It's getting bad...

[technicolor]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Bringing this subject back up, someone recently gave me a nice RCA 26" CTC177 console that needed minor repair. The cabinet is nice, it has A/V jacks, and the picture is excellent. I've advertised it for $50 OBO and not a single call. I'd probably give it to the right person; but, even giving away a console is getting hard to do.

Lately, people have been claiming that they want a good console stereo to play their records; but, what they really should say is: "We want a '60's console stereo in excellent shape for $10". I guess these people think that I should be able to find them at a yard sale for a dollar or two and then magically pull the parts needed to fix them out of my butt or they think an overhaul only involves replacing the stylus and hosing down the turntable mechanism with WD40. Just last weekend, a friend of a friend posted on facebook about how she'd love to find a '60's console record player so that she could play her Beatles records; so, I sent her a message and told her that I had a nice '65 Magnavox console record player and I told her what I wanted for it. She claimed to be interested and was all fired up about wanting to see it over the weekend. Guess what, I haven't heard a word from her.

Then, another friend told me that his cousin wanted a console with a record player and 8-track player. I told him about a TOTL '66 Philco-Ford that I had; but, I told him up front what I expected the final selling price to be and that if his cousin was willing to pay that; then, I'd dig it out and fix it. Otherwise, it can stay buried in the shop.

My Dad used to do woodworking as a hobby and he wanted his work to be as near-perfect as possible. People were all the time asking him to build items; but, they'd usually back out when he told them the price. Like the stereo's that people want from me, I think people assumed that my Dad could simply pull the needed lumber/materials out of his butt and since he was a hobbiest; then, he should do it for nothing.

I know I'm about sick of these people who want something for nothing. Concerning these stereo's, they are not likely to find one at a flea market/thrift store that is actually 100% working and ready to play. Anything I sell will be working as good as it did the day it left the factory and my asking prices are often not much higher than what these clowns at the flea market want for their non-working junk. I know I don't have to tell most of y'all this; but, overhauling a turntable/record changer is often not cheap. By now, one can figure on an idler wheel rebuilt ($35), a new cartridge ($20-$30), and new motor mounts ($5), not to mention the labor involved in cleaning and lubricating the mechanism and any electronic parts that the amplifier/receiver chassis needs. So, I can't very well invest $75-$100 in these things and sell them for $10-$20 without seriously losing my butt. Yeah, it would be nice to still be able to run down to the local parts house and get an idler wheel for $3 and a cartridge for under $10; but, those days are over and these people need to realize what all is involved before claiming they want one of these things for nothing. It brings to mind that old saying, "people in hell want icewater".

I'm about to the point of not going out of my way to find stuff for people and just let them go pay $200+ on a plastic chinese Crosley that won't last six months.

your problem with the stereo's is old people die. Then their family members get rid of their stuff for nothing.

I got lucky with my allegro, paid $30 in pristine shape, but you are right. People are seeing those $25 and less prices for old console stereos and they think they're getting a working set when in fact i would say 80% of all craigslist antique stereos are broke.

[radiotvnut]

Actually, 80% of the stereo's that I see on CL are ones priced anywhere between $300 and $2000 by some clueless owner who has been watching too much "American Pickers" and thinks their mid '60's Magnavox Astro-Sonic or their '70's particleboard/plastic Electrophonic console with the flashing disco lights is worth a fortune.

Years ago, people would often give me nice looking consoles just to get them out of the way. Now, people usually want at least $50 for ones that don't even work properly. There are several such stereo's at a local flea market and the shop owner wants me to bring some of my stereo's down for her to sell on consignment. I told her that it probably wouldn't do much good, seeing as how she's got a half dozen of them that are not moving. She said that they all had problems and that she could have sold them a hundred times had they worked right. I told her that, considering they had issues, her prices were too high and I couldn't give $75-$125 for something that has issues, invest money into getting it working properly, and expect to come out on top. She agreed; but, said that they belonged to other vendors and she had to get whatever price they were asking. She said she'd sell mine on consignment for 20% and I may take some down there because they sure are not moving over here and with them being in her shop, I won't have to personally deal with these morons.

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by zeno

I am with you kid
Killing NTSC was one of the most wasteful & dispicable things the
feds ever did. Just wait for IBOC on AM, I hope that fails big time.

73 Zeno

I think they call it "HD Radio". It don't seem to be selling all that well. I once heard it interfering with an analog AM station I was listening to on a road trip. I had to do some MAJOR tweaking of the tone controls to get it listenable. Those pulsed tones are damn annoying!

