Life expectancy of the boombox and boomboxes in general

FWSnake · Jun 14, 2017

Has anyone thought of, really, how long these are going to last? I know these can be restored, but at some points the electronics fail, I get that. But it seems like as time passes parts will become increasingly difficult to acquire for boomboxes to keep them running. It's not like cars where in a lot of cases, a plethora of aftermarket parts exist, and are easily accessible. As far as it seems, our unrestored gems have already exceeded their life expectancy. How far do you think the boombox can really be carried out (vintage models, screw the new ones that are trying to become relevant in the electronics market :-P

)?

Lasonic TRC-920 · Jun 14, 2017

That is a very interesting question....One I have thought of allot over the years.

I think the original life expectancy of these was a few years at best. The sentiment in the United States in the late 1970's and early 80's was "All this Japanese electronic's flooding the market is cheap crap compared to a solidly built Motorola". But time has certainly proven that not to be the case.

The basic electronic components I think will be available for some time. Diodes, resisters. But tuner parts, amp chips and photometers, especially slider contacts maybe harder to find.

Of all of it, I think the most vulnerable component will be the plastic case. These compounds do deteriorate over time and lose their structural ability to hold together. Especially since they have been shaken for 40 years.

But in the next 20 years will anyone care? As it's been mentioned on this site before, 25 years ago prices for a classic Victrola were through the roof because the people who were collecting them, like we collect Boomboxes were in their 50's and 60's. Now those people are vanishing and so is the interest in those items. I'm certain the same will happen to the Boombox after our generation move on.

jimmyjimmy19702010 · Jun 14, 2017

I read a story recently about a guy in Russia who imported a NIB GF-9090 from the states. It truly was a NIB box find with sealed original carton etc.

He opened it up and tried to fire it up - nothing. Turns out he had to recap the entire unit as the caps had turned to dust from lack of use!! I've got my 9090 here beside me that's probably been switched on most days since 1978 and it works perfectly!

Regular but not abusive use I think is the key.

The more basic models that didn't boast the latest and greatest tech at the time seem to age better than the fancy models for some reason.

samovar · Jun 14, 2017

Great thread indeed. I think we should distinguish the personal (generational) point of view form the historical one.

As for the latter, for instance, there exist museums of XX century technology which are already dealing with the problem of obsolescence of the electronic components: the same that interest the former, that is, ourselves! :-)

Not an easy task, given that mass products have been more and more conceived in such a way to deteriorate quickly (especially from the 80s on).

I agree with Chris that the plastic cases are the most vulnerable parts of boomboxes (electronic components may be available for longer, although the question of 'how much longer' is debatable). I think that both can be surrogated when the 3-D print technology will be perfected. It's already advanced enough to be able to duplicate entire buildings: I read somewhere that the archaeological ruins in Palmira (Syria) can already be rebuilt with super-professional 3-D printers (it's a long process, but it's already possible).

As a footnote, I think that we, as collectors, already contribute to the preservation of an aspect of cultural and material history of our times (70s-to date). We do it already at all levels, from finding a solution to a practical problem to saving units from oblivion. I'll just add that I've often thought to donate my collection to a museum one day. This is precisely because I like the idea that future generations may have access to the memory of an age that is not already past and yet in danger to be forgotten.

1986GLH · Jun 14, 2017

But in the next 20 years will anyone care? As it's been mentioned on this site before, 25 years ago prices for a classic Victrola were through the roof because the people who were collecting them, like we collect Boomboxes were in their 50's and 60's. Now those people are vanishing and so is the interest in those items. I'm certain the same will happen to the Boombox after our generation move on.

I'm not totally convinced that the interest in boomboxes will die with our generation. My 12 year old son has a love for blasters that easily matches my love for them. And this is not something I pushed him into, he developed this appreciation for boomboxes on his own. Now it's getting to a point where his buddies will come over to our house and take a look at our boom room and they instantly become fans of them. I would almost liken it to how people are drawn to classic automobiles......it seems like boomboxes have a similar appeal. After one of my son's friends was over at our house, he said that he thought his dad had an old radio up in the attic of their house and he was going to see if he could talk his father into getting it out for him. Turns out that radio is a Helix Wheely!

