"shudder to think where it went next"-probably into the back of a rear load trash truck--tarp and all.Horrible ending for such a nice Hi-fi!Crushed at the prime of its life?
Zenith Console Stereo Turntable
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Perish, the thought, Rex!! It is amazing what I see at the curbside and also taken to the recycling center.
True recycling, I think, is repairing and keeping functional an old device or appliance, not crushing, burning or shredding it. Beside continuing its functionality, this keeps a piece of our history alive.
My cousin continually gives me a hard time about collecting appliances. I had just purchased a beautiful GE console stereo (about a 5 footer) at the thrift store and had it in my garage. He was laughing and shaking his head and rolling his eyes. Asking why and making fun.
He always managed to make fun and laugh at me in front of other members of the family, like at one of our family holiday dinners, when he had the biggest audience. Being introverted and taught to be polite, I always just sat there and took it. Of course, he is allowed to have his hobby, he collects antique vases, and small items like this. And he thinks this is just fine.
I finally, to my embarassment, I had it with his ridicule and let loose one day at the dinner table at my Aunt's house and said something to the effect "who wants an old piece of glass that never did anything but just sit there on the counter. Appliances are a part of our history and actually did something by serving us and helping to make or lives better. They didn't just sit there on the counter like a piece of junk. Who wants an old vase anyway."
I don't remember the exact words, as I was hurt and angry at being humilitated, but they were pretty close to this.
Now in reality, I don't feel that way. I can apreciate all forms of antiques and vintage items. But I was mad at the time. On the bright side, he hasn't given me anymore mouth about my hobby. (at least not yet.)
Just out of curiosity, any of you ever get a hard time from family members or friends from your collections of appliance, tv's steros, etc. ???
True recycling, I think, is repairing and keeping functional an old device or appliance, not crushing, burning or shredding it. Beside continuing its functionality, this keeps a piece of our history alive.
My cousin continually gives me a hard time about collecting appliances. I had just purchased a beautiful GE console stereo (about a 5 footer) at the thrift store and had it in my garage. He was laughing and shaking his head and rolling his eyes. Asking why and making fun.
He always managed to make fun and laugh at me in front of other members of the family, like at one of our family holiday dinners, when he had the biggest audience. Being introverted and taught to be polite, I always just sat there and took it. Of course, he is allowed to have his hobby, he collects antique vases, and small items like this. And he thinks this is just fine.
I finally, to my embarassment, I had it with his ridicule and let loose one day at the dinner table at my Aunt's house and said something to the effect "who wants an old piece of glass that never did anything but just sit there on the counter. Appliances are a part of our history and actually did something by serving us and helping to make or lives better. They didn't just sit there on the counter like a piece of junk. Who wants an old vase anyway."
I don't remember the exact words, as I was hurt and angry at being humilitated, but they were pretty close to this.
Now in reality, I don't feel that way. I can apreciate all forms of antiques and vintage items. But I was mad at the time. On the bright side, he hasn't given me anymore mouth about my hobby. (at least not yet.)
Just out of curiosity, any of you ever get a hard time from family members or friends from your collections of appliance, tv's steros, etc. ???
My family does, that I can safely say. It's okay to be interested, but don't get more than two of anything. That's pretty much their take. What I can't tolerate for a second is another collector with MegaTude, who can't recognize that some other people's collections are important to them, even though they're not filed and polished. I love high end collections, just don't make "lesser" collectors feel like garbage.
I hope your cousin got the message real good. My sister in law needs a tune up too.
I hope your cousin got the message real good. My sister in law needs a tune up too.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Just out of curiosity, any of you ever get a hard time from family members or friends from your collections of appliance, tv's steros, etc. ???
No, never. I don't really have a collection of appliances but I have always been interested in stereo equipment and amateur radio and computers. I started with washing machines just a few years ago when I found this website. It's amazing how much information I have learned here just reading the threads.
I have "repaired" a few dishwashers and washing machine "minor" problems for our neighbors. Now, whenever anyone has a question they call me and ask for advice. Things such as "What is the best washer out there for me?" Why does my DW not clean as good as it used to? Anyone remember the neighbor here who only used a small spot of liquid DW detergent in her DW? The spot was the same size as a dime in parameter and about as thick as a dime too..
When someone asks me about new machines, I usually send them here, or gardenweb.com or eopinions.com.
