I have recently acquired this console radio/phonograph from its original owner. I'm having a heck of a time find anything out about it on the web. Are these so rare that there's nothing available for or about them? I believe this to be a 1942 model and it has a 2nd tone arm for cutting records along with its original microphone. Sadly, it does not have FM.













Thanks for any information anyone can give me!
Dave

Very beautiful!
Yes, it is a 1942 model. Interestingly the model 40 and 80 GE Musaphonics have FM, but the 60 does not. As these were expensive models, yes, they are rather rare.
Being that they are big, heavy and a style which many collectors shy away from, they don't command much value. There are a few of us who appreciate these big beautiful radio/phonograph combinations!

The FM used on the Prewar FM is not the same band as we use today. So, even if you had a 40 or 80, it wouldn't tune FM without some sort of adapter. The old band tunes 42-50 MHz while the current, Postwar band tunes 88-108 MHz.

The record changer used is a Webster Chicago model 40 with the recording attachment. These changers were designed to play 10" and 12" records and automatically distinguish between the sized if intermixed. It is, however, 78 RPM only. These are often plagued with potmetal problems, so it may be a challenge to get it functioning as a changer.

Thank you for posting pictures of this beauty!

-Steve

Hi Steve:

Thank you for the very informative reply! I find the lack of FM to be very interesting. This information page on RadioMuseum.org lists it as having FM. Also, this ad also states the same. Perhaps it was an option?



Dave

Aha, I gave you some misinformation. I had to refresh myself on these series with the (little) info I have.
I apologize

Yes, it was an option on both the 60 and 80. Both used a separate chassis for FM, in fact, it was the 1941 model JFM-90 FM adapter chassis that was used.
I believe it was mounted in the blank area above the main dial where that tag is located. Does yours have a position on one of the switches for FM?

The JFM-90 FM adapters were sold in droves, so finding one to install in your set wouldn't be difficult, however you wouldn't be able to tune modern FM with it.
A better bet would be a postwar FM adapter such as a Meissner 8C, Howard 482 or even the big, bulky General Electric XFM-1.

Again, i apologize for the wrong info.

-Steve

There is a position on the station presets for F.M./TEL.:



Dave

Ok, that would activate an Aux audio input (Probably an RCA jack) on the chassis where the FM tuner would connect to.

You could even connect an Mp3 player to this input to enjoy the high quality amplifier/sound system used on the 60.

There was also a model 30 Musaphonic which didn't include FM at all.

All I have is the service data in the John F. Riders manuals, which I've been researching radios which have FM made before WWII.
A certain interest of mine.

http://userpages.bright.net/~geary/fm/fm-riders.html

The service data can be found here.

http://www.nostalgiaair.org/resources/714/M0007714.htm

Again, thanks for posting about your Musaphonic and welcome to the forums!

-Steve

Thank you Steve! I'm certain I'll have plenty of questions when I get about to restoring this piece.

Dave

Wow, I found this beauty for sale on the Montana CL for $1200! Seller says that it's a 1940. It has both FM bands, but no record cutter.









Dave

Another nice GE Musaphonic, but that one is clearly late 1940s. Probably 1949 as the changer is a 3 speed with an interchangeable pickup head. Again, a Webster Chicago. (Columbia introduced the 33 1/3 Long Play (LP) record standard as well as RCA with their 45 in 1948)

Postwar Armstrong FM licensed manufacturers (Freed Eisemann, General Electric, Magnavox, Stromberg Carlson, Zenith and a few others) put both FM bands on their sets for a few years after WWII.

A beautiful piece, but I don't think it will sell for anywhere near that price. If it does, I will be very surprised!

-Steve

This will now be my earliest console. Before this, my oldest is a 1956 Fisher Custom Futura and a '57 Fisher C-800 Contemporary.

Dave

Fishers are quality radios! Are they what I see around the corner on the 3rd photo?

I honestly thought the one cabinet I see was older than that.

-Steve

Actually, if you're referring to the third pic, that's an early 50's RCA television. Here's my '56 Custom Futura:







I just picked up the C-800 tonight and haven't taken any pics yet.

I also have a '63 Custom Electra:





Dave

Wow, those Fishers are beautiful! Thanks for showing them too!
I have a 1963 Fisher Executive VIII 950-P sitting in storage waiting to be fixed up one day. Though, it is a little rough condition cabinet wise. Built like a tank!

-Steve

WOW thats some sweet stuff!

I really love your Executive Steve! I hope to find one or a President some day.

Dave

A few quick pics of the C-800 I picked up. I haven't had a chance to clean it up yet and it's obvious the dial lights need to be replaced.















Dave

Beautiful! Again, thanks!

Yes, you need to get those dial lamps replaced! I always loved the glow of those Fisher dials!

Here is an image I snapped many years ago while playing with my AM80.



-Steve

Got the dial glass out and cleaned and the lights replaced on my C-800.



Dave

Well..all these GE's are super... I saw that a 1939 G97 console just sold for over $830 on Ebay..out of my league..But did not this 1942 Musaphonic line start with a simple ..small Am/Sw Model 20 with front doors..?I want one.

The General Electric G97 is that unique console with the clock/timer that pops up out of the top! Quite the interesting radio

Dave, your Fisher looks beautiful with that lit up dial! Thanks for sharing!

-Steve