Frequently Asked Questions
Why buy an authentic Bluetooth enabled vintage tube radio?
Because of their great looks and great sound!
These are not cheap knock-offs. They are all authentic vintage radios. The tube circuitry and crafted wood cabinets of these old radios combine to make amazing audio. You get clean highs and deep tone bass that fill a room. This is why many audiophiles and electric guitar players have returned to using tube amplifiers for their high-end sound systems. In radios, tube circuitry provides a simple and less complex way to receive and amplify radio signals than modern transistors or semiconductors. These radios are a nice way to connect with a simpler past and provide a great break from our daily digital world. That, plus my passion with all things electronic, is what led me to invest in restoring tube radios.
What is the difference between a console, tombstone, cathedral, and tabletop radio?
The simple answer is size and sound. The bigger the size, the bigger the sound. But many that have different sizes use the same radio chassis – that’s the tray behind the beautiful wood cabinet that holds the tubes and components.
Are your radios authentic originals?
Yes. All the radios we offer are authentic production units. Each has an original serial number and can be referenced by model number on the Radio Museum website. We do not sell modern reproduction units.
How do you restore them--what do you do?
We carefully select each radio we buy for restoration. Most are over 75 years old. Before we restore, we research the model for potential original manufacturing defects. We reject units that cannot be restored for use today. Once we buy an old radio, we inspect it for electrical and mechanical faults. We carefully disassemble it to preserve originality.
To restore the radio, we replace many old components (such as tubes, capacitors, and resistors) with modern, more reliable ones that will last many years. We then tune and align the radio so the tuning dial delivers the correct frequency. However, keep in mind old radios are not perfect. They will be off somewhat in their reference to known radio station frequencies.
To restore the cabinet, we repair any broken or loose wood pieces, then strip, sand, and refinish it so it can be preserved for many generations.
What is a Bluetooth retrofit?
Our wireless Bluetooth / MP3 retrofit provides an additional audio input to the radio. It has been designed so you can easily switch between listening to radio stations directly or listening to digital audio through the radio’s speakers that you may have on your iPhone or other device. When you switch to digital audio, your radio becomes an awesome sounding Bluetooth speaker.
Our retrofit preserves the original operation of the radio. We do not alter the original design of the radio. We merely piggyback on existing circuitry - just as the manufacturers did back in the late 30’s and 40’s when they added inputs for phonograph and television. We only add an additional input to the radio amplifier. The adapter is specially designed to turn the Bluetooth or MP3 stereo sound into mono and amplify the signal. We never compromise the radio’s or the Bluetooth player’s electronics - which is why we provide an input adapter.
Do the radios you sell play stereo or FM?
Even though broadcasting using frequency modulation (FM) began in 1940, it did not get commercialized until after WW II. That’s why all pre-WW II radios play only amplitude modulation (AM) in mono sound.
Are tube radios reliable?
Yes. Given proper use, restored tube radios can last for many years. Tube radios require that you use them at least one hour every month or two. Like a car, the worst thing for a tube radio is to not use it! The tubes themselves do eventually wear out after many years and require replacement; however our restoration process removes the typical cause of wear. That reason is the other components in the radio may not be ‘up to spec’. If they go out of tolerance, then so will the tube. That’s why we take every effort to minimize the risk by replacing the older original components with better new ones.
Will I need to service my radio after purchase?
Typically, no. The radio will not go out of tune. However, If a tube wears out, you can replace it yourself. It is just like replacing a water filter in your refrigerator. If you suspect a tube is bad, simply pull it up and out of the chassis, test it at an electronics store, and buy and order a replacement. Tubes are still widely available in the U.S. from commercial and private vendors via online purchase. A simple search on the part number on eBay will reveal many sellers.
Because of their great looks and great sound!
These are not cheap knock-offs. They are all authentic vintage radios. The tube circuitry and crafted wood cabinets of these old radios combine to make amazing audio. You get clean highs and deep tone bass that fill a room. This is why many audiophiles and electric guitar players have returned to using tube amplifiers for their high-end sound systems. In radios, tube circuitry provides a simple and less complex way to receive and amplify radio signals than modern transistors or semiconductors. These radios are a nice way to connect with a simpler past and provide a great break from our daily digital world. That, plus my passion with all things electronic, is what led me to invest in restoring tube radios.