Speaking of stereo equipment I am amazed that to find a console stereo usually you have to visit a grandparents house. I am also amazed at the number of people who only have a radio in their house, no other method of music reproduction and no music collection. I thought EVERYONE had at least a "record player" (ouch!) For me, music has always been one of the things I enjoy the most in my life.
No, never. I don't really have a collection of appliances but I have always been interested in stereo equipment and amateur radio and computers. I started with washing machines just a few years ago when I found this website. It's amazing how much information I have learned here just reading the threads.
I have "repaired" a few dishwashers and washing machine "minor" problems for our neighbors. Now, whenever anyone has a question they call me and ask for advice. Things such as "What is the best washer out there for me?" Why does my DW not clean as good as it used to? Anyone remember the neighbor here who only used a small spot of liquid DW detergent in her DW? The spot was the same size as a dime in parameter and about as thick as a dime too..
When someone asks me about new machines, I usually send them here, or gardenweb.com or eopinions.com.
Speaking of stereo equipment I am amazed that to find a console stereo usually you have to visit a grandparents house. I am also amazed at the number of people who only have a radio in their house, no other method of music reproduction and no music collection. I thought EVERYONE had at least a "record player" (ouch!) For me, music has always been one of the things I enjoy the most in my life.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"True recycling, I think, is repairing and keeping functional an old device or appliance, not crushing, burning or shredding it. Beside continuing its functionality, this keeps a piece of our history alive."
This is my feeling, too.
One other point: older items are often better in various ways. Even after nearly 3 1/2 years here, I'm still a little amazed at how many older appliances out there have run for 30-50 years with only minor repairs. If even that. Not to mention the stories I regularly hear of new appliances that break young.
Stuff was also a lot more repairable once. I was talking to someone a couple of weeks ago. He's done appliance repairs in the past, but he's now stumped by one repair. He did something similar on a 1960-something Kenmore. But the modern appliance he can't see how he can do it. There is no space, and no easy access to the part in question. Except, one supposes, by taking the appliance completely apart. Or, as the maker probably hopes, just giving up and buying new.
And sometimes performance might be better or a better buy for the dollar. Some vintage audio equipment goes for amazingly high prices, simply because in the eyes (or actually ears) of the beholder, it does something or things better than anything made since.
This is my feeling, too.
One other point: older items are often better in various ways. Even after nearly 3 1/2 years here, I'm still a little amazed at how many older appliances out there have run for 30-50 years with only minor repairs. If even that. Not to mention the stories I regularly hear of new appliances that break young.
Stuff was also a lot more repairable once. I was talking to someone a couple of weeks ago. He's done appliance repairs in the past, but he's now stumped by one repair. He did something similar on a 1960-something Kenmore. But the modern appliance he can't see how he can do it. There is no space, and no easy access to the part in question. Except, one supposes, by taking the appliance completely apart. Or, as the maker probably hopes, just giving up and buying new.
And sometimes performance might be better or a better buy for the dollar. Some vintage audio equipment goes for amazingly high prices, simply because in the eyes (or actually ears) of the beholder, it does something or things better than anything made since.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"Just out of curiosity, any of you ever get a hard time from family members or friends from your collections of appliance, tv's steros, etc. ???"
Oh, indeed, yes. I don't have a collection of washers--but just having an interest may brand me as a freak in some people's eyes.
I have heard about other things, too. Years back, I was heavily into audio equipment. Back then, I had a component system with only a turntable, amp, and speakers. My father made three comments that I recall. As I best recall:
1. "Why does anyone go through this when they can turn on the radio?"
2. "Why do some people live in the past?" In other words, why does my crazy son still have records instead of the CDs everyone else has?
3. Then he said something to the effect that there was no future with the type of equipment I had. Maybe he was right--that is a complicated question. But it's not something he was qualified to discuss. His idea of high end audio was a car radio that got both AM and FM.
I also get the "you're crazy!" reaction with computers. I have a collection of older computers. It is a practically minded collection, since it was to support a software investment and document archives going back to 1980-something. Practical to me, but a lot of people thought I was crazy having a mountain of computer stuff. Others thought I was nuts because I continued using them.
Oh, indeed, yes. I don't have a collection of washers--but just having an interest may brand me as a freak in some people's eyes.
I have heard about other things, too. Years back, I was heavily into audio equipment. Back then, I had a component system with only a turntable, amp, and speakers. My father made three comments that I recall. As I best recall:
1. "Why does anyone go through this when they can turn on the radio?"
