Sorry for the late intro...
My name is Bryan and live in Benalla Vic, I have been collecting Valve Radio since the mid 80s mainly small Mantle and timber sets 1930 -1950.Astor, AWA etc
I have been out of the game since 2000 but now returned to my hobby only to discover the price increase and now find it difficult to obtain certain sets which I used to pick up for $10 or $20 and now out of reach, but if you look hard enough something turns up like the recent find of a AGE bandmaster 657 high top in pretty good nick, only problem I have found is the dynamic speaker which needs re coning. I dont think I would ever find a replacement especially it being the same chassis as the R28 empire.
If anybody knows someone that could repair or have a replacement would be well appreciated...thanks all

Interesting to note that you are in Benalla.

I am Presisident of the Vintage Radio Club of NE Victoria.
We meet aternatively in Benalla and Shepparton.

I actually have a 1936 Bandmaster on the bench that I have no circuit for; unusual this one as it has predominantly metal octals in the front end & was built for them.

There are guys that advertise in the HRSA "Radio Waves" that repair speakers. Electrodynamics are like "Hens Teeth", however, if it is obviously working putting a new foam mount cone in it is a viable option.

I did repair a 1929 Lyric 70 Series (TRF), with a classic 1929 style "Rice Kellogg" Speaker which had a new foam mount cone......... What a sound

Marc

Thanks Marc

That 36 Bandmaster didnt happen to come from a recent auction in Benalla? as I was interested in a similar model.

I have just renewed my membership with the HRSA and still awaiting their latest Radio Waves mag so I will keep an eye out for that.

My set is the 5 valve octal from 1937 which appears to be in very sound condition, only problem being which I stated earlier, is that the speaker has been eaten.

I would be very interested in your meetings held here as my electrical knowledge is limited, that was my late fathers area of expertise, if you would like to email me details (shown in my profile) I will get back to you..

Bryan

The next meeting is in Shepparton 23rd July 1:30pm. Our Club info will be in HRSA info.

Bandmaster did not come from Benalla. This has 8 Valves & was made for metal type. Output is Push Pull.

If your set has never been touched it may well need checking. Paper caps will have invariably passed there use by date.

Marcc