I can remember when I had that much enthusiasm getting radios
I have found that no matter what radio I get, I will love and enjoy it but another model is always needed at some point to rekindle the excitement. As you have noticed, these radios are getting up there in price. I started collecting in 2012 with my Gold C100F and they were getting high then. I have heard some say that 2002 was the beginning of the price hike on 80s boomboxes. There is no way I could afford to own what I have now if I had to start all over. I feel bad for new collectors. The C100F was my first box and was working when I got it but cosmetically needed help. At that point I realized how much this hobby can cost. From that point on, the only radios I looked for were ones that needed a little mechanical help to get going or had a few blemishes. That made it affordable and rewarding at the same time. I say "affordable" but that was more just in purchase price. It's a gamble because you might go down the rabbit hole in repair. My blockbuster was one of these. Fix the mechanism only to discover the motor is going out, etc.. I have found that I enjoy the radios that I have repaired more than the ones that have not needed service. Which TBH is only the new ones. That leads me to another thing about collecting. Every single vintage boombox I have has needed to be on the operating table at least once. Which, when you get into this hobby is something you should expect with a 40+ year old device. You will eventually get where you want to be. I managed to get all the models I really wanted but then I always see another that I want. Telefunken Studio 1 for example
And while all of my radios work (meaning playing cassettes - AM/FM and all inputs / speakers functioning), it hasn't all been without some stressful moments.
Over time I found that the boombox is just the symbol of what is important. Every model has a reason someone might want/like it. Maybe they had one just like it. Maybe it reminds them of a time in their life they were fond of. Maybe it was in a popular movie or one that is globally known through its popularity. Maybe they like the features or maybe it is just to flex and say "Look what I got!" or a combination of all the above. Nonetheless, what I have come to know that is true mostly for me is, the radio is just an icon. The smile and fondness I have of the boombox generally always comes back to the atmosphere at the time which is generally the people who were or are still in my life or people like who are on this forum. I have gotten to know quite a few on here. When I look at a radio they helped me get working, it becomes more special because I think of those people when I use those devices. Most recently I look at the 3D head assembly and thank Caution and Superduper for the parts every time I load a cassette and press play on my Blockbuster. A few of my radios would not be working if not for their help and that further adds to the enjoyment. It's the memories.
Anyway, I'm writing a book here so I will end. The excitement just reminded me of the 2012 me
and why I started collecting. Obviously, these are just my thoughts. Others may have their own reasons outside of mine for why they collect.
. Thank y'all for your time, this is Jack Dowdy, signing off.
