Introduction and completed RCA RAE-59 restoration
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 8:39 pm
Hello all,
I am new to the forum. Wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I am a seasoned collector of early pre-WWII records and electric phonograph machines. I also have a major interest in collecting and restoring fine high end radio's. I understand this forum is mainly devoted to wind up machines which are great as well. I used to have a few myself. After lurking here on the forum for quite sometime I have noticed there are quite a few here that are also into electric machines.
On top of a small introduction, I wanted to kick off with a recent restoration I finished. Detailed below is a circa 1931 RCA Radiola Automatic Electrola model 59. Priced at $600.00 brand new, this unit was RCA's third from the top of the line machine offered by the company during the 1931 model year. This model features an automatic phonograph changer, Superheterodyne receiver, and separate power amp utilizing push pull #47 output tubes. The phonograph compartment reveals RCA's third changer design. This innovative model can continuously play up to 10 or 12 records, 78 RPM and early 33 ½ RPM. Playing only one side of each until the user flipped them over, the machine would automatically start the record and eject it on top of the stack once the record cycle is completed. This unit can also produce electrical recording's via special blank pre-cut records, recording weight for pickup, and special recording needle. This set retains it's original wood finish, the electromagnetic pick-up head has been rebuilt. The unit sounds great!
A video I posted on youtube of this unit playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4XApSteMxo **3:37 starts the phonograph**
Jon
I am new to the forum. Wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I am a seasoned collector of early pre-WWII records and electric phonograph machines. I also have a major interest in collecting and restoring fine high end radio's. I understand this forum is mainly devoted to wind up machines which are great as well. I used to have a few myself. After lurking here on the forum for quite sometime I have noticed there are quite a few here that are also into electric machines.
On top of a small introduction, I wanted to kick off with a recent restoration I finished. Detailed below is a circa 1931 RCA Radiola Automatic Electrola model 59. Priced at $600.00 brand new, this unit was RCA's third from the top of the line machine offered by the company during the 1931 model year. This model features an automatic phonograph changer, Superheterodyne receiver, and separate power amp utilizing push pull #47 output tubes. The phonograph compartment reveals RCA's third changer design. This innovative model can continuously play up to 10 or 12 records, 78 RPM and early 33 ½ RPM. Playing only one side of each until the user flipped them over, the machine would automatically start the record and eject it on top of the stack once the record cycle is completed. This unit can also produce electrical recording's via special blank pre-cut records, recording weight for pickup, and special recording needle. This set retains it's original wood finish, the electromagnetic pick-up head has been rebuilt. The unit sounds great!
A video I posted on youtube of this unit playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4XApSteMxo **3:37 starts the phonograph**
Jon
