You can be sure... it sounds really good.

[paulg]

Latest project complete! The ultra-groovy Westinghouse MODULAR stereo.
Yes, for those who didn't want to look geriatric in 1967, you could have the modular equivalent of a console stereo. I'm sure this Westinghouse version sold like hotcakes in its day!
I bought all the pieces at Goodwill, at different times oddly. I think it was a matched set that was processed through the store at different times. I managed to get all the pieces.
And it did have its share of problems. The amp had a noisy AF amp transistor that caused an annoying crackle. A control had seized. There were goofy cosmetic issues like a glob of 1968 Bazooka gum that was stuck to the speaker. That was fun to fix.
The record-changer appears to never have been used but the cartridge was missing and the leveler arm and spindle were bent. I fixed what I could but Gary at VM Collectors got the original parts for me as the changer is a rebadged VM. The cartridge is now an Audio-Technica.
Some cosmetic work and now I have a fun den stereo - which is where I store my records.
Yeah, it doesn't sound quite like my Eico/Dynaco/Bose system but it works good enough to hash through records before I take them downstairs for an evening play in the living room.

 

[rockland1]

Westinghouse System

Very nice setup. I too restored an old turntable, a RCA 45 RPM player and got help thru the VM website. Very helpful people. Yours has a timeless look.

 

[ovrphil]

I like your shelving and the components. I love the vintage stuff for what it was - a reasonably solution for listening to music. It's not going to wow the socks off anyone, but that's the vintage experience. High end stereo is great and who wouldn't prefer it if they could afford it or someone practically gave it to them?

I applaud your interest to restore and use these. They are what they are - and nothing more. I like how you photographed the setup, too.

Thanks for sharing!

PBR (phil)

 

[bluejay]

That is an awesome stereo!  This is mine; it's in my office.  It's a Panasonic from '74 or '75.  I got it free from a friend of my fathers (the speakers came from a thrift store).  He never used it, because he couldn't get the turntable working.  There was a screw that was loose; I tightened it and it worked without issue.  I lucked out and was able to get replacement stylus' (styli?) from Radioshack.  It isn't the greatest sounding system, but on a nice day with the windows open, it works just fine.

 

The 8-track was never used and has only been used a handful of times by me, mainly since the 8-tracks seem to self-destruct. 

 

[retropia]

I understand that Modular Stereo Systems are all the rage with the Now Generation. You'll want to pop open a Pepsi and open a bag of those new-fangled Doritos chips while you enjoy listening to tunes on your new stereo.

 

[twintubdexter]

That little Westinghouse sure is nice. I love vintage modular stereos. These two are currently on ebay. It's too difficult for me to post links. They are both $250 and are pick-up only. The Wollensak is somewhere in Minnesota. The Motorola with it's cool round tuning dials (and turntable missing record stabilizing arm) is nearby in Rancho Cucamonga.

 

[paulg]

Dang!

I used to do business in Rancho. I'm no longer with that company though. I tended to stay at the Doubletree.
That being said, those modular stereos are fun. I also have an Admiral Penthouse that looks very similar to the Motorola. It is now being serviced.
FYI: the changer on the Motorola pictured is a replacement - but a good one. That Motorola is circa 1965 but the changer is more 1974. The replacement changer was a good pick as the original changer was likely a VM or Maestro and the replacements are quite compatible.
Bluejay's Panasonic was a great find. I remember those units from my days at "the shop". They were extremely reliable. When they did come in for service it was usually standard record-changer maintenance or 8-trak issues. Yours will work forever.
I completely agree that 8-traks (especially now) are a one-time-play sorta thing. Some people will argue this point but I have done good service on 8-traks and the tapes themselves just don't hold up their end of the bargain. Even in the 80's, 8-traks tapes cassettes were notorious sources of trouble.
I recently repaired a MacDonald 8-trak for my friend. The only test tape that I had that worked was "Nadia's Theme." I didn't know whether to throw up or switch to bell-bottoms. After repairs were done I advised her that I would never guarantee that any tape would play nowadays. In spite of that she is getting good use out of it.

