The Workbench

Re: An old cupboard ...

Blackrix — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:07:39 GMT

I know how to get rid of the worms, but don't know if it is a good idea to set it on fire in the driveway.......

Re: An old cupboard ...

tournedos — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:01:25 GMT

Don't play Pink Floyd's Waiting for the Worms on it when it's done

Somebody went through a lot of trouble to construct that setup. Wonder if the lower shelf once even housed a slightly more modern turntable? The cupboard looks like a '50s / early '60s thing...

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:52:14 GMT

Exactly.
It has been far too long since I heard a 78RPM on a B&O.

The chassis must come out now.
Very clean.
A little surface oxidation (rust) towards one end of the metal chassis but nowhere near
the usual amount of dust, dirt, cobwebs etc. found in 1930s sets.
This is definately the chassis to use rather than the first, I found.
The power cord is a round white-ish modern PVC type fitted with the original power plugs.
This cord will look out of place but I still have some of the nice braided PVC type
that I bought from a fellow beoworlder when I did a previous restoration. I will use some of that,
it's safe and looks the part and I now also have the correct plugs, very nice.
Clean chassis and modern power cord. It does suggest that this set was in daily use until
fairly recently. I will take a closer look at the chassis when I get it inside. Maybe I can find
traces of previous repairs etc. that could reveal a little more.
The lower 10cm of this second cupboard, and the bottom plate in particular is quite worm-eaten as
can be seen in this and the above photos and I'm not sure if there is still some activity so I will
not bring the whole thing indoors.
It will be dismounted outdoors and the empty cupboard discarded.
The baffle, fortunately, is plywood and not affected by the infestation.

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

Blackrix — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:36:08 GMT

I would restore the original one. I think it would be great to get it as close to the original state. You have most of the original baffle. I would try to reproduce it, make the cabinet complete and working, put a record on it and enjoy the great sound of an 78 RPM record!!

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:24:57 GMT

What to do with it when it's done ?
I haven't asked myself that question and I wouldn't know what to answer.
Maybe someone wants it, maybe I will keep it. Maybe I will have to make room for another project.
Maybe it will never be finished and if it does, it will most likely not be 100% original - even
if the finding of this second cupboard allows me to bring it very close.
I am looking forward to playing some records on it, that's the primary goal for now.

Off with the baffle.
It's very clear to see that this is an original 38RG baffle.
2 identically sized holes for the needle cups, one larger hole for the needle dispenser,
a smaller hole with perimeter marks from three small screws for the tonearm base
and the remains of a large cutout where the gramophone deck once was.
The latter has been partially filled to make the new leather sit nice and tight.
The dial glass still sits, untouched, with its original wooden fasteners and frame.

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

valve1 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:57:32 GMT

Dillen:
- Would you do it ?

Good question, I can see why its worth restoring but where is it going when its finished ?Its a large piece of furniture.

Its a great project and I am still amazed how you are finding these.

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:53:44 GMT

Looking inside, it's clear to see that the baffle board is the original off a Master 38RG.
The original holes for the needle cups, the tonearm etc. are still here, only covered up with
white backed leather at the front.
Unfortunately, the board size has been reduced to fit this "new" cabinet but still it
answers a lot of questions, particularly regarding hole sizes, placements etc.
I also learned that the front part of the baffle is sloping. A detail, I didn't realize until now.
And what a clean chassis.
I cannot believe my luck with this find.

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:45:41 GMT

Spot on, Rudy !
Actually, the nice metal B&O logo badge gives it away from a distance. It belongs above
the dial glass on the Master 38RG.

The compartments left, right and below the radio are all empty so no record deck.

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

RUDYV — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:20:47 GMT

Having a closer look, I can see 2 circles just above the left knob.

I asume these must be the 2 little cups for the needles .

Congratulations, you found an original master 38 RG chassis and board.

Is it complete with the record player?

Rudy

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:16:37 GMT

Close.
The black front is leather and homemade but the rest is correct.
I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw it but what gives it away ?

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

Blackrix — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:51:29 GMT

The black front is the original one for the Master 38RG? So it is the origial chassis of a 38RG?

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:40:13 GMT

Knobs yes, but look closer and you will see what made this "second cupboard" the find of the year for me.

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

RUDYV — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:07:24 GMT

Hi Martin,

I saw this cabinet, advertised as B&O radio, about 2 months ago on a Danish site, if I remember well.

The interesting parts for me.... the knobs.

Why didn't I buy it?

It was the size of the cabinet that made me decide not to buy it.

Rudy

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:06:08 GMT

If you were me, having the above project and given the opportunity to pick up this thing (below),
- Would you do it ?
- And in the given case, why ?

Martin

Re: An old cupboard ...

Dillen — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:04:22 GMT

Thanks Rudy, greatly appreciated !

Martin