Beautiful Barzilay Stereo Cabinet

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">I usually don't post ebay items on here but thought I'd do this one. I have always been a big Barzilay fan since high school. Made here in Southern California (I think), they had such beautiful designs and used the nicest hardwoods. As I recall they were pricey. This cabinet is currently on ebay attractively priced at $125. If I didn't already have a 3-piece Barzilay contemporary cabinet that's currently roaming around my house looking for a home I'd buy this. Granted it has a "ring" on the top but being solid wood it's not all that difficult to repair. The Technics speakers are probably from an inexpensive stereo but the cabinets are easily adapted to something that's more "audiophile quality". The cabinet is located in Monrovia, about half way between Ontario and Los Angeles.</span>

 

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">PS...The seller told me he is moving and needs to sell. He is willing to take almost any offer. Be still my truck & checkbook!</span>

[this post was last edited: 9/29/2017-12:46]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mid...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

[brucelucenta]

Very beautiful cabinet.

 

[kb0nes]

It looks like a console that will take 5 minutes to get through the door it is that l-o-n-g...

I suppose that is one way to get stereo separation!

What would be the vintage of a piece like this? It sounds as if all the original innards except the turntable are gone.

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">I would say mid to late 60's. Unlike a brand-name stereo console, there were no "original innards". You purchased the cabinet for your fine components. There may have been Barzilay cabinets available with components already installed.  I'm not sure. Heaven forbid I would say something that's not accurate and have rocks thrown at me. I bruise easily. </span>

 

<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Being addicted to buying big stuff you have absolutely no room for is a kind of disease.</span>

[this post was last edited: 9/29/2017-19:29]

 

[ovrphil]

HUGE ! 80 inches!? And yet, we've seen larger "Yacht-size" consoles.

 

[tolivac]

Or is it "aircraft carrier" sized Hi-Fi consoles!At least they provide a Garrard TT and Technics speakers--rest up to you.The console is VERY nice-looks like REAL wood!

 

[firedome]

we had this identical cabinet...

it came with a Fisher receiver, Dual TT, and TOL University tri-axial speakers. A fellow in VT had it shipped from Cali. when he moved there, we bought it from his widow. These were among the finest Hi-Fi cabinetry made! Mr. Barzilay allegedly had Hollywood movie connections but not sure exactly how. The ensemble was about 7 to 8 ft long!

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">Relisted for $20!!! I can't stand it. The broken vintage Garrard changer is worth that. I need a larger home.</span>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mid...ereo-Console-Garrard-Turntable-/332398305044?

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ff0000;">It's no longer $20. It's FREE. The seller told me he needs to clear his apartment by the weekend. </span>

 

[firedome]

Free! ...

it must bee because no one has room for this monster - and believe me it weighs a ton. While ours had speaker sections that were separate (but matching) from the central section, this one is all 1 piece. Otherwise it looked identical, except on ours the wood was stained a slightly lighter color. This cabinet would cost a fortune today, if you could even match it's quality. Someone grab this thing!

 

[tolivac]

If you want the console--should you bring your truck and forklift?Would hate to see it get chopped up into firewood.

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #008000;">I'm glad it was sold, even for free. The seller seemed like a nice guy. I posted this same info on a vintage audio electronics group Facebook page I belong to thinking they might find a Barzilay cabinet like this desirable. The group's page is filled with photos and posts about things like Sears console stereos and other assorted cheap stuff. It's not all Macintosh and Klipsch. They laughed at my mentioning this cabinet. I guess their members don't have the ability to appreciate nice stuff the way people do here.</span>

 

[firedome]

Found Mr. Barzilay's info:

I knew I'd read about a Hollywood connection back when I had the cabinet and researched it, pretty interesting. I watched that show all the time in the '50s but don't recall any piano player - then again I don't recall a lot of things these days!

"Obituaries - March 15, 2006
The Hollywood Reporter

Ira S. Barzilay, the piano-playing member of the Our Gang and Little Rascals comedies, died March 4 of a heart attack. He was 86.

Barzilay, a child prodigy on the piano, also was featured in the 1933 Shirley Temple film "Dora's Dunking Doughnuts."

A decorated war veteran of World War II, he served as a captain in the Corps of Army Engineers and landed in Normandy on the second day of the Allied invasion. After the war, he founded the Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing Co. and operated it for more than 40 years."

Quite a life!