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Page 38 The Antique Shoppe January, 2019
Vintage Electronics Undergoing a Revival

By William Flood

My attention was raised a couple board showing who made it. It was Roland. Antique
of years ago in an article covering considered personally dishonorable if radios and even
auctions of vintage tube-type one’s unit needed warranty work. old console stereos
amplifiers and the prices they were Even non-working or damaged, are popular and
commanding. units can serve units from iconic
That article as a donator companies like
echoed a similar of parts. RCA, Admiral,
resurgence Parting out to Zenith, and
of interest by repair more Motorola are readily
“preppers” salvageable available. Buyers
for shortwave units can be a will snag these
radios - not the profitable resale just for window 1950s Arvin table radio
contemporary strategy because dressing even if
digital models, restorers will they aren’t working. many collectors want items from one
mind you - but pay handsomely There are communications side or the other of that transition.
the big old boat for simple things enthusiasts who like shortwave, However, the same manufacturers
anchors like like knobs and CB, and amateur radio. Be on the that built tube gear typically went
Hallicrafters and faceplates. Just watch for communication gear from on to build world-class solid state
Hammarlund. don’t destroy equipment. So, solid-state items
In my mind, 1949 Zenith Transoceanic good units to from the 1970s can still be good
the echo hit a shortwave radio do that! scores. Those same names -
second beat There are from Sansui and Marantz to
when I saw the slogan of a local radio buyers for nearly every kind of Panasonic and RCA are worth
repair shop… “Because Real Radios electronic. Audiophiles want stereo considering once you have a
Glow.” All were reverberations gear like tuners and amplifiers sense of pricing.
of a growing interest in By the 1980s a second
vintage electronics – old evolution took place. Electronics
radios, amplifiers, tuners, were transitioning from the use
stereo equipment, and of transistors to being built with
communication gear. integrated circuits and having
Just follow current early digital features. It’s easy
auction prices and “sold” to spot 1980s-era items because
listings on eBay; you’ll see of their silver cases (metal or
the evidence. Look in your plastic). Silver-cased gear has a
local antique mall and spy 1970s Panasonic 8-track player strong market, particularly from the
the prices on items like better names.
turntables and reel-to-reel By the 1990s, cassette players and
tape decks. Or, listen to turntables were becoming extinct,
the conversation of mid- lost to CDs and analog circuitry
century enthusiasts who gave way to the wonders of digital
know electronics; you’ll components. Most of the equipment
hear them pine over names from this era is recognizable by its
like of Marantz, JVC, and 1970s Akai 4000 black cases and digital readouts. Be
Kenwood. reel-to-reel tape deck aware that, for the most part, there
The next time you visit a yard sale doesn’t seem to be a big fan base
or browse a flea market, keep your and will scour the countryside for 90s-era and later equipment
eyes peeled for vintage electronics, for brands like JVC, Sansui, and even prices are good and the
particularly old tube items. Working Marantz. Vinyl is experiencing gear can perform impressively.
or not, consider striking a deal a great resurgence, so turntables Communication gear is an exception;
because the piece is likely worth and stereos with integrated record but, in the audiophile’s sector at
something. Think of these items players are typically good finds. For least, it’s probably best to forego
the same way you’d consider those, be watchful the stylus and black cased equipment for now.
classic cars. If the unit is in working needle are still there. If not, price Whether you are a collector
condition then you’ve definitely them accordingly. Reel to reel tape or dealer, with the wide range
uncovered a gem worth pursuing if decks, 8-track players and cassette of vintage electronics available,
the price is right. recorders all have their fans - who it’s generally wise to specialize.
If it works, yet needs obvious knew an old cassette Walkman companies like Kenwood, Icom, and It’s difficult to know everything
TLC, it’s likely worth repairing since might be a collector’s item one day! Cobra for this group. Even gear from necessary if you are trying to span
most older electronic gear, unlike These categories open up household Heathkit, which was originally sold your interests across everything
today’s disposable consumer goods, names like Panasonic, Pioneer, and in kit form, has a fan base. from turntables to CB radios. On the
was made well and capable of being Realistic. Be aware, a transition began in the other hand, specializing in a category
repaired. In fact, many Japanese There are collectors who tirelessly 1960s from tube-based to solid-state like audio receivers and amplifiers
brands from the 70s were so carefully pursue guitar and other musical electronics that was in full swing by or floor radios will help you grasp
crafted that the worker would instrument amplifiers; that means the 1970s. It fundamentally changed pricing, locate good deals and
engrave his or her name on the circuit looking for names like Fender and the merchandise landscape and capitalize on what you find.