Questions about a Packard Bell RPC43

lexisalicki · by **lexisalicki** » Wed May 23, 2012 6:44 am

Hi!
My husband and I just picked up an rpc 43 packard bell electronic phonograph/storage stand.. Thing is we know nothing about it. We dont know the worth, the year etc..It is in great great greattttt condition!!! I dont know how someone gave this up to goodwill!
Can anyone help me out with this???
I attached a picture as well

MattTech · by **MattTech** » Wed May 23, 2012 4:51 pm

Technically, it's called a "console stereo", or "console stereo".
It plays records of various speeds and sizes, and has a radio that tunes in am and fm stations.

The majority of these were made before the 1970's, most popular in the 50's & 60's.
That being said, they almost always have deteriorated parts in them that require servicing and upgrading to perform reliably and safely.
Until that is done, it's best to refrain from using them, because in some instances expensive damage can happen suddenly.

lexisalicki · by **lexisalicki** » Thu May 24, 2012 7:37 am

Thank you very much for the response. I will have my husband take a look at everything on the inside to see how everything is. We listened to the radio a little bit on it and played 1 record on it, mostly because we wanted to see how well it worked.
Do you have any idea on the worth? we picked it up at goodwill for $29.00 and it is seriously in great condition. Looks like it was very well taken care of

MattTech · by **MattTech** » Thu May 24, 2012 4:45 pm

lexisalicki wrote:Thank you very much for the response. I will have my husband take a look at everything on the inside to see how everything is. We listened to the radio a little bit on it and played 1 record on it, mostly because we wanted to see how well it worked.
Do you have any idea on the worth? we picked it up at goodwill for $29.00 and it is seriously in great condition. Looks like it was very well taken care of

I'm sure the cabinet is in "great condition" - most were owned by older people who took care of their furniture.
As for having your husband "take a look" at the insides, other than dust which has nothing to do with its performance, there is really nothing visable that can clue you in on needed servicing.
Unless your hubby is a qualified and experienced restoration tech with knowledge of these things, tell him to leave the back on and have a tech go over it.
Depending on condition, expect aywhere from 150 and up for a proper restoration to be done on it.
Then, and only then, will it be safe and reliable to use. - till then, avoid use.