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 At the Swap-Meet
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 Return to top of page · Post #: 1 · Written at 10:23:37 PM on 21 September 2019.
NewVista's avatar
 Location: Silver City WI, US
 Member since 10 May 2013
 Member #: 1340
 Postcount: 977

Went to a local radio swapmeet outdoors on parking lot. It was supposed to rain, but fortunately weather was clear and all vendors had lots of gear.

One guy had a MAJESTIC radio from ~1930? (1920's style tall legs, TRF, Push-Pull audio, heavy 8" electromagnet speaker) I asked how much, he said "aah, $20?" it was from his family and he gave history. I should have got it as I have the guts of another that had bad cabinet.
Would like to listen to 'Grand Ole Opry' show on this set (still on every Sat night from 650-AM WSM 50kw, Nashville.)

Not everything was cheap, one vendor had 1950's rack-mount GATES 'Compressor' and companion 'Limiter' unit (from broadcast station.)
Saw GATES gear at 4BH Brisbane when I took my BOCP ticket.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 2 · Written at 11:39:17 PM on 21 September 2019.
GTC's avatar
 GTC
 Location: Sydney, NSW
 Member since 28 January 2011
 Member #: 823
 Postcount: 6761

I should have got it

At just $20 can't go wrong.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 3 · Written at 6:09:53 AM on 22 September 2019.
NewVista's avatar
 Location: Silver City WI, US
 Member since 10 May 2013
 Member #: 1340
 Postcount: 977

Took a friend back to the table with the GATES gear as was definitely intrigued, but unfamiliar with its current status in recording industry (thought it may not be liked by the fickle/fanatical recording community.) As we arrived at table, guy said "both units just sold for $1100" as youthful (and knowledgeable) buyer was taking possession of units.

I was familiar with the cult-like status of the 1950's FAIRCHILD compressor but was sceptical of GATES. This Gates compressor was the mid 1950s version of around 16" rack height. Now looking online, in retrospect, I was very wrong, the items have fanatical status, prob worth 10x each what guy paid for them!


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 4 · Written at 12:10:32 PM on 22 September 2019.
Marcc's avatar
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5389

Long legs is a tallboy. If its got a modern style electrodynamic Rice-Kellogg speaker its after 1929.


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 5 · Written at 10:33:32 PM on 24 September 2019.
NewVista's avatar
 Location: Silver City WI, US
 Member since 10 May 2013
 Member #: 1340
 Postcount: 977

"If its got a modern style electrodynamic Rice-Kellogg speaker"

Yes, one at swapmeet had a Kellogg type speaker, and a patch of lifting veneerSad, tall legs like '20's 'Great Gatsby' furniture.

The spare MAJESTIC speaker I have at home says "Majestic Power Speaker model G-1" (8.75" OD, 1" VC, 12#weight) "for receiver models 71 to 89" (not sure what model it came out of?)


 
 Return to top of page · Post #: 6 · Written at 11:13:33 PM on 24 September 2019.
Marcc's avatar
 Location: Wangaratta, VIC
 Member since 21 February 2009
 Member #: 438
 Postcount: 5389

The last set I fixed with one of those was a Lyric70 series. Both you will find in "Rider".

This one had a transformer & something else on it which meant it al weighed in at around 22 pounds. It had been refitted with a foam mount cone and sounded really good, even that it was driven by a very expensive #50 Triode.

Fascinating plate voltage for 4.6 watts 450V plate; grid 1 -84V 7.5V AC filament (own winding) and a #24 wired as a diode to get the grid volts. Chassis 66 pound (30Kg) Modular service transformer & capacitor bank.


 
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