"Thank you once again for the wonderful restoration of my radio: I absolutely love it! Everyone who has seen and heard the radio is very impressed with the quality of your electronic and cabinetry craftsmanship. The radio has already become a greatly treasured possession. It really has been a pleasure doing business with you!"

No, it's worth very little I'm afraid.

If you have a radiogram you wish to dispose of, however lovely, please do not contact me.  If you do, there will be no reply.

Radiograms and stereograms dating from the 1950s onwards are offered to vintage radio collectors constantly. They are often in beautiful condition, having been well-cared for all their lives and commonly become available as part of an estate, with executors desperate to find someone - anyone - who will take them !

Because of their bulk, unremarkable styling and the sheer quantity of them available, '50s and '60s radiograms are not sought after by collectors and are consequently of zero market value. If you wish though, the radio sections and cabinets (only) of pre-1950 radiograms (which are generally of higher quality) can be restored by me - and will provide a lot of pleasure as a centrepiece in the home. However I never purchase - nor accept as gifts - any radiograms.

What you can do is to:

1. Trawl the relevant sections in my directory for other possible buyers.
2. Try the local bric-a-brac or charity shop but don't expect too much enthusiasm.
3. Try advertising it in the local paper.
4. Break it up and sell the valves and knobs on Ebay.
5. Dump it at the tip.
6. Decide to keep it after all.
   
   

No. I am a restoration specialist. If first you need a radio to kick things off with, there are plenty of people selling 'raw' sets on their web sites and over Ebay. For example one reputable dealer, Steve Harris, can be found HERE. On my 'Radios For Sale' page you'll find direct links into the Ebay pages. Happy Hunting !   Once you've acquired your pride and joy; then's the time to bring it back here and I can transform it into a condition to use and enjoy.

WHAT ABOUT THE VALVES ?  CAN YOU STILL GET THEM ?  ARE THEY UNRELIABLE ?

Most valves (known as 'tubes' in the USA) are still available. Large amounts were originally manufactured and today these stocks are largely in the hands of specialist collectors and dealers. Since relatively few vintage receivers are in use today, this remaining stock will probably serve indefinitely. Just a few types of valve are now becoming rare and this is reflected in their prices. Otherwise valves remain plentiful and cheap.

It's a common mistake to regard valves as fragile and unreliable. Although it's obviously a bad idea to drop them, the fact is valves are far more electrically robust than transistors and will stand much more abuse. In general they're pretty reliable too. They don't 'pop' like light bulbs but wear gradually. Their average service life might be between 10 and 25 years for a set in regular use.

I HAVE A VINTAGE RADIO TO SELL. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY IT ?

No. However you might find clicking HERE useful to find out what your set is likely to be worth...

WHY DON'T YOU JUST REPAIR OR 'DO UP' SETS RATHER THAN 'RESTORE' THEM ? SURELY THAT WOULD SAVE MONEY.

To answer the question, it's far better to 'restore' rather than 'repair' sets for two reasons: the economic use of time - and set reliability. To take an example, imagine you brought in a vintage set for repair with the instructions: "Just get it going".

First, I would have to spend an appreciable amount of time in fault-finding - usually working through one fault after another. This process would work out more expensive than the standard 'component replacement' method I currently use. Also, once you've 'woken up' an old set by curing the faults, a lot of stress wiil be put on the other (original) components.The end result would be a set which would be likely to go wrong again, making it impossible to guarantee and later on even more expensive and troublesome for the customer. So, if you want a reliable job which will give peace of mind, there really is no alternative to a full 'silver' or 'gold' overhaul.

BUT IS IT WORTH HAVING MY SET RESTORED ?

As the number of my completed restorations heads toward the thousand mark, it's certainly interesting to consider why so many people have considered the answer to this question to be 'Yes'. There are at least three ways of looking at it.

The first is to ask: "Would I get my money back if I were to sell the restored set on the open market ?"

The answer here generally is "No". The situation is analogous to having a much-loved old car restored with the aim of enjoying using it again, rather than just storing it as an investment. Although the market value of your set would certainly increase substantially once restored properly, just like with classic cars only if it is a rare sought-after model would you find the value (say at auction) had increased so much that it would pay back the restoration fee.

The second approach is to ask: "What would it cost me to obtain something else which would be as useful, provide the equivalent service and carry a comparable guarantee ?

The answer here is probably "A decent home entertainment system." This would cost many hundreds of pounds, probably far more than the cost of restoring your valve radio.

The third is to ask "What else could give me as much pleasure in ownership, or have as much character, or would be as unique, or as well-made, or would carry with it as much history ?"