FWSnake · Jun 14, 2017

Lasonic TRC-920 said:
But in the next 20 years will anyone care? As it's been mentioned on this site before, 25 years ago prices for a classic Victrola were through the roof because the people who were collecting them, like we collect Boomboxes were in their 50's and 60's. Now those people are vanishing and so is the interest in those items. I'm certain the same will happen to the Boombox after our generation move on.

You mean, the future holds Sharps for cheaper than $300?? Excellent! But yes, 1986's anecdote is really cool, but I don't believe these instances happen THAT often to carry the interest throughout Generation Y. Especially compared to classic cars, which share a greater following.

samovar said:
Great thread indeed. I think we should distinguish the personal (generational) point of view form the historical one.

As for the latter, for instance, there exist museums of XX century technology which are already dealing with the problem of obsolescence of the electronic components: the same that interest former, that is, ourselves! Not an easy task, given that mass products have been more and more conceived in such a way to deteriorate quickly (especially from the 80s on).

I agree with Chris that the plastic cases are the most vulnerable parts of boomboxes (electronic components may be available for longer, although the question of 'how much longer' is debatable). I think that both can be surrogated when the 3-D print technology will be perfected. It's already advanced enough to be able to duplicate entire buildings: I read somewhere that the archaeological ruins in Palmira (Syria) can already be rebuilt with super-professional 3-D printers (it's a long process, but it's already possible).

As a footnote, I think that we, as collectors, already contribute to the preservation of an aspect of cultural and material history of our times (70s-to date). We do it already at all levels, from finding a solution to a practical problem to saving units from oblivion. I'll just add that I've often thought to donate my collection to a museum one day. This is precisely because I like the idea that future generations may have access to the memory of an age that is not already past and yet in danger to be forgotten.

I suppose even with 3D printed parts, purists don't feel the need to keep their boomboxes EXACTLY stock. That's what I initially thought vintage electronics collectors would be like, being phobic of parts they could easily retrofit in. This alone will give boomboxes more length than if collectors didn't utilize this great technology.

caution · Jun 14, 2017

Boomboxes have a bit more staying power than audio gear from previous generations. They've got flash, portability, interoperability, are loud and sound great. All of these remain desirable, marketable selling points and is still making money for Lasonic, Aiwa and others.

Reli · Jun 14, 2017

Well, I'm not interested in tube radios, Bakelite radios, or 8-track players.

As for teenagers, most of them aren't even interested in sports cars or muscle cars anymore. :-/

Seems their car of choice is a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma. :huh:

Back on topic, I've found Panasonics to last the longest.

frontside5 · Jun 14, 2017

As the generation originally obsessed with it dies out the value and overall interest in a boombox will die out but a great deal of boxes will always remain. There will always be younger people who catch the fever but it will become a smaller and smaller niche.

As for how long they can run for - Exhibit A: a working 1926 Ford model T for sale close to me for USD$5k. I am truly stunned that a working museum piece is available for so little. I think that the original car reflects both the declining niche value and the longevity of what we think of as old manufacturing.

restocat · Jun 14, 2017

I am sure the shelf queens in our collections will look close to the same in 30+ years. It may be non-original parts to bring them back to life, but it will be done.

As for value, it is really hard to predict the future. The 50s and 60s generations should have given up on their classic and muscle cars by now, but prices have soared over the last 10 years.

FWSnake · Jun 15, 2017

caution said:
Boomboxes have a bit more staying power than audio gear from previous generations. They've got flash, portability, interoperability, are loud and sound great. All of these remain desirable, marketable selling points and is still making money for Lasonic, Aiwa and others.

They truly are more stylish and marketable than electronics of prior decades. 1970's Stereo receivers are cool but unless you have a high-tech Marantz, Pioneer or any of the top notch brands, it loses its charm after a while. And I couldn't care less about 60's portable radios.

frontside5 said:
As the generation originally obsessed with it dies out the value and overall interest in a boombox will die out but a great deal of boxes will always remain. There will always be younger people who catch the fever but it will become a smaller and smaller niche.

As for how long they can run for - Exhibit A: a working 1926 Ford model T for sale close to me for USD$5k. I am truly stunned that a working museum piece is available for so little. I think that the original car reflects both the declining niche value and the longevity of what we think of as old manufacturing.

Hehe, all the interest is in American muscle and exotic imports (50's-70's).

