Van Halen's BBX ?

[Drew]

This is a long shot, but back in 1984 I saw Van Halen and a boombox was used on stage as part of tte show.

I've also been told that the picture sleeve of the 45 rpm disc 'Panama' circa 1984, David Lee Roth is pictured flying across the stage with the bbx held to his ear.

Anyone know the make and model ?

 

[Fatdog]

Here's a pic that might help. The boombox is a mini - but which one? It'll definitely take an expert to know.

 

[ClaretBadger]

Halen ROCKS!

 

[redbenjoe]

might be this aiwa 350 --top left...??
or sony made some similar models

 

[restocat]

Close to this one: Note that the small tweeters on the outside edge of the speakers match up.

PANASONIC (NATIONAL) RX-4830

 

[el cad]

Here's the video Panama. The clip of Roth flying with the BBX is right at the start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zm5c7mKjrQ#

Looks a little better here:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x22qzh ... nama_music


restocat - I'm not seeing the side tweeters, but maybe you're right. But I am getting a Panny vibe from the box. Maybe a Sanyo.

 

[restocat]

Here's the video Panama. The clip of Roth flying with the BBX is right at the start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zm5c7mKjrQ#

Looks a little better here:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x22qzh ... nama_music


restocat - I'm not seeing the side tweeters, but maybe you're right. But I am getting a Panny vibe from the box. Maybe a Sanyo.

Nice video shots. Yes definately not side tweeters, the still image threw me off. Still looks like a panny.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

What we got for sure:

Top mounted controls and what appear to be knobs on the right side / top
Chrome rings around speakers (easier to see on the video then the still)
Black cassette deck door with either a white strip on the door or there is possible no cassette in the deck.

What we might have:

It may have tweeters next to the speakers

What it does not have:

It does not have a black tuner dial like the radio below, of course one could argue that at the angle the picture is taken the tuner dial, which is angled back (on the radio below) is simply out of sight!

But from this angle, you can see there is no black strip on the top of the radio! (I know, I've been watching too much CSI )

 

[restocat]

Another consideration is that it is a stage prop. They very easily could have changed colors, and added strips here and there.

probably not changed for a prop:
Top mounted controls and what appear to be knobs on the right side / top
Chrome rings around speakers (easier to see on the video then the still)

not reliable, could be changed (colored tape/etc):
Black cassette deck door with either a white strip on the door or there is possible no cassette in the deck.

 

[Jovie]

also consider bright lighting could totally obscure a contour or marking on the box.I think its very possible it could be that Pana given the protrusions..

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

It does appear to be very very close to that Panasonic. It does look like it has tweeters on the speakers, but they look to be horizontal, not vertical. Are there other close variations of that box?

 

[Drew]

Wow......you guys are doing some serious detective work on an I.D.

My guess is it was not a mock-up prop - the production manager for the band likey said to a member of the crew, "go ouf and buy a half dozen box's of the same model".

Thanks for the photos and clips. It was a good concert....a reminder of my mis-spent youth.

 

[el cad]

Panasonic. Panama. They seem like they should go together.

The cassette door may have extra black tape on it to cover up any logos. Surely if Panasonic did not send Van Halen a check they were not going to be advertising for them.

 

[baddboybill]

Another finding is the handle seems to go from end to end of radio