TESTIMONIALS

Some unsolicited comments from satisfied customers...

Regarding a Zenith 60's era Stereo Console Interlock Cord:

Mark,

I just received the interlock cord. My console is back to life!!!! Thank you kindly for your precious knowledge and time. YOU ROCK!!!!!!

Best Regards,
Aymerick

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Hello Mark,

The pointer arrived today and it's perfect. It slipped right onto the splined tuning shaft, no problem. My 1936 Philco 84C is now complete. Thanks for the finishing touch!

All the best,
Tim

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Here's a customer who followed my advice after seeking a new volume control/switch that he said was ?changing volume? ?I asked if the set had been recapped:

Hi Mark,

I am getting back to you with the result of my repair of the old RCA that kept shutting down after a few minutes of being on. The owner had taken it to a shop before he asked me to look at it; that's when I wiggled the pot and the flaw would show up, then go away, etc., giving me the impression that the pot was faulty. So, following your advice, I decided to recap the radio. The other shop had replaced the power supply caps with 47 mfd caps where the parts list called for 8 mfd.

That should not have made a lot of difference on the filter but I wanted it to be original. As I was removing the caps, I saw that one of the + ends was inside a piece of old cloth spaghetti. The lead pulled right out where it should have been soldered. I finished recapping, cleaned all the contacts and pots, and have been listening to SD basketball for 2.5 hours. I'm sure that it was a "cold" solder joint that was losing contact as I moved it all around. I guess that's what I get for jumping to conclusions before doing the first thing first.

Thanks for the wake up call,
Steve

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Hello Mark,

I just wanted to let you know that I received my new Zenith 5S29 dial yesterday and installed it last night. I'm very happy with it. I think it's much nicer than the "Radiola Guy" dial that I installed previously.

Thanks and Take Care,
Rob K.

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Mark,

I wanted to drop you a note to let you know that the special 500K stereo volume control that you made for my Motorola solid state amplifier was PERFECT, and it was exactly what I needed to get the unit back in perfect operation. I appreciate your time on the phone to discuss the item and the configuration.

I appreciate your service, and without your service and knowledge, I would not have been able to repair my stereo.

Thank you,
Alex V.
Memphis, TN

***

Regarding a Fisher 400 receiver volume control:

Dear Mark,

The control has been installed and works perfectly! The tracking is now excellent throughout both the low volume portion of rotation, and the high volume portion as well. The tracking of the original replacement device throughout the log portion of rotation was so poor that it completely spoiled the delivered stereo presentation unless the balance control was adjusted well off center, and of course required readjustment anytime the position of the level control was changed.

Now, the level produced from each channel is identical from the very lowest settings (virtually off) to wide open. I have never seen a stereo analog level control track so perfectly on any piece of vintage equipment, and it now adds to the enjoyment of my 400 immeasurably. I will definitely keep you in mind for future needs!

Thanks again!
Dave G.

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*Note To My Control Customers: I am now hand matching elements for most ganged stereo pots for Fisher, Eico, Dynaco, McIntosh and others. My controls are mainly for pre-1972 era mono and stereo gear. I can make ganged and concentric shaft types with or without power switches. The above type was a 500K with 100K tap, ganged. I can also make or repair most pre-1970 vintage auto radio controls. -- Mark

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Mark,

The Philco Model 630 dial scale arrived and it looks great. Nice work. Thank you. And, another thanks for including the scrap piece for the front of my shadow meter; it's already been cut to size and mounted and looks cool. In the future you can expect more orders from me.

Regards,
John K.

***

Regarding a Crosley 124 radio:

Hi Mark,

The pot arrived today and has been installed. (Thanks for cutting the shaft down and converting to "D" style.) This has improved the linearity of the volume control. It's still kind of bunched up at one end, but a lot better. I've also replaced the power supply filter caps, and all the tubes are new. Reception/tuner sensitivity is poor, so I'm guessing the next step is to replace all the other caps.

Thanks Again,
John

***

Mark,

Received the volume control today for my 9-S-367 console, a perfect fit; now I just have to put everything back together ...thanks again, I have your website saved in my favorites...

Marc

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Regarding a broken Crosley 515 radio bandswitch:

Mark,

I dug out all the pieces and took your advice. Damned if it didn't super glue together just like you said! It seems real solid, so I think I'm out of the woods.