YOU SEEM TO BE AT THE 'TOP END' OF THE MARKET. DO YOUR PRICES REFLECT THIS ?

Yes. However, it's most important that I keep my prices keen for the level of service I provide and that my estimates are transparent. No business would grow or prosper otherwise. I have found the best way to gain new business is to receive recommendations (and repeat commissions) from my existing customers. Therefore I always try to offer 'something extra' in terms of value - to keep ahead of the competition. For example, nobody else in the business offers a lifetime guarantee.

When comparing prices, think of what you local mechanic or plumber would charge for a job taking a similar time - then you'll realise I am actually cheap!

WHAT SORT OF PERFORMANCE CAN I EXPECT FROM MY VINTAGE RADIO ?

There are two major types of performance to consider. These are: 'how good will it sound ?' and: 'how many stations will it pull in ?'  Vintage radios vary greatly in performance according to when they date from, who made them, and how expensive they originally were when new.

Broadly, most mains-operated radios manufactured after about 1934 will meet up with modern expectations. Before that, loudspeakers tended to be 'squeakier' and signal sensitivity poorer. Operationally too, very early sets can require care and a deft hand with the controls. And these controls may not do exactly the same thing as the Volume and Tuning we're all familiar with.

By 1936, domestic valve radios were, in the technical sense, fully evolved. Mid-market and up-market radios from the late thirties and on can give excellent sensitivity and tone. In fact the sound from these sets on 'AM' - that is the medium, long and short waves (for which they were designed) is generally far deeper and clearer than the sound from a modern transistor radio or ghetto-blaster - where AM is an afterthought and FM listening is primarily intended.

As for the question of 'how many stations' will there be, there are still a handful from the UK broadcasting on medium and long waves and many more receivable from abroad. Otherwise, results will depend on whether there are strong local stations and your local reception conditions. Urban and heavily built up locations will tend to suffer from more interference than rural, and blocks of flats with a steel frame construction will screen the signals, making them weaker and more prone to interference. These days, interference is most likely to come from poorly designed 'digital' gizmos around the house (and in neighbours' houses), and from switched-mode power supplies. If such problems rear their heads, there are various possible solutions. The first is to run a screened lead leading to an aerial wire placed somewhere beyond the spread of the interference. The second is to tune into the strong local-only signal provided by a Medium Wave Adapter (explained further down). Finally, if you're a real perfectionist, the Welbrook Loop is worth considering.

British-manufactured sets which always be counted on to give exceptionally good results include Murphy, Philips, R.G.D and Dynatron. But many others too will deliver really satisfying listening. And such radios need not cost a lot to obtain. In fact the more 'collectable' and valuable radios, where cabinet material and design are the primary considerations, also tend to be the poorer performers. It's a fact that you'll often get a better sound from that restored 'brown box' you originally picked up for a tenner than from a Round Ekco worth a thousand !  This is can be worth bearing in mind when deciding whether a restoration of your old set will be 'worth it'.

HOW CAREFUL WILL YOU BE TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINALITY OF MY SET ?

Very. However there are two things even more important. First and foremost is safety. Sometimes I will have to make discreet modifications, particularly to the power circuitry, mains cabling and earthing, to ensure your set will be completely safe - for your (and my) peace of mind. The other consideration is reliability. For example my 'gold' sets are guaranteed for life. This is far longer than even when they were new. So, many of the hidden under-chassis vintage components will be replaced. This is always done neatly and in workmanlike fashion. You also have the option to request that new components are hidden inside the old if desired.

Vintage radios one day will be centuries-old antiques. Just as the case is with such antiques today, evidence of professional attention previously received does not detract from their value but just becomes an intrinsic part of their long history. In the future I believe this will be how Radiocraft-restored sets will be seen.

HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE I GET MY SET BACK ?

For the past several years my backlog of work has remained steady at around four or five months. However, if you don't want your restored set back within this time-span you may specify any point in the further future which you prefer. For example, you might not need the radio for your classic car to be ready until the car itself is expected to be coming together, say in the following spring. Handing your set in a long time in advance has the advantage that I can generally plan accurately for a deadline far into the future and 'slot the job in' to be ready exactly at the time you specify.

Alternatively, when you require your set urgently this can sometimes be arranged too, since other customers might not be in so much of a hurry. Let me know your requirements. I can generally work something out.

I SHALL HAVE TO PACK UP MY SET FOR DESPATCH. HOW DO I DO THIS ?

If you can't bring your set to me personally, or don't want to use my transport service, then packing up and posting your set becomes the only option. This needs to be approached with great care. Your old radio may have a fragile or finely-finished cabinet. Certainly it will contain delicate glassware (the valves) which can easily become dislodged and smashed. How then to go about it ?

