Archive for April, 2012

For Levon Helm… 1940 – 2012

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Levon Helm and The Band

Levon Helm – The Band – 1970

– The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – 1969

For Dick Clark… 1929 – 2012

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Bill Haley and the Comets – Rock Around the Clock – 1954

Dick Clark – American Bandstand – 1956

Philco 38-12 – 1937

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Philco 38-12 – 1937

I thought I’d talk for a minute about one of the radios that I’ve already sold. This 1937 Philco 38-12, as it arrived in the shop, had some major issues. The glass around the grid connection of the 6A7 tube had cracked, meaning that tube had to be replaced. In addition to the standard electronic restoration, an opened oscillator coil had to be diagnosed and rewound. The research I performed indicated that the wax used to seal these coils quite often had sulfur impurities, and in the presence of moisture caused the microfine coil winding to deteriorate to the point of being an open circuit. Now that these repairs have been made, this gear plays great and is very sensitive across the AM band. 5 tubes (AA5) 6A7 78 75 41 84. 11.5″ W x  8″ H x  6″ D @ 10lbs. Again, this radio has been sold and a big thanks to the owner for allowing me to photograph it in situ.

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Zenith TransOceanic Y600 – 1957

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Zenith TransOceanic Y600

This Zenith TransOceanic Y600 from 1957 is a fine example of Zenith quality, performance and construction. The T/O line ran from 1942 to 1981, with the vacuum tube based radios going out of production and being replaced by transistor versions in 1962. You can read more about the history of the T/O line here. Very collectable and sought after, this gear is in near perfect condition for it’s age. Electronically restored, it plays great and is very sensitive on AM and SW bands. Includes the original owners manuals and information. 6 tubes… 1L6 1U4(2) 1U5 3V4 50A1. 17.25″ W x 11.5″ H(18.5″H opened) x 7.75″ D @ 17lbs. This Gear Has Been SOLD.

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The Delta Rhythm Boys – Yesterday and Today…

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

The Delta Rhythm Boys

The Delta Rhythm Boys were an American vocal group founded in 1934. The group appeared often in vintage radio programs such as Amos and Andy, and The Joan Davis Show. They appeared in several films, including You’ll Never Get Rich with Bing Crosby. Aside from their own recordings, they served as background vocalists for Charlie Barnet and Ella Fitzgerald, among others. Here’s a little sample from 1945, Sittin’ and Rockin’…

Today… their rendition of ‘Alouette’ is being used as the backing track in the Target ‘Color Change’ commercials…

RCA Victor 3-RA-27 – 1962

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

RCA Victor 3-RA-27

Your mom might have had one of these in the kitchen back in the day. From 1962, a RCA Victor 3-RA-27 table radio. Plastic case in very good condition. Slanted sides with a slight inward curve bottom to top in front. Electronically restored and a great player. This gear would be a great way to start your collection, or as a gift to someone into 60’s decor.  5 tubes (AA5) 12BE6 12BA6 12AV6 50C5 35W4. 10.25″ W x 6.25″ H x 4.25D @ 5lbs. $25 USD

 

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Motorola 56R1 – 1955

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

Motorola 56R1

In 1955, Motorola released the 56H / 56R series of table radios. This was the first year that Motorola started using the ‘batwing’ logo. Just prior to the beginning of the space age, this type of case design was considered very stylish. The black plastic case of this radio shows moderate wear, and although there are no cracks or chips, it’s definitely not a pristine example. This radio has been electronically restored and plays great. This gear would be great to start your collection with. 5 Tubes (AA5) 12BE6 12BA6 12AV6 50C5 35W4. 9.75″ W x 5.75″ H x 6″ D @ 5lbs. $40 USD

 

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Philco PT-42 – 1941

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

Philco PT-42

Here we have a Philco Transitone PT-42 from 1941. This is a great little table radio in a walnut case. The case is in great shape for it’s age with only a few minor scratches on the sides. It still has the original knobs and the tuning dial looks brand new!  Electronically restored and playing great, very sensitive. This gear would look fantastic in your office or den. 5 tubes (AA5) 7A8 7B7 7C6 50L6GT 35Z3. 12.25″ W x 7.5″ H x 6.75D @ 11 lbs. $150 USD

 

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The Les Paul Show – 1950

Monday, April 9th, 2012
Les Paul and Mary Ford

Les Paul and Mary Ford

Ran across this tidbit today, thought you might like to check it out. In 1950, Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford did a weekly radio show for NBC. They recorded it in their home and it ran about 15 minutes each week. Les and Mary would perform 3 or 4 of their songs that showcased Les’ guitar style and recording technique. In addition to the music, Les and Mary would engage in some 1950’s married couple humor. They start this episode out with ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’. This is a great example of the type of show that one might have listened to in 1950. ( A few years later, Les commissioned Ampex to build the first 8-track ‘multitrack’ tape recorder.)

Zenith G511 – 1949

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Zenith g511 1949

Here’s a great example of Zenith postwar style, the G511 AM table radio. Dark brown case in near perfect condition, and the handle is intact. Brass sleeved knobs have a great patina.This gear has been electronically restored and plays great. Excellent reception across the AM band. This radio has been slightly modded to allow reception up 1700KC. 5 tubes (AA5) 12BE6 12BA6 12AT6 50L6GT 35W4. 12.25″ W x 7.5″ H x 6″ D @ 7lbs. SOLD

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