Thanks so much,
Stuart

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Mark,

The control absolutely worked out for me. It was close to a perfect replacement ...little to do other than solder it in. The customer picked up the set and he was happy.

Good work on your part. Thanks again!

Fred
Classic Audio Repair
www.repairaudio.com

***

[The following was regarding a Crosley "Bullseye" radio's plastic knob that I repaired the broken shaft collar on...]

Hi Mark,

The knob arrived today. It looks, fits, and works great. Nice job on aligning it.

Thanks,
Neil

(Note to plastic radio collectors: Don't ever discard an original knob with a broken shaft collar. You can repair them by bonding new shaft collars from other knobs! In the above case, I ground out the remains of the original shaft and used 2 part epoxy to set a replacement shaft onto the back of the original knob. Post WW2 knobs are VERY difficult to match... especially since so many shaft types and colors were offered... repair yours if it's just got a damaged shaft collar  -- Mark).

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Mark,

The reproduction dial arrived today ... Beautiful!!! ...looks brand new ... every Philco should have one of these.

Thanks!!
Regards,
Frank

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Hi Mark,

I received the dial scale for the Philco 37-650 and it's pretty nice work, Mark. I didn't think the old one was worth replacing until I saw your new one. [The old one] is yellow and faded in color but in very good condition as far as the artwork on it ...but it sure doesn't look like yours.

Thanks,
John

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Mark,

(Re: Philco 27-5098 dial); Received the parts today, installed the dial. Awesome!!

Thanks, Mark...

***

Mark,

I got all the rest of the caps in and had to try the radio out even with the remaining old caps. It sounds FANTASTIC, like a new radio. I want to thank you for all your help.

Ken O.

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Mark,

I received the dial face for the Philco 37-116. I am seriously impressed with the quality. I definitely will purchase the band mask when they are available again. Thank you... you made my life whole again! I expect to be in Lansing for the Extravaganza - hope to meet you.

John S.

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Mark,

I just want to tell you about the dial for the Philco 89 I got from you. Even though there were difficulties involved with it initially, with your help we worked it out. I donated the radio for the drawing at our (VRPS) convention banquet. Everyone commented on how great the dial looked. Some said they had bought dials from the other guys and your dial was much more original looking.

The person who won the radio was thrilled and couldn't believe that the dial was a repro. He said it brought back a lot of memories. Anyway, I just want to thank you for providing the dial - it really was the finishing touch on the restoration of this beautiful old radio.

Thanks,
Randy J.

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Hi Mark,

I just wanted to thank you for the Centralab replacement volume control for my Philco 37-61. Nice job of adapting the shaft to fit. I simply wound the #20 wire like you said, and soldered it. It works perfect. I had to rewind both RF coils, and after a recap and alignment it plays great.

Thanks,
Mike M.

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Mark,

The dial is so well crafted it makes me wish I had more radios with bad dials!!!! Alas, my other consoles have excellent originals.

I'm going to put the word out in the ham community - some of the old communications receivers have similar dials, and maybe a new market will be there.

Thanks; I'll send you a pic when the radio is done. I will have some more wants soon.

Tim W.

***

Hi Mark,

This is the first chance I've had to compliment you on the excellent dial for my Model 18 Philco. Also, the pieces of dial material you sent were perfect for my shadow meter screen. I also just noticed on your website that you have phono cartridges. I need a replacement for an ElectroVoice E-V 26. It is on a Magnavox Collaro turntable. If I ever need another dial, I will definitely call upon your services again. Thank You!

Glen H.

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Note to all ... send your WANT LISTS!  I FILL THEM or will direct you to a source!

Mark

***

Mark,

I have been meaning to write you back to let you know how well the volume control works. The Grundig console SO132 is now entirely restored and is a wonderful addition to my collection. As I move on to the next rebuild, I will not forget the great services you provide. Again, many thanks.

Regards,
Andrew P.
Newfoundland, Canada

***

Hi Mark,

I received the control dials today. They are great! I'm in the process of "detailing" my Walton 12-S-232. I want to thank you for the idea of how to attach them. I was thinking long and hard about that. Your idea is brilliant. Thanks!!

Lastly, I have attached a picture of my restored 6-S-52 with your dial installed. I'm very happy with it. Thanks for all, and I'll be back for more someday.

