06-13-2012, 07:31 AM
Hi guys,
If you've read any of my other posts you know I purchased a 38-690 which became a money pit and after spending 3,400 I'm still far from satisfied. The restorer, I think, was way over his head with this set. It came to me with hum so loud you can't enjoy it, poor tone, and only fair selectivity. The refinish job was only fair and even the rolltop sticks to badly you think it might break if you move it! My only hope is to spend more to have it fixed right and sell it, I think.
NOW---I have offered to me what has been described as a "museum quality" 37-690 with great original finish, all original parts, and total electronic restoration by one of the top technicians, and performs beautifully with excellent sound.
To avoid getting caught in another mistake, I'd appreciate some frank advice. j
1-I know the 37 is rarer (how much so?) but is it more desirable? One can have a rare set but if it's not desirable, then chances are it never will be. I'm just guessing but the 38 might be more desirable since it arguably has a more handsome look/
2-I have seen prices on these from "as is" to excellent to fully restored vary from 300.00 up to 4,500.00 refinished.
3-This set is priced at $3,700.00 Is that top dollar and is there any hope of at least getting back my investment down the line?
4-Many here feel the 37 is a better set.
5-The best restorer I know wants $1,500.00 for a full job, the best refinisher $1,500.00--so that's 3K already not even including cost of the set.
6-Do you think, as I suspect, that refinished sets these days will bring more since the average person (and not purists like many of us) want everything looking like new?
7-Which one do you think a wife would like? (that's just a joke!!)
I would appreciate any info you can provide. After buying about ten radios since I got back into this hobby I have learned two thing--think before you leap and unless a radio is of the highest rarity, more will come along!!
Sam
If you've read any of my other posts you know I purchased a 38-690 which became a money pit and after spending 3,400 I'm still far from satisfied. The restorer, I think, was way over his head with this set. It came to me with hum so loud you can't enjoy it, poor tone, and only fair selectivity. The refinish job was only fair and even the rolltop sticks to badly you think it might break if you move it! My only hope is to spend more to have it fixed right and sell it, I think.
NOW---I have offered to me what has been described as a "museum quality" 37-690 with great original finish, all original parts, and total electronic restoration by one of the top technicians, and performs beautifully with excellent sound.
To avoid getting caught in another mistake, I'd appreciate some frank advice. j
1-I know the 37 is rarer (how much so?) but is it more desirable? One can have a rare set but if it's not desirable, then chances are it never will be. I'm just guessing but the 38 might be more desirable since it arguably has a more handsome look/
2-I have seen prices on these from "as is" to excellent to fully restored vary from 300.00 up to 4,500.00 refinished.
3-This set is priced at $3,700.00 Is that top dollar and is there any hope of at least getting back my investment down the line?
4-Many here feel the 37 is a better set.
5-The best restorer I know wants $1,500.00 for a full job, the best refinisher $1,500.00--so that's 3K already not even including cost of the set.
6-Do you think, as I suspect, that refinished sets these days will bring more since the average person (and not purists like many of us) want everything looking like new?
7-Which one do you think a wife would like? (that's just a joke!!)
I would appreciate any info you can provide. After buying about ten radios since I got back into this hobby I have learned two thing--think before you leap and unless a radio is of the highest rarity, more will come along!!
Sam
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