I just purchased 3 old console radios: Philco 51-1733, Motorola 7F-11, and Bradford SL-480(8?). Want to try to use phono connection for a guitar, turning console into small practice amp. Anyone ever do this? Im not a tech, but can follow directions. Obviously, I still have to determine whether these things even work! I havent plugged them in yet, and I hope no one already did.

If you don't have technical experience I would not recommend it (without further learning), tube type equipment can be dangerous...
Also there is not enough gain in the radio's audio amp stages "as is" to amplify a guitar, you would need to design a pre-amp stage.

As a radio guy and sometime guitar player, I can testify that a small practice amp will sound fine and work much more reliably. I'm still using the little Roland practice amp that I bought about 15 years ago. Try this:

http://search.ebay.com/guitar-practice-amp_W0QQfromZR8QQfrtsZ50QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1

Or,

http://www.tradingmusician.com/

if you live near Seattle and are looking for something vintage.

Phil: nice to see you in AK. I've followed your radio restorations with great interest over the years. I am sure fellow AK members will greatly benefit from your knowledge! :thmbsp:

If you don't have technical experience I would not recommend it (without further learning), tube type equipment can be dangerous...
Also there is not enough gain in the radio's audio amp stages "as is" to amplify a guitar, you would need to design a pre-amp stage.
Point taken. Wouldnt the phono (turntable) utilize a pre amp? Or would it still not be enuf? What about a line livel (no speaker) output connection? Also, should I invest in a variac b4 turning these on, or would I try tube tester first? Thanks.

Usually console radios which have phono inputs or phonographs use a ceramic or crystal cartridge which has a higher output than a guitar...magnetic phono cartridges do use a preamp and have an output level like a guitar or microphone, however these are usually not used in older consoles.

A better unit to use as a guitar amp substitute would be a PA amp...the pre-amp stage is already there.