already mentioned automatic control as well as the possibility of a trick recording. An existing recording can be provided with an additional recording. For this purpose, a further recording is simply carried out with the deletion head deactivated. Thus, for example, a music recording can be post-dubbed with a microphone recording. The TK 19 has the following tubes: EF86, EF83, ECC81, ECL86 and EM84.

The TK 19 L with removed cover. The mechanics are the same for all devices of this family. These drives work very reliably and are extremely durable, if the devices are being cared for. Even the drive belts are still quite good in this tape recorder. So far, I have not seen any other type of tape recorder that is similarly durable.

The heads already have clearly visible soiling and abrasion. The tape guides as well as the pressure roller also must be thoroughly cleaned. The magical band in the foreground (an EM 84) still has a good luminosity. On the left is the sound control with integrated on-off switch. The volume control can be seen on the right, which is used as a level controller for manual recording control.

The open TK 19 L seen from below. To the left is the power supply with the voltage selector, in the center the drive motor is placed, a simple asynchronous motor from AEG. On the right is the amplifier plate provided with a shielding plate.

The printed circuit of the tube amplifier. The tube bases are quite good to see. The recording-playback switch is located at the bottom of the board.

The output transformer of the tube amplifier can be seen here. The amplifier works with an ECL86, which is used as an oscillator tube to produce the high frequency for the erase head during the recording.

This is the red record button from the bottom. The switching contacts in the picture are used to switch the automatic record level control on and off. The lever at the top of the picture must be hooked into the switch on the amplifier board when it is attached to the chassis.

The component side of the amplifier board of the TK 19 L from Grundig. Four tubes operate reliably. The first amplifier stage after the sound head is an EF 86, the second stage is an EF 83. This controls the triode of the ECL 86 tube. The output stage consists of the pentode part of the ECL 86. The oscillator coil for generating the high frequency for the erase head can be seen on the right in the picture.

The fuse holders are strongly oxidized and must be cleaned.

A soldering connection has loosened from the motor. The motor itself has no direct grounding contact via its mounting. The cable is connected to the device chassis via a 1 megohm resistor.

The loudspeaker with a power of 2 watts and an impedance of 5 ohms sounds quite good.

The EM84 still glows quite well for their age. It shows the recording level, but it is also lit when the unit is switched on.

After the removal of the biggest defects and a cleaning of the heads, I have tried the TK 19 L first. The playback of a tape worked immediately. Now I could clean the drive and equip the bearings with new lubricants.

Here the plate with the heads and the tape guides were removed. However, in order to place these backwards, the connection for the EM84 and the tape end switch must be removed.

The capstan is very badly contaminated with belt abrasion. Only strong solvents can help here.

The lower bearing for the flywheel. It can also be opened and cleaned from the bottom of the chassis.

The AEG drive motor operates very quietly and reliably in the background. But it is also due to a certain care in the form of cleaning and new lubricants. When assembling, it should be ensured that the motor shaft can be turned easily.

The Grundig TK 19 L thanks the thorough cleaning and lubricating with a quiet run and good sound when playing a tape. It is always a great pleasure to revive such a tape recorder again. I have not adjusted the screws of the tape guides and heads, which are still provided with a green protective lacquer.

The small tape recorder makes a quite passable impression. The housing is fortunately not further damaged. The dust and dirt of the past years or decades could be removed quite well. The small Grundig emblem on the audio head cover has not yet been attached, but is still available and still follows.

The lettering under the EM84 for the automatic recording control, which was implemented with an ECC 81.