Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Blind Lemon Cello on June 12, 2013 at 8:29am

When you say old radios, are they tube type, or portable?

I love my hacked tube radio with a distortion pedal. My portable hacks sound ok, but no comparison to the tube amp.

Cost nothing to hack, so if units are working & cheap, could be a good deal.

Permalink Reply by John Hersey/Hersey Collectibles on June 12, 2013 at 10:35am

Thanks for the reply Blind Lemon,

The one I am working on is an old tube Motorola.  I would call it portable because it has a handle, very cool.  However, I decided not to try and hack because I was not sure of how much power I need.  It originally used the older type A or B batteries.  Wet cells, maybe??  I am just going to leave the speaker(it works) and do a 9v system.  Who knows, maybe that speaker will use to much juice!

I am thinking the transistor radios starting in mid 50's would be great to hack.

BUT, I am still wondering if it is worth buying a bunch at a good price(because they are avail. right now) and selling them as amps or just go one at a time.  That is why I was wondering how they are selling out there in other areas and maybe for how much.

Permalink Reply by Blind Lemon Cello on June 12, 2013 at 11:02am

Well from a biz view Gitty sells a 2.5w basic kit for 29$

https://www.cbgitty.com/cubecart/amplifier-parts/amp-kits/great-2-5...

Guitar Fuel is 55$ for their 5w kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TM-MAH5-Guitar-Amp-Harness-Kit-5W-Clean-4-O...

I have a buddy that used the GF basic kit no speaker & likes it, but still 40$.

I can only assume the small trans radios will sound similar to the Gitty kit.

So, can you sell them for 30$ and make $$$??

Permalink Reply by 3 String Blues on October 10, 2013 at 12:20am

I have told gitty and other about them but they ever perused selling them, In my personal experience you can get about 80 to 120 bucks, ( at least the ones I have sold) they sound way better than the cbg kits, plus they are cheaper and easier to sell because they look really good!

 

there is a bigger profit maragin...the only issue is they can be fragile, otherwise they are way better for sales than a china parts amp stuffed in a cigar box...they take rally great photos too!

Permalink Reply by Blind Lemon Cello on June 12, 2013 at 11:28am

PS, then you have the Honeytone for 20$. I have not used one, but my understanding is they crank pretty good. Guys hack them into cigar boxes.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Danelectro-Honeytone-N-10-Guitar-Mini-A...

Permalink Reply by John Hersey/Hersey Collectibles on June 12, 2013 at 12:50pm

WOW, now that might be an option.  I heard the name several times but never even looked into it.  For $20?  Could you go wrong throwing the insides into something really old and cool?  Might have to get one and see how it sounds!  Thanks a ton Blind Mellon!

Permalink Reply by John Hersey/Hersey Collectibles on June 13, 2013 at 3:05am

Wow, I was wondering why an old Blind Melon song has been in my head this morning!  Because I called you Blind Melon!  I went to school with Chris Thorn, who is the guitar player for that band.  I guess they are still doing their thing...  Sorry BLIND LEMON!

Permalink Reply by Blind Lemon Cello on June 13, 2013 at 7:10am

LOL, been called worse!!!!

Permalink Reply by 3 String Blues on June 14, 2013 at 8:39am

I have a lot of experience in selling them, they sell for much more than the cigar box amps because they are way cooler, plus they are 10 times better looking and sound better...lastly they are made in AMERICA!...the cigar box amps are made of chinese parts.

I use to sell them for between 80 to 120 a piece, they are really cool , people love them!

 

lastly don't take those honey tone or guitar fule amps and put them in the radio...that takes all the coolness and charm, of it away!...that is Chinese made crap....keep that in mind, that stuff is made In China. it doesn't matter if its only 5 dollars, its Chinese!....those all American radio are the selling point...people LOVE them!

Permalink Reply by John Hersey/Hersey Collectibles on June 17, 2013 at 4:29am

Thanks for your input BJ, I will try to wait and find some good radios but it is hard to wait!  The unfortunate thing is that people love to buy cheap China CRAP.  That is what we are up against...

Permalink Reply by Pete Turner on September 6, 2013 at 11:20am

Wow! Thanks for that wake up call. Almost bought one of those Chinese crappy amps.  Will find a good ole' USA made RCA.