What is the difference between a console, tombstone, cathedral, and tabletop radio?
The simple answer is size and sound. The bigger the size, the bigger the sound. But many that have different sizes use the same radio chassis – that’s the tray behind the beautiful wood cabinet that holds the tubes and components.
- A console radio is a floor unit that stands about 40-45 inches high and measures about 22-24 inches wide. It has the largest cabinet and has the best sound because it can hold a bigger chassis and bigger speaker. It typically has more features than the others like tone controls for preset station tuning (like your car radio). Most are not heavy because the backs are open. And they make a great piece of furniture.
- A tombstone radio is smaller and usually sits on a side table or cabinet. It has a little smaller speaker but still has plenty of power and sound to fill a large room. They call it a tombstone because of its rectangular shape – like a burial tombstone. They are typically 20 inches high, 16 inches wide
- A cathedral style radio is the oldest style and is about the same size as a tombstone. In almost all respects, it is the same as a tombstone radio except for the shape. It is pointed at the top and got its name because it resembles the vaulted ceiling of an old cathedral.
- A tabletop radio the smallest. It still has a wood cabinet; however, the sound is still amazing. The speaker and chassis are more compact so these units will fit nicely in a small office or bedroom on a side table or shelf.
Are your radios authentic originals?
Yes. All the radios we offer are authentic production units. Each has an original serial number and can be referenced by model number on the Radio Museum website. We do not sell modern reproduction units.
How do you restore them--what do you do?
We carefully select each radio we buy for restoration. Most are over 75 years old. Before we restore, we research the model for potential original manufacturing defects. We reject units that cannot be restored for use today. Once we buy an old radio, we inspect it for electrical and mechanical faults. We carefully disassemble it to preserve originality.
To restore the radio, we replace many old components (such as tubes, capacitors, and resistors) with modern, more reliable ones that will last many years. We then tune and align the radio so the tuning dial delivers the correct frequency. However, keep in mind old radios are not perfect. They will be off somewhat in their reference to known radio station frequencies.
To restore the cabinet, we repair any broken or loose wood pieces, then strip, sand, and refinish it so it can be preserved for many generations.
What is a Bluetooth retrofit?
Our wireless Bluetooth / MP3 retrofit provides an additional audio input to the radio. It has been designed so you can easily switch between listening to radio stations directly or listening to digital audio through the radio’s speakers that you may have on your iPhone or other device. When you switch to digital audio, your radio becomes an awesome sounding Bluetooth speaker.
Our retrofit preserves the original operation of the radio. We do not alter the original design of the radio. We merely piggyback on existing circuitry - just as the manufacturers did back in the late 30’s and 40’s when they added inputs for phonograph and television. We only add an additional input to the radio amplifier. The adapter is specially designed to turn the Bluetooth or MP3 stereo sound into mono and amplify the signal. We never compromise the radio’s or the Bluetooth player’s electronics - which is why we provide an input adapter.
Do the radios you sell play stereo or FM?
Even though broadcasting using frequency modulation (FM) began in 1940, it did not get commercialized until after WW II. That’s why all pre-WW II radios play only amplitude modulation (AM) in mono sound.
Are tube radios reliable?
Yes. Given proper use, restored tube radios can last for many years. Tube radios require that you use them at least one hour every month or two. Like a car, the worst thing for a tube radio is to not use it! The tubes themselves do eventually wear out after many years and require replacement; however our restoration process removes the typical cause of wear. That reason is the other components in the radio may not be ‘up to spec’. If they go out of tolerance, then so will the tube. That’s why we take every effort to minimize the risk by replacing the older original components with better new ones.
Will I need to service my radio after purchase?
Typically, no. The radio will not go out of tune. However, If a tube wears out, you can replace it yourself. It is just like replacing a water filter in your refrigerator. If you suspect a tube is bad, simply pull it up and out of the chassis, test it at an electronics store, and buy and order a replacement. Tubes are still widely available in the U.S. from commercial and private vendors via online purchase. A simple search on the part number on eBay will reveal many sellers.