Basically, the safest is advice is "don't!". Even a radio, packed correctly as detailed below, can arrive damaged. Remember, the box could tumble over and over during handling and the set might be travelling upside-down or on its side. Valves may become dislodged from the shaking and the dial glass can get broken because it has to bear unusual stresses as the chassis tries to move around inside the cabinet against its rubber mountings. It's impossible to insure anything classed as an 'antique' or containing glass in the Parcelforce system. I will no longer post radios or send them back by carrier under any circumstances.  Please either deliver and/or collect them yourself or use my bespoke personal service!

I SIMPLY WANT SPARES FOR MY VINTAGE SET. WHERE CAN I GET THEM ?

Try Ebay. Go to my sale page for a link or look at the Directory..

Please note, Radiocraft does not supply spares nor can I provide advice on sourcing for individual cases.

I DON'T LIKE WHAT'S ON THE MEDIUM WAVES THESE DAYS. HOW CAN I LISTEN TO MY OWN MUSIC ON MY VINTAGE RADIO ?  

Well there's always Radio 4 (the Home Service) on Long Wave...but seriously, it's a fact that today the majority of content on British medium wave stations is one of two types. Either it's the 'shock jock' variety, consisting of phone-in voice broadcasts with the opinions of the 'hoi polloi' very much in evidence, or it's compressed, blaring rock music complete with cocky and gobby presenters. Well, I suppose it helps some people get through the day, but the sound of it just makes me feel bleary-eyed and run down. Rant over ;-)

But there is another way. It's quite easy to play anything you like over your vintage radio, be it a digital or FM station, or your very own CDs. The DAB+FM kit (see the green box further down) will accept most types of audio input. So you'll be able to tune your vintage radio into whatever you like!

In this connection, you may have noticed I have recommended the Guild series of CDs on the home page. I have no connection with this company apart from having already amassed over 50 of their CDs and being a very satisfied customer. These CDs consist of collections of re-mastered original recordings of Light Music - once often heard as radio and television themes, newsreel film backgrounds, and television interludes. This sort of music is full of melody, lush instrumental texture and atmosphere - and it sounds great through old radios! It also has to be said it's refreshingly different and 'un-cool'. Today, increasing numbers of people are rediscovering this wonderful, tuneful music from the pre-pop era.

HOW CAN I LISTEN TO FM STATIONS ON MY VINTAGE RADIO ?  

Yes!  Please see the next section.

HOW CAN I LISTEN TO DIGITAL (DAB) STATIONS ON MY VINTAGE RADIO ?  

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio is the latest way to listen to radio in the UK. This way you can receive all the stations previously radiated by FM (frequency modulation) and many more besides.

To enable you to listen to anything you choose on your vintage radio, I now can supply a Medium Wave Radio Adaptor. This consists of an SSTran AM Modulator - obtained specially from the USA but assembled here in the UK - and a power supply. The SSTran is widely considered to be the best AM modulator available. You'll want for nothing in sound quality and you'll be able to continue using your vintage radio indefinitely into the future!

The unit converts any audio signal into a miniature medium wave station.  It plugs in to your own choice of audio source, so you'll need to already have a DAB radio if you want to listen to DAB on your vintage radio.

The signal can be received everywhere in your house, so you can even listen to the same station on several radios at once if you like!   No connection is needed to your set(s). You simply tune in the signal like any other medium wave station.

If you are looking for something before the rock 'n roll era to tune into on your old radio, here are a couple of internet radio stations:
SERENADE RADIO (Easy Listening:UK). Phone App to use: TuneIn Radio.
JONES COLLEGE RADIO (Beautiful Music:US). Phone App to use: Simple Radio.

Plug your computer - or phone - into the Medium Wave Radio Adapter (below) and listen to them on Medium Wave! The quality is very good.

Digital radio is being promoted as the next step in the development of radio. Currently Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is available through various means, including over the Band III VHF frequencies formerly used in the UK by ITA for 405-line television. However there is also a scheme afoot to also apply a related technique on 'my' AM (amplitude-modulated) long, medium, and short wave bands. This would combine 'near-FM' standards of audio quality with the international range associated with the current AM bands. The system is called Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) and is already being tested in Great Britain.

You can't receive DRM stations on vintage radios. DRM stations will sound like a slight increase in background hiss on traditional AM radios - that is, if you listen for it. In any case, it's no longer looking so promising for DRM as it was. DRM receivers are turning out to be fussy to use and slow to recover when the signal drops out. And with the increasing competition of 3G and 4G mobile phone networks for data transfer and internet radio, that's another nail in the coffin of DRM! It seems likely traditional AM stations will remain present on the medium waves for some years yet.