Best wishes,
John & Nancy S.
Honor, MI

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Hi Mark,

I just wanted to thank you for the speedy shipment of the tube sockets and other parts that I ordered. I received them Friday afternoon. Thanks for the invite to the Lansing and Willowbrook radio meets but I don't travel very far due to my wife's health. I do try to attend all the Indiana radio meets, as I belong to the Indiana Historical Radio Society. Thanks again.

Regards,
Bob

Oh - before I forget, do you sell schematics?

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Bob,

YES I DO! I Have the FACTORY issued ones for most 30s-40s sets, too. Most are $7, including alignment info.

Mark

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Mark,

I am writing to thank you for carrying replacement Fisher power switches for the 1961-68 tubed receivers (B and C Series). As a long time collector and restorer of these instruments, it's great to find someone who has made this part available. This power switch is an unfortunate weak point on the B and C series receivers (and many of the Fisher tubed pre-amps as well).

While these are near antique instruments, I operate ours every day - that's a lot of on-off cycles. Many of us try and keep donor units on hand for parts such as this, but they are still 45+ year old parts. Whatever you do, please keep carrying these power switches. I just ordered two switches. I'll probably order several more shortly.

Regards,
Steve M.

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Mark,

I got the Philco 610 dial today and installed it. If it was any closer to the original I couldn't stand it. Beautiful!

John (aka Jkaetzjr)

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Hi Mark,

I finally got a chance to put the GE radio back together and try out the coil. It works! The radio now gets AM and medium wave stations without having to touch the positive post on the tuning condenser. You did a fine job and you definitely know your radio circuits. As you said, I don't have much experience, but with your help I was able to get that old radio back up and running. I really appreciate all you have done for me, especially the guidance you provided in what to do and what not to do. You're the BEST!!!!!!!!

I have another side project now that I need to squeeze in. I got a Hickok tube tester from around 1950 that needs a major cleaning and probably a few caps. I have to get it working good so I can know which of my tubes are bad in the rest of the radios I'm rebuilding. It appears to work, but its readings are a little unsteady and a couple of the tube sockets are loose. I'm sure I will be needing a little advice on that too, and I hope I can talk to you about it if you don't mind. THANK YOU for EVERYTHING and thanks for bailing me out! Like I said;"You're the BEST!!"

Talk to you soon,
Chuck

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Hello Mark,

The potentiometer for my Crosley 11-100U arrived in today's mail and I have already installed it. It works great and I want to thank you for sending it so quickly and not waiting for my check to clear. It's great working with someone like yourself.

Thank you,
Joseph Faber

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Mark,

I just purchased a Philco 37-650 dial from you and received it today. I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for the great work and the service you offer to us radio collectors.

I've been collecting for 30 years now (I started when I was 24), so I washed the numbers off my first Philco dial about 30 years ago. You only do that once! I bought a 37-650 from ebay about 2 years ago, and it arrived with the dial scale completely missing. At the time I didn't know you were making these dials, so I made the mistake of ordering one from Rock Sea.

What a joke; the color of the dial jumped out at you and was terrible. I even tried tinting it with Future floor wax tinted with orange food coloring, but that looked horrible when lit. I was so disappointed that I put the radio away until I could find an original dial. Shortly thereafter I found out about you, and recently decided to pull this radio out and give it the restoration it deserves, with a dial that looks original. Great job!

Gary Smartt

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Dear Mark,

Sorry it took so long for me to send you this email, but we just listened to the old Atwater Kent 165 on the porch of my Dad's house with your radio tubes. It works fine and all - thanks to you for your help! My Dad also had the help of a little radio shop near where he lives in Mexico with two guys who can and do fix anything. Just wanted you to know there's another old radio that's been salvaged.

Thanks again,
Barbara Dresslar

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Dear Mark,

Thank you very much for the dial scale. It's very well reproduced, and with it my Philco looks very fine.

Thank you again.
Ciao,
Antonio (Italy)

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Hi, Mark -

Thanks for all your help and advice on the volume control I needed for my Kolster K-43. The new pot and 10k resistor did the trick. The set is pulling in stations like a magnet! I will look you up on my next project if I need old parts. Have a great Summer!

Dave

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Good morning, Mark -

The shipment arrived, and what a pleasant surprise ...beautiful ...just perfect all the way around! Thank you very much for all the help and the "10 pointers on Philco restorations" sheet ...very nice indeed. I never noticed the pilot lamp insulator was bad, but your tip saved my tranny!