 

[bluejay]

Paul,
I found your stereo in a couple of old catalogs. It was definitely pricey in its day! The 1st time it appears is in 1966; the second picture is from a catalog in 1968. It only came down $5 in price in two years!

 

[paulg]

Oh my gosh

THANK YOU! For finding those advertisements.
That is so cool.
Much obliged for the effort!

 

[112561]

Paulg

Congratulations, I have the same system, got the changer years later. I don't have it hooked up at the moment though. Plus, the two cats get too busy on non console units. Hope you're enjoying yours!

 

[twintubdexter]

Just about anything that's advertised as "DELUXE" has got to be good.

 

[norgeway]

I like anything!

That says WESTINGHOUSE!!! I have a 1964 Singer component set, made by KLH, and a Lafayette tuner , its a great little stereo, Garrard changer and all!

 

[whirlcool]

I had that Wollensak stero tape unit! It's a model 5900. The units had brackets on the back of them so you could hang them in a L t R line on the wall, and that's how I had them mounted in my room in 1969, the year I bought them.

The unit sounded really good. I was very happy with it. At the time I had a ton of reel to reel tapes. At the time Wollensak was made by 3M, Minnesota Mining. I remember we bought it at Allied Radio on Western Avenue. I believe it cost something like $299.00. Which was very expensive at the time.

The only difference between the one pictured and the one I had was that the speaker grilles were a tan tweed type material rather than gray.

 

[paulg]

I was wondering today how many of these exist.

At least I know one other system in this universe that exists beside mine!
Interestingly, I have two cats as well. However they don't seem to care about this stereo.
I am indeed enjoying using this vintage stereo. I'm catching up on some record-playing while in the den.
The Admiral system that preceded it has a changer problem that I couldn't ever fully nail. This VM changer was a breeze to fix.
Admiral changers aren't bad and usually don't give me too much trouble. Oh well, it is a rainy day project now and this Westinghouse is of much better quality.

 

[twintubdexter]

Hans (norgeway)

I'm sure you'll like this too. Posted some pics here about 3 years ago (tempus fugit huh?) This was made by Westinghouse Canada. I bought it from a little old lady who lived in a small travel trailer that was up on cinder blocks. It's still covered up in my garage awaiting cleaning and re-conditioning. Fortunately is has a small footprint and doesn't take up much room.

 

[ovrphil]

Joe -that's a novel but cool Westinghouse clock/stereo. I'm not as crazy about the clock as to how they packaged it...but thanks for posting, as I haven't ever seen that one before.

I'm also a modular vintage stereo fan, and have a variety of integrated stereos, including 3 Zenith, a Panasonic, The Fisher 60, Lloyds, and a couple others...but NO Westinghouse.

I love looking at the old modular stereo designs in catalogs; enjoyed looking at the Westinghouse ad.
Hmmm, wonder what a few CL searches will show up?

Not modular, but vintage of another time : Westinghouse Mahogany AM/FM/Phonograph Radio - $25 (Harrisburg Mall) -http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/atq/4498595170.html

[this post was last edited: 6/1/2014-21:59]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/fuo/4494175664.html

 

[twintubdexter]

That Westinghouse is certainly no fine old-world clock. It's the only thing I've seen with vertical stereo channels. I do kind of like the stylized numbers on the face.

 

[paulg]

Conversation starters for sure

I tend to enjoy the slightly odder units. That grandfather clock/stereo is a very fun piece.
That Westinghouse console is a bargain at $25.

 

[cfz2882]

westy home electronics

so far the only Westinghouse home electronics items I have are a ~1952 clock radio and a 1965"jet set"portable TV The TV is not in working order(totally dead)-a "rainy day"repair project for someday.Was Westinghouse done with home electronics by Ca.1970?-haven't seen anything newer than around that era.