Advice for buying my first Boombox / Ghettoblaster

[BuffaloBill]

Hi all!
I'm new to the boombox racket.

I'm just wondering some advice on a boombox / ghettoblaster , that is worth saving pennies for.
Also, looking for advice on who might be a good technician to service them,
should something go wrong.

Kind of for Studio + Recreational use.

Basically, I'd prefer one really really good one [or maybe two] that does a whole range of things,
rather than a whole lot of them that maybe have a few special things about them. [not enough living space!Maye I will get more obsessed as time goes on, I don't know]

I am not [yet] much of a tech-head, and I am quite naiive about old boom-boxes.

Obviously should have the basics like
auxiliary in
and auxiliary out

Recording function.

Decent controls.

Maybe some chance of being able run a mic through it, or through some other interface connected to it.

Anything else you can recommend that I should look for.

I have no idea about tech stuff or what is good.

Any advice would be appreciated.

.....................

As an aside,
I'm after a decent turntable [doesn't have to be anything flashy, just so that it "does the job" of playing records [I'm not mixing or anything]. This is just for listening and fun.

I am also interested in 4-track / 8-track etc. recording devices [tape or otherwise]

I'm in Sydney.

Cheers!

 

[Gluecifer]

Welcome aboard, and taking your time to work out whats the best one for your needs is the best first step.

Being in Sydney, or .au in general, be aware that you'll see a lot big one piece radios on here that weren't sold in here.
Therefore if you're after one of those you'll need to look at importing one, so add $170-200 for shipping.

You can pick up a lot of classic models locally, I'd probably start talking to some of the .au collectors on here and see if
they'll sell from their collection to you. Radios bought off ebay will 99% of the time need to be cleaned and have their
belts replaced, if you only want to get a couple I'd look at buying already restored ones, you'll pay a bit more but it'll be well
worth it.

As far are as actually finding the particular boomboxes you're after it's worth making a list by browsing the Collections threads.
Take you time, read the reports about their features and sounds and you'll start work out a short list you can go off.

Theres' literally thousands of boomboxes out there, it's just a matter of working out what's going to be the best one for you.

Good luck!



Rock On.

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

Hi Buffalo Bill,

Welcome to the insanity that is Boomboxery.com

Be warned: This hobby is very infectious - it is highly unlikely that will be able to stick to 1-2 boomboxes

Most vintage late 70s & early to mid 80s boxes will have line in, line out, mic inputs, record facilities etc. Older boxes tend to have a better build quality but due to their age will often need more work to get right.

It seems the earlier the box, the more inputs and outputs you will have to play with. I would recommend starting with one of the Sharp GF series or Hitachi TRK series. You can go into the bigger 10D cell units if your budget allows. At this early stage I would probably steer away from trying to source 'grail' status units like JVC M90s and Sharp 777s etc.

You can get some cheap and great sounding 8 D cell units locally here in Australia on Ebay for less than $100 + shipping that should keep you happy.
The sound from some of these old school units provide can be truly awesome if you pick the right model and get it operating properly.

You may have to do some basic maintenance on some Ebay finds to get them working well. You will in most cases have to remove the rear case to gain proper access to volume pots etc as most will need some cleaner/lube. Every Ebay box I've bought has required maintenance to achieve 100% operational status.

Most of these radios have seen very little use in the past 20 years since the advent of CDs. They usually need a little TLC.

Of all the internal components of a boombox, the tape deck is the component that requires the most skill etc to get right. You can always just use the Line Ins via an MP3 player to get the party started and fix the tape deck later when your skill level advances.

It's great fun finding a sub $50 'non operational' box that, with some very basic maintenance can provide great sound at a price that won't break the bank.

Take your time and do a little research and I'm sure you will find the right box out there to get you started. Just do a search here at Boomboxery.com if you find a model out there you like. You will know pretty quick if it has a positive following here (i.e. if it's a desirable model).

I personally would much prefer a desirable model with a few issues than a fully opertional cheapo model that never sounded that great.

Here is a nice starter box on Ebay right now: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1980s-SHARP- ... 43b3b5bff5

Good luck,

James......

