[audiomagnate]

After around four months of collecting and restoring Philcos (and I confess one Zenith) I have decided to share some thoughts about my new hobby.
They're fairly random and unconnected so I'll just list them:

> This is fun! I've met a few "characters" and am enjoying the restoration work and listening to the finished product.
> These radios are um, affordable (I didn't want to say cheap). I traded $50 of repair work for my new 39-45, and there is less than $100, including restoration parts in my 48-86.
> I'm not hoarder, I'm a preservationist.
> I love the styling of the prewar radios, but I sure do miss FM on them. There are only three AM stations in town, two are nutball talk and the other is sports talk. I really prefer the programming and fidelity of FM.
> Grill cloth (it sure looks like re-purposed upholster fabric to me) is ridiculously overpriced and doesn't look original.
>Hooray for the folks making repro buttons and other parts.
>The variety of models, styles, features etc. is mind boggling.
Thanks to all the folks who helped me get my 48-86 looking and sounding great, and thanks to the folks who keep this site up.