2. "Why do some people live in the past?" In other words, why does my crazy son still have records instead of the CDs everyone else has?
3. Then he said something to the effect that there was no future with the type of equipment I had. Maybe he was right--that is a complicated question. But it's not something he was qualified to discuss. His idea of high end audio was a car radio that got both AM and FM.
I also get the "you're crazy!" reaction with computers. I have a collection of older computers. It is a practically minded collection, since it was to support a software investment and document archives going back to 1980-something. Practical to me, but a lot of people thought I was crazy having a mountain of computer stuff. Others thought I was nuts because I continued using them.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"I am also amazed at the number of people who only have a radio in their house, no other method of music reproduction and no music collection."
Part of that today is, of course, the MP3 player revolution. I think a lot of people have shifted to iTunes/iPod.
But past that, I've been amazed at the "limited" audio systems I've seen over the years. I've seen the houses with only a radio. And even when there is something more, it's so often mass market junk.
I remember being in one house a few years ago that was an example of this. The couple were well off. Lexus on the driveway. Impressive house in an impressive development. One of the houses even apparently had some fancy custom garage built to support the Ferrari. And, in the house I was in, there was a Bose Wave radio in the living room. It was radio only--CD had been added by a Sony changer that might well have come from Circuit City.
Part of that today is, of course, the MP3 player revolution. I think a lot of people have shifted to iTunes/iPod.
But past that, I've been amazed at the "limited" audio systems I've seen over the years. I've seen the houses with only a radio. And even when there is something more, it's so often mass market junk.
I remember being in one house a few years ago that was an example of this. The couple were well off. Lexus on the driveway. Impressive house in an impressive development. One of the houses even apparently had some fancy custom garage built to support the Ferrari. And, in the house I was in, there was a Bose Wave radio in the living room. It was radio only--CD had been added by a Sony changer that might well have come from Circuit City.
whirlcool
Well-known member
One of the houses even apparently had some fancy custom garage built to support the Ferrari. And, in the house I was in, there was a Bose Wave radio in the living room. It was radio only--CD had been added by a Sony changer that might well have come from Circuit City.
It's so funny you brought those up. I almost included in my previous post that you'll often find only a Bose Wave Radio in a house. But it is so true! You'll find those almost anywhere. Most often in homes where the people can't really afford them.
Several years ago I did a volunteer project with the Houston Fire Department. We volunteered our time to go out and install smoke detectors in poor or senior people's homes. Some of these people had homes that were literally falling apart, but there usually was a Bose Wave radio sitting there. FYI we found a lot of people who already had smoke detectors, the batteries just were old and drained out. A lot of the people couldn't climb up to where the detector was located to change the batteries. I wondered, what did Bose do, sell these things door to door?
It's so funny you brought those up. I almost included in my previous post that you'll often find only a Bose Wave Radio in a house. But it is so true! You'll find those almost anywhere. Most often in homes where the people can't really afford them.
Several years ago I did a volunteer project with the Houston Fire Department. We volunteered our time to go out and install smoke detectors in poor or senior people's homes. Some of these people had homes that were literally falling apart, but there usually was a Bose Wave radio sitting there. FYI we found a lot of people who already had smoke detectors, the batteries just were old and drained out. A lot of the people couldn't climb up to where the detector was located to change the batteries. I wondered, what did Bose do, sell these things door to door?
Well,on that tarped Hi-fi-we can only hope it met a happier fate-maybe someone took it-tarp and all-and put it on their pickup or in their van and rescued it from the horrible fate of the trash truck.Lets just hope.Yes,as far as recycling goes-its better to give the appliance whatever it is-hi-fi or washer,vacuum,-a new home.I feel the same way on vases or "nick-nack' items-yes,we all may have such things-but appliance collectors like the MACHINES-those appliances that can do useful things-like vacuum cleaners,hi-fi's,washers,fridges,etc.so far no one has criticized my appliance collecting hobby.they often ask about what one they should buy,why it doesn't work and so on.I also like the appliances that go boom or bang-guns-they often ask me what sort of gun they should get for their deer hunting.And what sort of ammo to use.and on the Bose radios-----I HAVE ONE-in my bedroom.It has the built in CD player-the old flip top one.Bose sends me flyers asking me to trade it in toward the Bose radio with the slot load CD player like in my car.The old one is fine.My Mom has two,and my sister has three.I also have the Bose Acoustic Wave Portable Stero-this one is old-has the cassette player instead of a CD player-the Bose "Boombox"Use it with my computer.