 

[Northerner]

For good sound, quality construction, nice looks, not too expensive, and real easy repair I'd go Sharp GF all the way

But you'll get a million different opinions!

Best advice really is when you see a box for sale you like the look of search Boomboxery for pictures and opinions before buying (as I have done every single time) and the members will keep you right!!!!

 

[BuffaloBill]

Thank you so much Gluecifer and James !

Today was a big day.
I picked up a non-operational Philips P-50 today. I suspect it's a bit of a nothing-box, but for $5! it's worth a gamble to see if I can get it working.
I don't know if there is a technician in sydney who I might be able to pay to help me....
I want to learn to fix things myself, but time constraints mean I might just need to pay someone if **** gets complicated, and if I'm spending proper money on a box I'd probably want it functioning.

Technicians in Sydney?

I picked up a couple of 4-Tracks today, so I am now in the market for good quality blank tapes! to record vocals and general sounds with.
Time to learn about good quality tapes!
This solves a lot of the recording problems for me,

If I could find a boombox with a mic input that would be great! One that is as much for making records as for listening.

Gluecifer :
Thank you so much!
Yes, I have to guard against my tendency to hoard cool ****....

I won't comment on every wonderful and educational point you've made because it's 1:13 am! And there are so many points, so I will cut myself short by saying this helped heaps, and thank you so much for a great general introduction for a lost cat!

Jimmy : Thank you so much as well!
I don't think I have the money for "grail status" anything haha. And I feel such things should end up in more deserving hands before I know what I'm doing.
Your point about 70's tech is very interesting.
As much as I love ipads,
Why is it that music physical tech has gotten so much worse since the 70's?

Sadly, I think this will contribute horribly to my tally of ebaying-hours :ebay:

I'm sure doing some research on these forums for common problems and solutions is a good way to learn to service a boombox.
I'll have to find some good reading material.

I want to write more, but I must sleep and be responsible!

Thank you all again!

 

[BuffaloBill]

Northener:
Thank you for those sharp points! Looks like I'm in the market for that Sharp GF, you pushed that point a little further.
I'm dumb. I like easy repairs!
If it's a standard, it's a standard.
I'll try and pick one up.

 

[Matrixambience]

Panasonic RX-5000 series are the most durable. Cassette decks use lots of metal parts, not plastic.

 

[baddboybill]

Welcome aboard Everything the guys said is very true. Picking up a cheap unit to get practice working on is always best. This way if you mess up your less likely to be upset.... Plus you will learn all the skills for cleaning and repair!!! Good luck


Bad Boy Bill

 

[BuffaloBill]

Matrixambience : Cheers! Durable is good! Might have to keep an eye out for one of those!

baddboybill : Thanks! I acquired a not-working Philips P-50 yesterday.
I'll have to search the forums for advice and things to check.

 

[alfie]

WES Electronics in Ashfield is where I take all my radios for servicing or repair.
If its a big job ($100 or more) they'll call you before they repair it to ok it with you.
I've probs taken 15 or so in and never have I paid over $100 (I've taken in some ba$tard repairs too )

 

[Brownlow]

Hi BuffaloBill

Welcome aboard BB. A lot of sharing of ideas, knowledge and experience will be able to assist you. You cannot go wrong here.

I would say Hitachis are a good bet along with the Sharps. But 2012 is the year of a steady price rise for Hitachi. Enjoy the pursuit, it's a major part of this hobby.

Cheers.

 

[Rhizoid]

For good sound, quality construction, nice looks, not too expensive, and real easy repair I'd go Sharp GF all the way

But you'll get a million different opinions!

Best advice really is when you see a box for sale you like the look of search Boomboxery for pictures and opinions before buying (as I have done every single time) and the members will keep you right!!!!

I second this! I love my 8989

 

[Zedman]

WES Electronics in Ashfield is where I take all my radios for servicing or repair.
If its a big job ($100 or more) they'll call you before they repair it to ok it with you.
I've probs taken 15 or so in and never have I paid over $100 (I've taken in some ba$tard repairs too )

WES is probably the only place around that would still have parts- I swear they must still have hoppers full of old cassette and VCR stuff.

Z