Some of those folks who want cheap consoles don't know bleep about how they SHOULD work in working condition and think if all the knobs and the platter turn and it spits out audio of some kind that means it works.

There are also others whose eyes are bigger than they're wallets...If you get the phrase I'm bastardizing.

I'm in the later camp sometimes....For instance I have two Heathkit A-7E 7Watt monoblocks that I LOVE the sound of, and want two more of for quadraphonic/dolby surround operation. I couldn't find one, even a project set, for less than 100$ back when I had that to spend. I'm now trying to make an OTL tube amp out of some obscure sweep tubes(to the audio phools who drive tube prices insanely high). Just about everything I need I have or can get cheap, but I'm having a heck of a time sourcing lytics of the values I need in a price range I can afford....It's getting to the point where I'm probably going to have to sell stuff to have funds to do stuff.

[zeno]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

I think they call it "HD Radio". It don't seem to be selling all that well. I once heard it interfering with an analog AM station I was listening to on a road trip. I had to do some MAJOR tweaking of the tone controls to get it listenable. Those pulsed tones are damn annoying!

Thats what they call it. Its IBOC "in Band On Channel" Like TV a very short
range maybe 50 miles on a 50kw station then it switches back to normal AM.
We have no local AM at night here so it really gives us grief. Both
sides of the stations using it get wiped out by static.

The root of the problem is the FCC isnt run by "radio men" anymore.
A bunch of lawyers & political hacks. The goal is no longer good
communications, compatability & common sense...........

73 Zeno

[Electronic M]

Originally Posted by zeno

The root of the problem is the FCC isnt run by "radio men" anymore.
A bunch of lawyers & political hacks. The goal is no longer good
communications, compatability & common sense...........

73 Zeno

Ain't that the truth!

[wa2ise]

Originally Posted by zeno

The root of the problem is the FCC isnt run by "radio men" anymore.
A bunch of lawyers & political hacks. The goal is no longer good
communications, compatability & common sense...........

Been that way for years. Just think about the AM stereo debacle back in the 80's. Several methods were proposed, and did the FCC select one? No, they let the "marketplace decide". And as noone knew which would be the winner, everyone held off buying any equipment for transmitters, and the public didn't know what radios to buy, or even the radio manufacturers waited for a winner to happen. Thus nothing happened. Eventually the CQUAM system was selected, but by then music had pretty much disappeared off AM and nobody cared at this point. Then IBOC came up (seems it's not comparable with CQUAM...

No wonder why we called them the "Funny Cookie Corp"...

[NowhereMan 1966]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Bringing this subject back up, someone recently gave me a nice RCA 26" CTC177 console that needed minor repair. The cabinet is nice, it has A/V jacks, and the picture is excellent. I've advertised it for $50 OBO and not a single call. I'd probably give it to the right person; but, even giving away a console is getting hard to do.

Lately, people have been claiming that they want a good console stereo to play their records; but, what they really should say is: "We want a '60's console stereo in excellent shape for $10". I guess these people think that I should be able to find them at a yard sale for a dollar or two and then magically pull the parts needed to fix them out of my butt or they think an overhaul only involves replacing the stylus and hosing down the turntable mechanism with WD40. Just last weekend, a friend of a friend posted on facebook about how she'd love to find a '60's console record player so that she could play her Beatles records; so, I sent her a message and told her that I had a nice '65 Magnavox console record player and I told her what I wanted for it. She claimed to be interested and was all fired up about wanting to see it over the weekend. Guess what, I haven't heard a word from her.

Then, another friend told me that his cousin wanted a console with a record player and 8-track player. I told him about a TOTL '66 Philco-Ford that I had; but, I told him up front what I expected the final selling price to be and that if his cousin was willing to pay that; then, I'd dig it out and fix it. Otherwise, it can stay buried in the shop.

My Dad used to do woodworking as a hobby and he wanted his work to be as near-perfect as possible. People were all the time asking him to build items; but, they'd usually back out when he told them the price. Like the stereo's that people want from me, I think people assumed that my Dad could simply pull the needed lumber/materials out of his butt and since he was a hobbiest; then, he should do it for nothing.

