Classic Hifi Care

Here's a few Craig's list finds I discovered this morning.

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ele/ ... 61139.html

https://centralmich.craigslist.org/ele/ ... 60793.html

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/atq/ ... 27586.html

Bill

3 interesting finds. The highest-quality, the Fisher, is also the ugliest. I had a mono Columbia portable that I sold when moving, and it produced surprisingly good sound. The stereo model shown is handsome, at least. The Philco seems to have a more sophisticated changer than usually offered.

Chris Campbell

Does anyone know who built that changer? It is not VM. Possible Philco? I can't remember if Ken said Philco or Admiral built their own changers? Maybe it's a Garrard or Dual?

Bill

Looks like it has adjustable arm bearings, a counterweight, and an antiskating weight as well.

Chris Campbell

Agree that isn't the most attractive Fisher but it was the second in line to the President that year. The lowboy style didn't translate well in the solid state years. Still probably sold for about 2k new...

Again, typical late 60s over the top "style"...

Reminds me of the cherub swag lamps with the oil "raindrops" that ran down clear fish line...

Fisher may have had the electronics, but their cabinets were not the most attractive. Most of them look like dressers. I liked the Philco. Wonder if it is solid state? I'm not going to guess on the changer.

Mid to late 60s, I have to agree but all furniture seemed to go downhill.

Many Fisher cabinets were made by Widdicomb so the quality was definitely there.

I believe the second one is all Panasonic... I have been in contact with that seller on this and they would not budge on the price... it started at 200 bucks ... at least it looks just like the Panasonic I posted on here about 3 or 4 months ago... the Fisher regent is the same as mine , but different grilles and color ... called the window seat model... I saved mine from the curb ....has down firing woofers... the far right lid should open for a R2R to sit there... the amplifier is SS model R-31 which is identical to the SS amplifier in the ambassador T-69... only the controls are in different locations on the face plate... one site claims 75 watts per channel , another claims 100... I say neither ... I think it is about 40-45 per channel tops ... but it sounds good... Wish I had a copy of their owners manual ...

You mean the Philco is a Panasonic? I know the R to R says Panasonic. That would be interesting if the whole thing was a Panasonic. Did Panasonic buy the Philco name at one point?

Bill

It does have a Panasonic look to it (the tuner/amp controls), and that would explain the R to R deck and maybe the changer too. The console is handsome. I'd call the price a fair one these days, even if my target price is still $-0- (free).

Chris Campbell

By the wear around some of the knobs looks like it has been used. That could be good or bad.

Bill

That CBS columbia must have been associated with their record club(s). It's interesting that they had to use English suppliers after divesting themselves of their manufacturing business.

At one point, Columbia had Magnavox build consoles for them. I have a little single ended console that is badged Columbia, but, I have seen the same model badged Magnavox. And, the Sam's for that model says Magnavox.

Bill

Bell & Howell also made consoles for Columbia. I'd kill for a Masterpiece...

Masterpieces are quite nice. I have seen photos and they were definitely high end. If I remember correctly there was a guy on the old forum that had one? If memory serves the same guy had a Fisher President too? Does anyone remember who I'm trying to remember?

Bill

I remember he had both but can't remember the name. I know who you're talking about...

The Fisher R-31 is the same as the 220T component version save for aesthetics. Good rcv'r, my Dad had a 220T that he bought in '67 and on my last visit to him in FL in '95 it was still working fine with the original AR-3s he bought at the same time. That Fisher was pretty underpowered for ARs but despite my abuse as a teen it all survived quite well.

Perhaps the former Vintage member with the Masterpiece and the Fisher President was the guy from Milwaukee who was a global moderator on the forum. I don't remember his username, but he lived in a trailer park and had his place full of consoles. I bought a Multiplex adapter from him and had to have Pat intervene in order to get my item. I wonder what ever happened to him and David Ventura (82-00-00) who was the other moderator? I believe that was his President that was on the header of the old forum.

That's the guy, thanks Greg!

Bill

A little research shows the Fisher Regent to be model R592. It's from 1967 and sold for $949.50. It had chassis 31R and the changer was a Dual 1014. It looks like all the Regent models in 1967 were the long low style.

Bill