D
Meaning Dynamic
Bias: Normal (Type I)
BTG All-Time rank: 13
  The D is the single most used, most popular Normal Bias cassette of all time, in any country, anywhere. The D was TDK's first most recognizable cassette when they started their tradition of cassette manufacturing. Of course it may have changed over the years, looks, formulation, other things, but one fact remains true: the quality and sound of a TDK D today, will always capture the sound it is supposed to.

  In the late 70's, cassettes were just starting to become a really popular media. TDK was a company making component for other types of products in relation to magnetics, and they decided to throw their name into the hat. The only recordable media they made at the time was open reel. They never realized that their manufacturing of compact cassettes would spark their greatest sales ever.

  Just recently, the D went through one more formulation change, almost similar to the CDing I of a few years back. Even to this day, the sound from a D never changes. It also is concidered by many to be the one of the most durable tapes ever for Normal Bias along with many of the other TDK Normal Bias cassettes.

The Gallery

   Here are some of the photos I have collected after so many years (well OK, months, and mostly from eBay). Not only do I have some of the most extensively detailed photos, not only to show detail, but to let you know a little bit about them with a discription.
pic coming soon 1979
  Here's where the tradition started. As a part of their "D Series" of the late 70's, TDK had 3 tapes utilized for many different purposes, so people didn't have to spend so much money buying the wrong cassette for whatever application they needed. The early form of D looked more like ones bought in prerecorded format with the milky white shell and small window. The D develoved the clear shell for a little while.
pic coming soon 1982
  When sales of D were more than expected (as well as other cassettes in the line), TDK decided to modernize it's line by creating new looks for their cassettes, as well as introduce new cassettes to the line. The D of the early, early 80's had an awesome appearence with the blue/grey "stone" texture shell, and very durable paper glued on to the cassette. The tape was thick, which made it very strong in many playbacks, but wasn't pleasent when you had a 120 or 180 minute (yes, it existed, I have proof!) tape.
pic coming soon! 1984
  Info coming soon!
pic coming soon 1988
  Info coming soon....
Pic coming soon! 1991
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pic coming soon! 1996
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pic coming soon! 2000
  Info coming soon!

The Future:
TDK D cassettes were the first, and might as well be the last. D has a long history (as you saw here) of being one of the best cassettes of all-time. For it's sales and selling ploys, it still gains sales from people who need a quick recording outlet for voice and radio.

Pictures on this page are either borrowed directly from the official US TDK site or from some other source, like eBay auctions. The images are the sole right of TDK, and in no way are these pictures intended to be abused or utilized for profit. All information within this section is for research and informational use only. Illegal use is strictly prohibited. Specs for each tape can be found at TDK's US website.
Email me at chris@btgallery.com for questions, comments, contributions, or even your own Top 5 list.