RE-45 Electrola: High Fidelity, or a boat-anchor?

[VanEpsFan1914]

Okay, so those of you who were following my thread on the 1922 Brunswick York know that I will try to restore just about whatever.

Up near me on Craigslist is a 1929 Victor Radio Electrola, Model RE-45. I contacted the seller (Ahem! First dibs, to the rest of you mugs! ) and he sent me a couple pictures of what looks okay.
I think the legs are still under it. Grill cloth & finish are intact so it's not too badly abused, plus the dial scale in the TRF Victor radio is still in.

The craigslist ad says literally just this:

Victor re-45 powers up. Turntable spins. Speaker wires have come out. Extra needles. $150.00 0r make an offer

I don't actually own a radio, but if I did, this is a mighty fine type to have...I heard the
RE-45 has problems with the transformers blowing out but maybe this one is in pretty good shape. Sure, the pickup will need new rubber and the amps will have to be re-capped...A DIY Project (I have a soldering gun and I'm not afraid to use it!)

So what do you think? Electrola fanboys, any input here?

[marcapra]

I used to own one of these as well as an RE75 from 1929. They use two 45s for power output and an 80 full wave rectifier. The 45s are most expensive tubes in this set, but they are not as rare or expensive as 50s. They give good sound if you have Mr. Epple rebuild the pickup. This set is very heavy. I would consider removing the chassis and speaker before moving it. Even restored, they tend to be hard to sell, so don't offer much for it. he should be willing to let you have it free, just for hauling it out.

[gramophone-georg]

I have a complete motor board for this with a tonearm. I think it's 30s, though, not '20s.

Buy yourself a Variac. Then get a schematic.

Where do you keep all this stuff?

[tomb]

Not a boat anchor.... How can you not resist a good looking project like that for $ 100.00 Tom B

[VanEpsFan1914]

Not a boat anchor.... How can you not resist a good looking project like that for $ 100.00 Tom B

More whsat I was thinking. But I'm currently doing a restoration on a Brunswick lowboy that costs more than the parts could bring on eBay, treating my junky little Amberola 30 the way most folks pamper a Triumph or a Concert, and now contemplating the rusty bedplate and wheezy motor of my 1904 Edison Standard sold to me by Orthosean...I love projects! Ah well, might as well.

Now where I put this? Man, that's tough! I tend to put it wherever it's usable. The Standard is on the bookshelf, the Amberola on the dresser, and the Brunswick was over against the wall. Records go wherever, usually the bookshelf. This one will be over in the corner.

[wjw]

Looks pretty beat to me. "Powering up" should mean a full complement of tubes alit, not just a running turntable. For a hundred bucks the cabinet should be pretty nice too.
-bill

[VanEpsFan1914]

I'll have to go check that... You're right, it's a mess...but such a lovely mess. Better go see just how much of it is still inside first.

[startgroove]

We have one of those also, and once gone through, it sounds great for an early electrically amplified machine. The microsynchronous radio is a wonder on its own. Though it is a Tuned Radio Frequency system, it pulls in and separates stations quite well, making it a top performer for a TRF set. This is among the last electronic sets designed and manufactured by Victor, and that alone makes it significant. Your love for bringing back examples like this is admirable and laudable, I encourage you to keep going at this one, I don't think you will be disappointed. Russie

[briankeith]

http://www.radiolaguy.com/Showcase/Cons ... 0RE-45.htm

[VanEpsFan1914]

Cool manual! Guess that'd help. I don't even know what switch starts what...Better go check in with the seller. Wish he'd communicate a little more!