Shame to hear such a relic is being let go for that much, but we don't know the seller's intentions. And maybe, this is just another reason to continue the pre-war car niche?

restocat said:
I am sure the shelf queens in our collections will look close to the same in 30+ years. It may be non-original parts to bring them back to life, but it will be done.
As for value, it is really hard to predict the future. The 50s and 60s generations should have given up on their classic and muscle cars by now, but prices have soared over the last 10 years.

It's crazy how vintage GM muscle cars are skyrocketing in value. Specifically Fords and Chevrolets. But as I've expressed, comparing that hobby to boomboxes, in some aspects, makes very little sense.

Lasonic TRC-920 · Jun 15, 2017

1986GLH said:
After one of my son's friends was over at our house, he said that he thought his dad had an old radio up in the attic of their house and he was going to see if he could talk his father into getting it out for him. Turns out that radio is a Helix Wheely!

WOW, that's awesome....you got to swoop in on that!

frontside5 said:
As the generation originally obsessed with it dies out the value and overall interest in a boombox will die out but a great deal of boxes will always remain. There will always be younger people who catch the fever but it will become a smaller and smaller niche.

As for how long they can run for - Exhibit A: a working 1926 Ford model T for sale close to me for USD$5k. I am truly stunned that a working museum piece is available for so little. I think that the original car reflects both the declining niche value and the longevity of what we think of as old manufacturing.

I've always been surprised at the cheap prices on Model T's and A's. But I have been told that it comes down to availability and that they built a million of them. So, there is just allot of them around. Not really rare.

jimmyjimmy19702010 · Jun 15, 2017

Total model T production was around 15 million so no, not a rare bird. :lol:

1986GLH · Jun 15, 2017

Lasonic TRC-920 said:
After one of my son's friends was over at our house, he said that he thought his dad had an old radio up in the attic of their house and he was going to see if he could talk his father into getting it out for him. Turns out that radio is a Helix Wheely!

Click to expand...

WOW, that's awesome....you got to swoop in on that!

The first thing I asked my son's friend was if his dad wanted to sell the Helix. He quickly said that his dad wanted to keep it because it brought back great memories from his teen years. I did get to see some pictures of it, and it looks like it's in pretty decent shape. It was just a neat thing, because when he said his dad had an old radio in the attic, I was just assuming it was probably a small Sanyo or something like that. No way in heck did I ever think it would be a Wheely!

JVC Floyd · Jun 15, 2017

I don't think there is a life span , either the motherfucker makes it or it don't. Also more boxes probably croak from just sitting around than from being used often.

BoomboxLover48 · Jun 15, 2017

I would say the interest for these gadgets will last forever. No one makes anything close to the design of these beautiful boomboxes from late 70s to mid 80s.

Talking about valve radios I collect them also and still you can get all replacement parts for this. I have completely recapped and restores many high end SABA (german) and Philips (Holland) stereo 13, 14 tube radios.

I would say 95 percent of the components can be replaced and parts restored.

See the imitations of these boxes out there that looks like wooden luggage boxes with dirty handles! I can't touch them! :no:

See all the proof we got here on Boomboxery! So many young collectors are members here!

Look at Joe! :w00t:

baddboybill · Jun 15, 2017

In all honesty i dont think many of us would have thought they would last this long. I was totally shocked when i first looked on ebay and at prices and then when i found S2G

FWSnake · Jun 15, 2017

baddboybill said:
In all honesty i dont think many of us would have thought they would last this long. I was totally shocked when i first looked on ebay and at prices and then when i found S2G

eBay prices are outrageous, I sometimes regret that the two boxes I bought off there. Probably gonna start buying here, honestly.

Reli said:
Well, I'm not interested in tube radios, Bakelite radios, or 8-track players.

As for teenagers, most of them aren't even interested in sports cars or muscle cars anymore. Seems their car of choice is a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma.

Back on topic, I've found Panasonics to last the longest.

Yeah, car culture among millennials is looking bleak.

Does anyone know of any cool Panasonic models, since they supposedly last very long?

Ghettoboom767 · Jun 15, 2017

The old vintage Sharps and JVC's & Panasonics maintained 100 years!!ðŸ˜®ðŸ˜ŠðŸ˜ŽðŸ“»ðŸ“»

trippy1313 · Jun 15, 2017

Wow this thread blew up. Very interesting topic to bring up.

Life expectancy of the boombox and boomboxes in general

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