rare Clairtone G2 stereo console $10,000. Cdn

[petek]

I'd love to have this but yikes the price...worse yet it's only about 1/2 mile from my house. So close yet so far.

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[tolivac]

WOW! Remember seeing one those Hi-Fi sets in a Hi-Fi shop in Wash DC in the late 60's.Was just looking didn't try it.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

These days when I see various sizes and types of vintage hi-fi, I have to at this point wonder about longevity and the costs and abilities of repair...

My tape deck is conning out again playing tapes too fast, so another deposit and near $300 was the last repair when the tape moved to slow as in not at all...

Phonos, too, it's needle replacement as I replace mine every two even years as it was 2018 when I'd bought my audio-technica, so here comes another > $100 I'll owe...

Still I'm always intrigued by these cabinet stereos (though prefer the newest) and even once saw a phono that allows the needle to be played on various parts of the record it can be programmed for...

-- Dave

 

[retro-man]

I have an mid 60's Zenith console with the 2 gram tracking arm. Replace the ceramic cartridge with a magnetic cartridge with a pre amp. Just had it rebuilt locally by a nice gentleman. He replace numerous ceramic filters and circuit board parts. Completely cleaned and lubed the turntable. He removed some additional wiring that was not needed. I guess this was like a studio model that you could add a mixing or sound board to it. Never used this option and he said it was a little touchy and would make some static when he moved it so we opted to just take it out. It sounds like it is new or better than new now. I had no idea how much this would be for cost so I was floored when I picked it up and was told the price was $147.00 I gave him $200 and said thank you so much. This gets used daily for at least 8 hours. It is perfect in cosmetic shape. He was impressed how well this was taken care of. He had it playing in his shop for a week after he repaired it. He said it was one of the best sounding unit he had ever heard. It still impresses me every day with the sound that comes out of it.

Jon

 

[petek]

[No message]

 

[delco1946]

Consoles out of style

I can’t say as I have any close friends with consoles, people just aren’t willing to set aside the space ( different priorities I suppose), but I have many record players and consoles can’t be beat if you get the right set. My 68 Maggie will shake the walls down. All that being said I’m a brand /quality snob. I wouldn’t bother with anything after around 1970 (when US brands started going downhill) and even 68 is pushing it ( but it was my grandmas pride and joy and thus it is my pride and joy). I have a 59 fisher next up to restore but that’s a pretty high end unit so I’m planning to get audiophile grade parts when I have time.

The set above looks a bit gimmicky (space agey) to me but that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t a performer. It’s original cost does suggest it was an mid level or upper mid level console. $10,000 is idiotic but it’s their right to attempt to sell it for whatever they want. If you’re charitable offer up to $500 if you’re in love with it, but unless it has some other value I’m not aware of ie fisher or McIntosh guts etc that’s pretty steep still. You want to get a new needle and service the changer. It’ll be transistorized by 65 so electronically it shouldn’t need much if stored appropriately.

 

[combo52]

I love that stereo

Hi Pete, it is a bit pricey I would do a little bit of research on the price and make them an offer if that were next-door to me I might even go for 10,000 if that’s a realistic price for it we’re getting older and we can’t take it with us. I would love to have that piece both for the styling and performance in my living room.

John

 

[combo52]

Fisher console stereo

Hi Christopher, I have this I think around 1960 Fisher console stereo in my living room. I’ve never tried to use it I know it needs some electrolyte capacitors.

Can you tell me anything about this unit? Is it worth having restored? It looks like it was a pretty good unit in its day, I found it at a Salvation Army thrift store. They were about to shove it into a dumpster and gave them $10 for it about 15 years ago. I would love to have it working if it’s a decent unit.

 

[combo52]

A few more photos actually I see that it’s probably a 1958

 

[petek]

Chris. I doubt that the G2 was a superb performer however that's not where the money is. It's the rarity of the cabinet and being able to own one which drives the price up There weren't a lot made in the big scheme of things. There were smaller table versions as well.
Growing up at that time my dad wouldn't have a console in the house if it was given to him. In the early 60s he built his own component setup with Heathkit & Lafayette parts. I remember him telling me then that with a console a lot of the cost was the cabinet and it probably was with this one as well.

 

[jamiel]

That G2 is pretty amazing, and with all the cool ephemera alongside---really neat. Clairtone is a pretty unique and interesting story; so sad they collapsed the way they did.

There is a stereo console hobby verrrry similar to AW to which I subscribe on FB--much fun.

Dave, presume you know Northern Electric on John R in Madison Heights---they're all we will let touch our Fisher console from 1964. Did amazing work for us.