Three years ago, before I joined S2G, I was feeling a little nostalgic for a boombox a friend of mine had back in the mid-'80s. The boombox was a Helix HX-4635. My friend, Chad, was about 10 years old and I was about 14 at the time. I still remember being at his apartment when his mom brought it home and both Chad and I were so excited to get it out of the box; we couldn't wait to see how it compared to our other friend's Sharp GF-777.
Anyway, back in 2006, I asked Chad if he still had his old boombox and he said his mom still had it back in Nashville. I sent his mom an e-mail and asked her if she still had the Helix. That's when I received the devastating news - she told me she had just given to Goodwill a few months earlier.
Oh, my God! She then went on to tell me that the Helix was still in pretty much mint condition and still worked. She also said that if she had known I wanted it, she would have just GIVEN it to ME. I literally shed a tear at that moment. 
:'-( Numerous visits to local Goodwill stores never turned up the Helix anywhere. It was gone forever. 
The day after Christmas, 2006, I rediscovered and joined S2G to learn more about boomboxes - in particular the Helix HX-4635. It was then that I learned that the Helix also came with different names such as Conion, Clairtone, and even Nippon. I found several versions of the boombox on eBay since then and came close to winning a few, nowhere close on most of them, and even had a couple sold to an unnamed bidder in "under the table" deals. My luck was just not working in my favor. I seriously contemplated a trip to Canada, as it seemed Conions and Clairtones grew on trees up there.
Fast forward to 2009 and the opening of Boomboxery. A few members noted that I didn't have a "Donate" button so they could support the website. After a while, I half-heartedly mentioned that instead of donating money, maybe a Helix HX-4635 could be part of the deal.
One member in particular always seemed to be on the lookout for me, but I couldn't let one person spend the kind of money needed to acquire a nice Helix/Conion/Clairtone. I mentioned that I would help out too - sort of like a tag team effort in wrestling. The two of us came close on a couple of boxes, but never came out victorious.
Unbeknownst to me, there was an organized effort behind the scenes to help me in my search for a Helix/Conion/Clairtone.
I was totally at a loss for words other than "What?!", "Wow!", and "Seriously?!" when I found out the whole story. I know that the guys, and girl, here are some of the nicest people you could know, but never in a million years would I have expected the generosity that they have shown me. They are the ones who have helped me with a long search. 
That search came to an end this past Saturday.
The Clairtone that is now in my possession was personally delivered by Mrs. THAFUZZ and their two boys, Kristopher and Nickolas. Wow! My dad came outside to finally see the legendary boombox just to confirm that such a thing really exists. He was shocked at how big, and heavy, it is. I just stared at it and listened to it. I'm sure the neighbors heard it too. The whole story is like a Hollywood feel-good movie where everything just falls into place. Kathy and the boys stayed for a while and then we all went and had lunch together. It was a most excellent day!
Since everyone involved and those who contributed wish to remain nameless, I can't thank each one of you personally. However, please know that I am beyond grateful for your generosity and I am truly blessed to be here with you guys and girl. Somewhere and somehow your kindness in life will be rewarded.
-- Bobby
Anyway, back in 2006, I asked Chad if he still had his old boombox and he said his mom still had it back in Nashville. I sent his mom an e-mail and asked her if she still had the Helix. That's when I received the devastating news - she told me she had just given to Goodwill a few months earlier.
Oh, my God! She then went on to tell me that the Helix was still in pretty much mint condition and still worked. She also said that if she had known I wanted it, she would have just GIVEN it to ME. I literally shed a tear at that moment. :'-( Numerous visits to local Goodwill stores never turned up the Helix anywhere. It was gone forever. The day after Christmas, 2006, I rediscovered and joined S2G to learn more about boomboxes - in particular the Helix HX-4635. It was then that I learned that the Helix also came with different names such as Conion, Clairtone, and even Nippon. I found several versions of the boombox on eBay since then and came close to winning a few, nowhere close on most of them, and even had a couple sold to an unnamed bidder in "under the table" deals. My luck was just not working in my favor. I seriously contemplated a trip to Canada, as it seemed Conions and Clairtones grew on trees up there.
Fast forward to 2009 and the opening of Boomboxery. A few members noted that I didn't have a "Donate" button so they could support the website. After a while, I half-heartedly mentioned that instead of donating money, maybe a Helix HX-4635 could be part of the deal.
One member in particular always seemed to be on the lookout for me, but I couldn't let one person spend the kind of money needed to acquire a nice Helix/Conion/Clairtone. I mentioned that I would help out too - sort of like a tag team effort in wrestling. The two of us came close on a couple of boxes, but never came out victorious.Unbeknownst to me, there was an organized effort behind the scenes to help me in my search for a Helix/Conion/Clairtone.
I was totally at a loss for words other than "What?!", "Wow!", and "Seriously?!" when I found out the whole story. I know that the guys, and girl, here are some of the nicest people you could know, but never in a million years would I have expected the generosity that they have shown me. They are the ones who have helped me with a long search. That search came to an end this past Saturday.
The Clairtone that is now in my possession was personally delivered by Mrs. THAFUZZ and their two boys, Kristopher and Nickolas. Wow! My dad came outside to finally see the legendary boombox just to confirm that such a thing really exists. He was shocked at how big, and heavy, it is. I just stared at it and listened to it. I'm sure the neighbors heard it too. The whole story is like a Hollywood feel-good movie where everything just falls into place. Kathy and the boys stayed for a while and then we all went and had lunch together. It was a most excellent day!Since everyone involved and those who contributed wish to remain nameless, I can't thank each one of you personally. However, please know that I am beyond grateful for your generosity and I am truly blessed to be here with you guys and girl. Somewhere and somehow your kindness in life will be rewarded.
-- Bobby
