Vintage Products

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:05:15 GMT

Hi Martin

I agree about that top knob. I also think that having vertical grilles, as opposed to the 900K's horizontal ones does reinforce the boxiness too.

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

Dillen — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:23:27 GMT

A copycat Arena. Also danish.
Very clear where they got the idea from, still they didn't mamage to make it as light and pleasant looking as B&O did. It looks a bit clumsy, I think and the top dial knob ruins the "flush" design somehow.

There were many B&O "clones" like this and actually, compared to most, the above Arena is not the worst looking.

Martin

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:18:07 GMT

Does this look familiar?

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:40:52 GMT

Thanks! Now for the Beocenter 9500... cat's cradles, anyone?

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

Jandyt — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:44:49 GMT

Looks fantastic Ray! Can't wait to get mine back.

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:15:25 GMT

Another picture, as for some odd reason I can't attach 2 images to 1 message...

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:12:13 GMT

Well, until I can locate the knobs and stereo board I need, I've finished it. Yesterday I took the speaker grilles off and cleaned them, and got rid of almost all the nicotine staining with a light wet and dry, though it is a tricky business to avoid rounding any edges/corners.

The cabinet got a teak oiling, and that looks fabulous now. As does the dial now I've fitted replacement bulbs.

I think it looks great, and I hope you agree

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

j0hnbarker — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:26:52 GMT

Graham1982:

Hi:

I really like Jaguar's and have been breaking them for a few years with a friend of mine in the London area. I have an interest in a Jaguar dismantlers if anyone has Jaguars and is looking for parts. However, the purpose of me replying to this thread was not to unashemedly advertise myself but to say that I seem to like stuff from the 1950s era that was made decently. I really like the Jaguar Mk X or 420g and once I have passed my test (having failed three times on silly things), I am getting me one. It will probably cost me a bomb to insure and be like parking an aircraft carrier. However, I want one.
I don't know what it is with me and the 50s. When people think of "ordinary" furniture from this era they are quite rightly repulsed - formica, chipboard, etc. However, if you ever have a chance to buy "proper" furniture from this period, you really should. I once had a 1950's cocktail cabinet which had a drop down unit which once pulled down would cause two little shelves to fold out with a lemon squeezer and ice tray in them. The veneer on this was really rich and the unit really heavy. Of its time but not God awful like the cheaper stuff mentioned above.
Now the real point of me joining this thread was so I could ask where I could get a Grand Prix radio from. I really like the look of it and think it will make a nice yet contrasting addition to my room. At the moment it is all rather complicated - Beovision 1 connected to Xbox and graphics card on my PC which I then use to stream media. As I can't leave things alone and like messing around with them, it would make a refreshing change to buy a Grand Prix, stick it on the shelf and just use it for what it is meant without trying to upgrade its sound board, runnig cables from it etc!
I really would like one so if anyone has any idea where I coud get one from that would be awesome.

You could do worse than ask Martin Olsen (Dillen). He might have one/know where to get one from, as one thing's for sure, and that is you're more likely to get one from the continent than from the UK.

As an aside, I bought a Jet Present 607 valve set from Martin last year, and you're spot on about how great it is to just plug it in and listen to the radio. With the valve sound and the warm glow from the dial lamps, it brings a new sense of pleasure to listening to radio programmes. Get a good one valve set and you'll have a posession to treasure!

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

Graham1982 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:51:39 GMT

Of course the MKX is from the mid to late 60s, not 50s but you get what I mean.

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

Graham1982 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:50:28 GMT

Hi:

I really like Jaguar's and have been breaking them for a few years with a friend of mine in the London area. I have an interest in a Jaguar dismantlers if anyone has Jaguars and is looking for parts. However, the purpose of me replying to this thread was not to unashemedly advertise myself but to say that I seem to like stuff from the 1950s era that was made decently. I really like the Jaguar Mk X or 420g and once I have passed my test (having failed three times on silly things), I am getting me one. It will probably cost me a bomb to insure and be like parking an aircraft carrier. However, I want one.

I don't know what it is with me and the 50s. When people think of "ordinary" furniture from this era they are quite rightly repulsed - formica, chipboard, etc. However, if you ever have a chance to buy "proper" furniture from this period, you really should. I once had a 1950's cocktail cabinet which had a drop down unit which once pulled down would cause two little shelves to fold out with a lemon squeezer and ice tray in them. The veneer on this was really rich and the unit really heavy. Of its time but not God awful like the cheaper stuff mentioned above.