I know I'm about sick of these people who want something for nothing. Concerning these stereo's, they are not likely to find one at a flea market/thrift store that is actually 100% working and ready to play. Anything I sell will be working as good as it did the day it left the factory and my asking prices are often not much higher than what these clowns at the flea market want for their non-working junk. I know I don't have to tell most of y'all this; but, overhauling a turntable/record changer is often not cheap. By now, one can figure on an idler wheel rebuilt ($35), a new cartridge ($20-$30), and new motor mounts ($5), not to mention the labor involved in cleaning and lubricating the mechanism and any electronic parts that the amplifier/receiver chassis needs. So, I can't very well invest $75-$100 in these things and sell them for $10-$20 without seriously losing my butt. Yeah, it would be nice to still be able to run down to the local parts house and get an idler wheel for $3 and a cartridge for under $10; but, those days are over and these people need to realize what all is involved before claiming they want one of these things for nothing. It brings to mind that old saying, "people in hell want icewater".

I'm about to the point of not going out of my way to find stuff for people and just let them go pay $200+ on a plastic chinese Crosley that won't last six months.

It's a shame people do not want the old consoles anymore. Mom loves the old console TV's and if we needed one and I had the money (and if you were closer), I'd consider your RCA. I have nothing against these new flatscreens, they are good for small areas to save space as well as maybe a bedroom TV, but I like the old consoles and so does Mom. Mom says that if we had to, she'd rather fix the old 1982 Zenith than buy a new one if it came down to it.

[NowhereMan 1966]

Originally Posted by andy

Most people who watch much TV have cable or satellite, so the digital signal problem is really a non-issue. I can't think of many people I know who use over the air TV. Still, I can't blame people for not wanting to pay much for CRT TVs. There are so many of them out there that the market if flooded. Even before flat panel TVs, the market for used CRTs was in sharp decline. Then there's the weight of a big CRT, and the fact that most of them aren't HD. Most importantly, flat screen TVs are finally affordable after decades of hearing that they are just a few years away. It's hard to believe that about a decade ago, a flat panel TV cost as much as a car, and now they're cheap enough for almost anyone to afford.

Yeah, there are times I wonder if there is a conspiracy, but then again using Occam's Razor, it is just the free market bringing down the costs of flatscreens. They have their purpose, I think any CRT TV over 25 inches is too heavy for me, but I still like the CRT TV's up to 25 inches. At least our 1982 Zenith console has wheels, the 25 inch Sony BPC, I think I need two extra guys to get it out of here.

[NowhereMan 1966]

Originally Posted by jbivy

But im an odd guy, i want to drive my 55 stude till the day i die. Get my old 1980 magnavoz's vertical problem solved, so she can be my living room tv again. Get my 1950 motorola as my bedroom tv. Try and keep them alive forever. So i realize im not usual.

Yeah, I'm with ya. I'm 46, will be 47 next month so I'm more of a "1980's kid." With all the problems going on, I feel like we are headed in the wrong direction as a society (OK, I'll stop, I'm getting close to the political line but it adds to the story), Mom fighting breast cancer and me looking for work again (although it helps me out now with Mom since I have to take her to umpteen doctors but unemployment doesn't last forever) and so on. Sometimes it is cool to fire up the 1982 Zenith and see old shoes on MeTV, ION Qubo and others such as Knight Rider, He-Man, She-Ra, Bravestarr or if I go cable, the Smurfs on Cartoon Network, even for a brief time I can think myself back 30 years and all is right with the world, even a few minutes of bliss helps calm me down.
Yeah, before my layoff and Mom's cancer, we were going to buy a new flatscreen and used the old Zenith as the second TV in the back, but since my aunt's Sony died, Mom said, "bring out the Zenith!" At least it's free.
It feels kind of cool watching the same TV as I did when I was in 10th grade, we bought it just before the last episode of MASH was broadcast along with Michal Jackson's first Moonwalk.

[NowhereMan 1966]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Yeah, had she not mentioned a hubby, I would have asked her on a date (LOL, NOT!!!!!!!!!!!)

You'd have to beat me to it! I might have had a wife if I showed her my Zenith.

[NowhereMan 1966]

Originally Posted by zeno

I am with you kid
Killing NTSC was one of the most wasteful & dispicable things the
feds ever did. Just wait for IBOC on AM, I hope that fails big time.

73 Zeno

I think IBOC on AM is on its way out, I don't hear as much IBOC om AM anymore. I know when KDKA-AM ran it, it walked all over CRFB 1010 (Toronto) and WBZ 1030 (Boston) now I can hear htem again.

[Ronald1973]

Here's what kills me.

I have my parent's old Magnavox console stereo from the 70's. I know the whole argument about a magnetic cartridge being better, etc. but that thing sounded darn good.

About 20 years ago my dad asked me what work it needed and he would take it to the shop. Okay, turntable needs lubed and idler wheel replaced. 8-track is acting funky. Volume control is bad. Needs new cartridge and needle. Oops, I'm NOT spending that much....it can sit as far as he was concerned.