As regards the Short Waves, it is here that the most interference might be found, though not from the DRM digital stations but from something much worse - use of the National Grid for carrying broadband internet. This is an incredibly leaky and inefficient way to do the job. With broadband coverage now approaching saturation in the UK using more conventional means, here's hoping this horrible technique will never be used !

The UK has pinned its digital hopes on DAB (radiated on Band III VHF) fot the future of domestic radio. However this isn't as worrisome as it sounds. Read on...

Originally the government was encouraging the switch-off of the AM and FM services by 2015 and their replacement with DAB (with sets ready for DAB+, a more efficient form of DAB). At that time some ultra-low power local stations were to launch on the FM band; this was then destined to wither since the main stations would have left. However because of the sheer numbers of AM and FM radios in use and the reluctance of broadcasters to suddenly forfeit a large chunk of their audience, this aim has now been abandoned. DAB has also been gaining a bad press, with its inferior sound quality to FM and DAB portable sets that are much heavier on battery consumption than those just receiving FM.

In fact, before AM and FM go, DAB itself will probably die a death because most listeners in future won't be listening on radio sets at all, but instead over the internet - using some form of smartphone... or perhaps through their home entertainment unit via the digital television system. By then, dedicated radio sets as such will have become passé. That is, unless you are determined to continue listening the old way. In which case, you might as well listen using a really old and interesting set, restored by me of course !

The long and short of it is that, for the forseeable future, both AM and FM radio reception looks to be safe in the UK. And when it does eventually finish, you can carry on by using the Medium Wave Radio Adapter featured further up the page.

WHAT DO I NEED TO OPERATE MY VINTAGE TELEVISION ?

British vintage televisions will only produce results from a long-obsolete type of television signal. This means that not only is the picture made up of fewer 'lines' (405 instead of 625), but also the radio carrier wave used is of far lower frequency than the one used today. So what's involved ?

Once you have obtained your set (from the likes of Ebay), it is imperative it is properly overhauled. Never try switching on a vintage television before this has been done, since this represents a fire and electrical safety risk and you could also cause serious - and expensive - damage to the set.

Before the overhaul can begin, I must test the cathode ray tube is in basically good condition. Replacements are difficult to find today. This test is free. If this test is failed, the overhaul cannot go ahead.

Once your set has been overhauled and is ready to use again, it is necessary to provide an appropriate 405-line picture signal for it. This is generally achieved by stepping down the modern 625-line signal down to 405-lines, through the use of something called an Aurora converter.

This is actually called the Aurora SCRF405A... click for details. Apart from a source of programmes such as a DVD player or digibox with an analogue output, this will be all you need! You'll need to order this separately.

For more information on this topic, be sure to visit my own Vintage Television site. or if you might prefer instead a modern 'retro' colour TV, take a look at the Retrovisor. Please note these are no longer in production though sometimes one may become available.

WILL 405-LINE TELEVISION EVER COME BACK 'ON AIR' ?

Not such a strange question as it may seem. The answer is actually 'yes'. If you have a restored vintage television and live in the London area (or even further afield), one day all you will need to do is put an 'H' aerial on your chimney and switch on at a suitable time. Just as in the old days in fact!

This is an idea that no one took seriously at the start. It's being taken very seriously now. Heritage Television Ltd. is working to make this dream a reality - fully licensed 405-line television transmissions that can be received on almost every vintage set within the service area.

At the moment, the licensing conditions restrict publicity for tests when they occur. More details about the project can be found at 405-line.tv.

I HAVEN'T GOT A VINTAGE RADIO OR TELEVISION FOR YOU TO RESTORE YET.  WHERE CAN I GET ONE?

Unless you are a member of the British Vintage Wireless Society or certain other groups, you won't be able to attend their regular swapmeets, though you will be able to go to their main national event in the Midlands, the National Vintage Communications Fair. This is huge, and makes a great day out. Lots of radios and televisions and everything else connected with the hobby are always available there.

Otherwise, there's always Ebay and links to the relevant sections appear on my Radio Sale page.

If you prefer a 'one-stop-shop', a well established and respected dealer in such things is Steve Harris near Chester. Highly recommended.

If you want to get a feel for the full original range of vintage television sets, to whet your appetite, then look at Jon Evan's page HERE !

HOW HAS THE COST OF LIVING CHANGED SINCE THE DAYS OF EARLY RADIO AND TV ?