I can't say enough about the repro dial face ...I didn't realize how bad the shape mine was in until I saw what it's supposed to look like ...absolutely perfect ...a spot on match.

Thank you very much ...all arrived in great shape!!! I'll be back later for more stuff.

Dave

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Mark -

I just want to let you know that the dial repro for the 37-61 reached me today.... let me tell you that the dial you sent me is a masterpiece! Man, you really did an awesome job; you must be selling these on ebay. Finally I am 100 % satisfied. Thank you very much, Mark.

Milton Valerio

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Mark -

The repro knobs look great on their respective radios, in fact some have remarked that they look too good to be repros. I have to admit they look better than expected, especially on the Silvertone. I haven't gotten the Majestic out yet (remember the one I showed at Lansing?). It's going to be in public, actually working. Like you said, respect the radio - and I'm glad I did.

Bill Dobiesz,
Michigan

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Mark -

Got the dials, they look GREAT. Thanks for the scraps, too. I'll be able to make a pointer mask from them, I'm sure. Hope to do more business with you...radio rebuilds are coming in right and left!!!

Wally Gibbons

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Hi, Mark -

Just a note to let you know the volume control worked out perfect. I'm glad to know that you're a source and I will be back for more. The washers worked out great too, so be sure to alert me when you get a full stock. This restoration thing is getting too big for me and I'm afraid I may have to hire someone as I'm currently 26 consoles behind!

Michael O'Brien

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Mark -

I will do my best to get the word out on the Blais dials and your volume and tone controls. I dont think many people in our club are aware of what you offer. I have always been pleased with the quality of the Blais dials. There are no better repros out there. I am glad you took over the business from Clint Blais. When I heard about his passing, I was afraid that these high quality repros would be lost forever. I have seen others [repro dials] and they look too much like repro dials or something you would see on a reproduction old radio.

Thanks again!
Greg Humanic

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Hi Mark -

I bought a Terk AM antenna from you at the Radio Show in Lansing last month, and I just wanted to tell you how satisfied I am with this product. This antenna brings much improved reception to my AM radios, and to my home receiver. I am very happy with this antenna! If you plan on being in the Lansing area again, please let me know.

Thanks again,
Mike Wiggins

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Hello Mark -

All is well with the Zenith you serviced. I listen to Air America with it. I truly love it. We moved it from the office to the living room we like it so much. It seems to be working great. I look forward to winter nights for short wave action. Thanks again and I will be in touch if I find another radio needing work.

Best regards,
Adnan Hourani

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Mark -

I enjoyed your Philco repair seminar last week. I've been to several of the MARC Extravaganzas over the past few years but this was my first time attending the seminars. Good stuff... I'll make it a point to attend from now on.

Thanks,
Michael Ostrowski

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Mark -

The dial for my RCA C9-4 is awesome. It will make this set better than I had hoped and was well worth the wait. I'm looking at it now and can't take my eyes off of it.

AGAIN, a BIG THANKS to guys like you!
Daniel Marchese

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Mark -

I don't know if I ever really thanked you, but you gave me a box of oddball parts at one time. I have helped a number of people with parts from that box, and again last night another part saved the day. A 1950(?) Muntz TV with a bad video detector diode...and a matching exact replacement 1N34A (used) in the box...recapped the set (I think that Philco 38-3 had more caps than this TV!), and a legend works once again.

My friend thought he'd have to do some real searching for that diode...nope.

He's also a fellow MARC member, and I told him who it came from. The parts I've given away so far have brought warm words from many...and good words for you.

Bill Dobiesz

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Mark -

I just installed the RCA Victor T8-18 dial and it is a PERFECT match!

Thanks,
Terry

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Mark -

I was reading online about your feature article in the newspaper. Congratulations are well deserved for your contribution to the antique radio community.

I don't know if I would be as interested in old radios and their restoration if it weren't for guys like you in the business. Look at it this way, what fun would this hobby be if I had to tread the eBay waters or search the internet every time I needed a part? I could easily deplete my miniscule allowance for radio expenses each month if I had to buy a whole "parts set" or someone else's junk just to get a knob or transformer for my Zenith.

It's guys like you who provide a very valuable source of affordable parts that keeps me interested in repairing a set rather than setting it out on the curb for the trash man because it would cost an arm and a leg to fix. You are a great guy to deal with and it would be my sincere wish that everyone in the hobby could be as honest and willing to help as you are.

Sincerely,
David Rhoades