Now the real point of me joining this thread was so I could ask where I could get a Grand Prix radio from. I really like the look of it and think it will make a nice yet contrasting addition to my room. At the moment it is all rather complicated - Beovision 1 connected to Xbox and graphics card on my PC which I then use to stream media. As I can't leave things alone and like messing around with them, it would make a refreshing change to buy a Grand Prix, stick it on the shelf and just use it for what it is meant without trying to upgrade its sound board, runnig cables from it etc!

I really would like one so if anyone has any idea where I coud get one from that would be awesome.

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

davefarr — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:27:05 GMT

Hi Ray,

the first thing that drew me to B&O was the design, not the sound. I know what sounds good to my ears but am not an audiophile. I knew in the 1980's when I bought my first full system that B&O had a good reputation for sound but it was the sleek design and flashing lights that first hooked me. Though not shown at its best in this picture (below), this was the first system I bought in about 1986? from the store in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Beocentre 4000, Beogram CDX and deck all on its own stand with X35 speakers and active am 10 antenna. I've still got it (as is in the picture) though the alu panels fell off, the CDX doesn't play any more and a cat urinated on the deck and speakers! I won't get rid of it though - I have cleaned it up by the way.

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:56:45 GMT

j0hnbarker:
Sorry to jump in here Dave - I think there are quite a few of us here who like old cars and old watches - I guess it's something to do with a love of design?
Love your classic car collection - are they all left-hand drive with you living in France? Always fancied an Elan, but never had the chance to drive one myself. For my part I've now got a 72 MG BGT in the garage, and a nice mid-70s Breitling Trans-ocean chronograph on my wrist. Would like to add more to these collections, but the B&O demon keeps winning out and it's this collection that is expanding exponentially!

I think you're right John. I appreciate things that are designed with something other than a budget in mind. Things that have been made better to look at and live with. I'd rather have a Citroen than any of the bland Euroboxes, and if I was buying a new car (which I am not) I'd buy a Citroen C6, even knowing the depreciation is tragic.

The latest watch I am after is a 1950s Russian chronograph that's identical to the watches worn by Gagarin, Titov etc. I can't really afford it, but hey, you only live once....

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

davefarr — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:56:33 GMT

I meant to add this one too:

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

davefarr — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:54:05 GMT

Don't apologise, the more the merrier. All part of the community (not care in the community!). The Daimler and Elan are the only RHD cars, all others are left hookers. The Renault Alpine A310 was bought via eBay. I flew from Basel/Mulhouse to Manchester airport and collected it at 10.00pm in the multi storey car park. Drove it to my parents in Sale to stay overnight, then drove it back to France the next day. It was quite a journey. A big risk as it was unseen but the history behind it makes it unique and more valuable than the relatively small sum I paid for it. The Elan is probably with me for life as I'd hate to part with it. What is it with us collectors?

Re: John Wyndhams Beomaster 900K

rayfenwick — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:50:51 GMT

davefarr:
Hi Ray,
the cream Strat is a US made 1967 model. The red one is a Mexican. I've also got a Hagstrom Super Swede (which some players reckon is better than a Les Paul) though I've not yet got a Gibson LP (I will in the future though I hope). I saw from another thread that you also seem to collect watches - is that right? I've a few RADO watches at home at the moment. My best one is the DiaStar Chronograph (maxi) - it's beautiful but the batteries for it only last about 18 months and it's really expensive to get them replaced (especially as last time the dealer broke the whole mechanism!). I basically got a new watch from them after that as it was factory replaced. We seem to have similar collectors tastes. Here is one of my best B&O items:
I also collect classic cars:Lotus Elan Sprint (1973), Renault Alpine A310 (ex Lotus/DeLorean development car), another Renault Alpine A310 (6 headlight model), Daimler 250 V8 (1969), Fiat Dino 2400 (Ferrari engine of course) (1972). Just as well we have plenty of space!.
One of my honeymoons (I've had a few!) was a 3 week trip to Russia many years ago. 4 days in Moscow, 2 weeks at the Black see coast and 3 days in St Petersburg. Fantastic place, I loved it.

Hi Dave

Some lovely items there, I'm envious, not leastly of the space for everything! One day I'd like to live somewhere big with some space, but it'll be a flat for quite a while...

Cars? I like so many, but my collection (just a dream at the moment) will be big Citroens... that je ne sais quoi... DS, SM, CX, XM (I've owned 3 of those...) and a C6. Love 'em.

And yes, Russia is wonderful, and though I've only seen a tiny part of it I look forward to seeing lots more when I am based there. When I get married next year we're doing it in Paris, spending a few days there (last time I was there it was only fleeting) and then down to the south coast. I had a week in Cannes about 8 years ago, but was ill and didn't appreciate it much, so I want to go back.