I have a feeling the console stereo had a better fate than the Magnavox I saw on the driveway of a house that doesn't exist any more. I used to take that street on the way to work. It was a later model console, and it sat in a few rain storms before it was hauled off. The house wasn't there much longer, the mayor at the time had a ten lane parkway put in on that street, a few hundred retirees and starter families were displaced by that.
also on old hi-fi consoles-lets keep them alive-INTACT-not going to those clowns on eBay that strip them down and sell the components on eBAy.the unit is worth more WHOLE than in parts.Remember the components in these were designed to WORK TOGETHER!and yes-do have a TT-several,and records,CDs,and tapes of music to lkisten too-now I want to get--if I can win a lottery-a band organ and its rolls or books of music!Or a MIDI one!
Shabby Chic
A friend of mine told me that he caught some woman on eBay who found a 1975 or so Magnavox console IN the ORIGINAL packing crate/giant cardboard. So, she uncrated it, painted it white, and painted flowers on it. Asking price, $1300!!
She got reamed by a high end Magnavox collector, and the other high end collector. She ended up selling it to the friend who gutted it and trashed the cabinet! She got $50 for it!
A friend of mine told me that he caught some woman on eBay who found a 1975 or so Magnavox console IN the ORIGINAL packing crate/giant cardboard. So, she uncrated it, painted it white, and painted flowers on it. Asking price, $1300!!
She got reamed by a high end Magnavox collector, and the other high end collector. She ended up selling it to the friend who gutted it and trashed the cabinet! She got $50 for it!
whirlcool
Well-known member
Painted it white? She probably used cheap paint too. Sounds like she had no class!
You see these people on HGTV, take a careworn desk or dresser, splash whitewash, white latex on it, and call it Shabby Chic. Does not work on Classic Stereo Consoles!! One person who gave me what for once, painted a nice Sivertone console two tone pink, what a vomit maker that one was!
twintubdexter
Well-known member
...maybe the right style cabinet
...painted Chinese Red with a brass dragon here and there would make a statement...but not black with lime green trim on French Provincial, at least in my book.
from Craigslist...
...painted Chinese Red with a brass dragon here and there would make a statement...but not black with lime green trim on French Provincial, at least in my book.
from Craigslist...
It looks like it wants to eat us!!
looks like that Lime green trimmed Hi-Fi would glow in the dark!Looks like one of those barriers that the road dept puts in the area of the street where they are working to route and warn traffic!Oh that poor thing-what is wrong with folks who think that is nice and an improvement??HIDEOUS!If you get the poor thing-you would want to try to restore what it was before.Sadly--it may be hi-fi consoles like that that end up in trash trucks!
I've only seen two consoles near here that went to trash, hopefully the blonde Silvertone '50s console didn't get in the truck. It was left out after some unsuccessful attempts to sell it.
What bothers me is nobody has any grasp of the fact they need saving, even though they're not worth piles of money. If I can't get $500 for my biggest console, it's still not going to landfill or be turned into a bar or patio cart.
What bothers me is nobody has any grasp of the fact they need saving, even though they're not worth piles of money. If I can't get $500 for my biggest console, it's still not going to landfill or be turned into a bar or patio cart.
The Hi-fi consoles-like anything else are worth what it is to someone-to one person--may be worth a lot-to another-its worthless junk.Its in the eye of the beholder.I agree-hang onto as many as we can.I remember a Magnavox Hi-fi and TV left out on the curb in Manassas,va in my neighborhood.wanted it badly-but no way to get it home.Don't know what happened to it.Guess someone got tired of it in the house--did they get a new Hi-fi and TV?So--they curbed the old Magnavox one.Tried lifting one end of it while it was sitting there-and yes it was HEAVY!Would need aid of somekind to lift it onto a truck then unload it,put it in the house.A real dedicated appliance fan needs a large pickup with a liftgate and an appliance dolley.that would be a good tool to rescue curbed orphans.same with out my way in greenville-found two console 'fis--A Magnavox and a Zenith-the Zenith even had spare cartridges and stylus in the acceries bin by the TT.Went home-found a neighbor with a pickup---they were GONE!someone else had the same idea-the units had "free" signs pinned on them.Apologized to the neighbor I borrowed and his truck.the ones that got away-both were very nice.
