M90 advice
- Thread starter Pipe64
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baddboybill
Boomus Fidelis
I apologize, not my intention at all, I just don't know what to do with the box. I know it has some value, I simply am unsure of which direction to go.With a lot of collectables, any type of amateur "cleaning" isn't always the best thing. I just don't know if I can commit the time and effort into a project and in the process possibly do more harm than good. That being said, I will refrain from any selling discussion until I'm eligible.
hollyrockets
Member (SA)
Lot's if folks, including me, are salivating here.
That box is on many peoples' dream list, including mine.
You should consider keeping it, though. Especially if it has memories attached.
That box is on many peoples' dream list, including mine.
You should consider keeping it, though. Especially if it has memories attached.
Welcome! If you are going to get bit by the boombox bug, there is no better way to start than right at the very top, with what is probably the most valued box there is, the M90. It has about the best balance of classic looks and great sound of any box. A lot of people spend up to several YEARS looking for one of those "holy grail" M90s.. There weren't all that many sold, and owners who know what they have are reluctant to part with them, so you are very lucky to "discover" one in your own basement.
Reading your post, I notice you say, "...when it powered up after all these years it was really emotional moment. This inanimate object provided so much enjoyment for me for much of my life, it just seems wrong to get rid of it..." I have a feeling from that, that if you do get rid of it, you may regret it. Sure, you can always get good money for an M90, but if you decide later that you wish you hadn't sold it, and want to buy one back, you'll have to pay good money, too --and you may not be willing (or able) to do so at that time, especially knowing that you already had one, effectively for free. Plus, even if you did re-buy one, it wouldn't be the EXACT SAME box that made all those memories for you. Right now, you have that exact box, and the option to keep it around and create new memories with it. Sure, you CAN sell it, but just think carefully first, so you won't make a move you'll regret and find hard to undo, later. Only sell it if you are sure you won't care (You did think you'd gotten rid of it already... did you miss it then?), or if you really need the money.
The M90 is actually a pretty easy box to work on. It comes apart into three sections, basically. Once the front and back are removed, all the electronic "guts" are in the middle part. This makes it pretty easy to remove and clean up the front and back, without worrying about getting any electronics wet. It's still work, so if you're all thumbs or not good at DIY stuff, then maybe find a pro to clean and fix it up for you. But if you're good at tinkering with things, this is a relatively easy box to clean up. Aside from cleaning the outside (case), you'll want to get DeOxit cleaner and clean all the control surfaces (volume potentiometer, etc...). That isn't difficult, but if you haven't a clue how to do it, you could get a pro to do it for you. [I wrote a "sticky" over on the AudioKarma site, under "General Audio Discussion," about how to do this, which might help you, if you decide to take it on yourself. You might read through that, to get a sense of whether it is something you want to do yourself.]
Be careful when cleaning this box, if you use chemical cleaners, to make sure they don't affect the paint or the plastic. Start with gentle cleaners, and test in an inconspicuous area (on the bottom, perhaps), first. Plain dishwashing detergent is often safe. Baby Wipes can be good, and "Scrubbing Bubbles" often does a fantastic job. Automotive plastic cleaners (from 3M or Meguire's) work very well on plastics, too. But whatever you try, TEST FIRST. Plain water is the safest; try a damp cloth and see if it does the trick. If you see what looks like a spot getting bigger, STOP immediately, because you're probably removing paint. Get the box as clean as you can, and get it fully functional, and listen to it for a while. THEN decide if you are willing to part with it or not. You might be glad you didn't rush into a sale!
Anyway, whatever you decide to do with it, CONGRATULATIONS on your M90!
Reading your post, I notice you say, "...when it powered up after all these years it was really emotional moment. This inanimate object provided so much enjoyment for me for much of my life, it just seems wrong to get rid of it..." I have a feeling from that, that if you do get rid of it, you may regret it. Sure, you can always get good money for an M90, but if you decide later that you wish you hadn't sold it, and want to buy one back, you'll have to pay good money, too --and you may not be willing (or able) to do so at that time, especially knowing that you already had one, effectively for free. Plus, even if you did re-buy one, it wouldn't be the EXACT SAME box that made all those memories for you. Right now, you have that exact box, and the option to keep it around and create new memories with it. Sure, you CAN sell it, but just think carefully first, so you won't make a move you'll regret and find hard to undo, later. Only sell it if you are sure you won't care (You did think you'd gotten rid of it already... did you miss it then?), or if you really need the money.
The M90 is actually a pretty easy box to work on. It comes apart into three sections, basically. Once the front and back are removed, all the electronic "guts" are in the middle part. This makes it pretty easy to remove and clean up the front and back, without worrying about getting any electronics wet. It's still work, so if you're all thumbs or not good at DIY stuff, then maybe find a pro to clean and fix it up for you. But if you're good at tinkering with things, this is a relatively easy box to clean up. Aside from cleaning the outside (case), you'll want to get DeOxit cleaner and clean all the control surfaces (volume potentiometer, etc...). That isn't difficult, but if you haven't a clue how to do it, you could get a pro to do it for you. [I wrote a "sticky" over on the AudioKarma site, under "General Audio Discussion," about how to do this, which might help you, if you decide to take it on yourself. You might read through that, to get a sense of whether it is something you want to do yourself.]
Be careful when cleaning this box, if you use chemical cleaners, to make sure they don't affect the paint or the plastic. Start with gentle cleaners, and test in an inconspicuous area (on the bottom, perhaps), first. Plain dishwashing detergent is often safe. Baby Wipes can be good, and "Scrubbing Bubbles" often does a fantastic job. Automotive plastic cleaners (from 3M or Meguire's) work very well on plastics, too. But whatever you try, TEST FIRST. Plain water is the safest; try a damp cloth and see if it does the trick. If you see what looks like a spot getting bigger, STOP immediately, because you're probably removing paint. Get the box as clean as you can, and get it fully functional, and listen to it for a while. THEN decide if you are willing to part with it or not. You might be glad you didn't rush into a sale!
Anyway, whatever you decide to do with it, CONGRATULATIONS on your M90!
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