Fast forward a few years later and he and Mom divorced. He got the stereo and the next time I saw it, the arm that held up the records was broke as well as the tonearm hanging off. How it got in that shape is beyond me.

About 10 years ago he called me and told me he was going to trash it and if I wanted, I better make post haste and get it. I used HIS truck to haul it back.

It still needs the same work it did as I've never fixed it. Well, I did send the 8-track off to a guy in Oklahoma who fixed it but it's back doing the same thing now and dragging really bad. I bought a Micromatic changer from eBay to cannibalize for parts but I'm lost on trying to interchange stuff like that. It will fit in the same spot but it plugs in different and it won't play 78's. I have a ton of 78's.

Eventually I'd like to find someone to recap the whole thing and fix it back up. The radio works on it (though it's only FM Mono now.....tech friend of mine who is the son of the guy who sold it to my parents said it needs to be recapped) and my son uses it in his room at night. It would be such a kick to have it back working again!

[radiotvnut]

Two weeks ago, I took the RCA console TV to a consignment shop/flea market in which I know the owner. He said he'd sell the TV for me and keep 30% of the price for his efforts. He marked it at $65; but, I told him that I'd be fine with whatever it sold for. Of course, two weeks later, that set and all the other BPC/SPC sets are still there. My 19 year old friend who was with me asked me what that console would have brought 15 years ago and I told him $150-$200 without much waiting around for a buyer. My friend is one of the few young people today who thinks like I do. He has an early 2000's off brand 27" set and he sees no reason to replace it with something new. He said that for what a new TV cost, he could better invest that money elsewhere. OTOH, he has a sister-in-law who is the exact opposite. He said that her parents gave her everything she wanted growing up and that now she expects, and gets, the same thing out of her husband. He said his brother would be fine with whatever he can get; but, it's easier to give in to her than to tell her "no". He said that just yesterday, she was planning to buy a 70+ inch TV that "only cost $1200", while they have a perfectly good 46" flatscreen that isn't that old. I'll tell you what, if I ever get a woman like, I'll be giving her back to whomever she came from.

My other friend still has the two 13" TV's with remotes and instruction books, priced at $15/each, with no interest. The closest thing he gets are those people who claim they'll be back on the first of the month; but, they never come back. All I can say is that if they're not willing to pay a lousy $15 for a working color TV; then, they don't need one in the first place.

I've still got a 19" Orion color TV that I fixed out of my junk stash; but, I'm getting tired of advertising it for $20 and not one single bit of interest. Therefore, I'm almost ready to perform the "durability test" from the roof of my shop with that one. Hell, if the SOB ain't worth $20; then, I might as well have some fun with it.

About two weeks ago, a woman called to say that she had two BPC TV's she'd give me if I would haul them off. I told her I'd take them; but, honestly, I can't even get up enough ambition to pick them up because I know they would just sit here from now on.

[wa2ise]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

I'm 19 and I refuse to get an HDTV because the way the FCC (I call em the F'n Commy Comission).

I call them the Funny Cookie Corporation...

[rca2000]

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Seriously, I stopped worrying about finding a date a long time ago. I'm now to the age where I'm getting grumpy and I'm used to my daily routine. If it happens, that's fine; but, I'm not going out of my way to make it happen. Most girls today are only interested in status and money. If you can't provide those "basic needs"; then, you haven't got a chance in hades. And, it's sad that many marriages today fall apart because of selfishness and lack of commitment on one, or both, parties involved. You know, grass looks greener on the other side; so, I'M OUTTA HERE!

I stopped worryiing about finding a date a long time ago too. I too am getting too old and set in my ways too.


Besides...I have someone in my life, who I consider family who is VERY attractive and caring towards me. WHile we can't get romantically involved (she IS married), we are VERY close in almost EVERY other way. Probably closer than 80% of couples out there today, surely those under 30. We share nearly EVERYTHING with one another. She meets about 85% of my needs in the girlfriend area, so the other 15%--the actual physical part--I CAN do without!!

Recently, I got sick quite suddenly a distance from home, and had to be rushed to the hospital. i was there for 2 weeks. When I woke up back to consciousness that second day--who was there, bu8t my mom, sister--and Laura. She had driven herself and my mom and sis to see me. a 100 MILE drive to Columbus Ohio and THEN she had to leave that day to go to work...but came BACK the next day...after having gone to my house to bring us a few things we needed to stay there awhile!! NO ONE ELSE--family or friends--came to see me. Now THAT is a TRUE friend!!


A pix of her from about 6 weeks ago::