Philharmonic AM/FM

[Robert Feenstra]

Ever since I first heard of EH Scott radios and joined this forum, I've been looking for a Philharmonic to "fall into my lap". Well, when Ron R. sold me his Marine SLRM I saw his AM/FM Philharmonic sitting in the corner.  When he offered it for sale, I knew I would own it, I just didn't know how soon.  Now, a couple of months later, it's here in my possession.  Thank you Ron!

This will be a major project including some re-chroming.  I want to do the radio and Ron proud!  I heard Dave's (in Northern Michigan) Philharmonic (and a lot of other radios!) and decided I needed to get right on it.  So, the work has begun.  I decided to start with the amp/power supply as that is the easiest.  Because of all the small parts around the transformers, it's also the most expensive to re-chrome (driver transformer cover, IF shields and tube shields will not be re-chromed as they can easily be destroyed, though I may give Dave's re-chroming shop in Milwaukee a try.)

This Philharmonic did not have tweeters.  I would like to add them if i can find a set.

Also, since the FM is useless without a converter to the current FM frequencies, I'll be looking for a converter.  i saw the schematic in the archives.  Maybe i'll have to build one.

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[Robert Feenstra]

Kent, I saw that info on the web as well but I believe that was several years ago. I did several searches for current info on a fire there but could find none.

[Kent King]

I got word from another member that Badger had suffered a bad fire and were very busy recovering from the event. Glad to hear they reached out to you!

Kent

[Robert Feenstra]

Wow!  I got an email from Badger Plating today saying my parts are finished and ready to be shipped!  that's great news as I was concerned they were gone forever.  All indications were that they had gone out of business.  Other conversations suggested that they were having issues with the owner of the building who used to own the business. Not sure of what all of the issues are but I hope I get my parts back in good shape. I'm anxious to see how they turned out after all of this.  We'll see.

[Robert Feenstra]

Thanks Scott.  I'll be contacting them on Monday.

[Scott Seickel]

Advance Plating in Nashville has done at least one Philharmonic for John Guller, including the coil covers and all.  They have a good reputation online.  I used Mara plating in Newark NJ as they were a 45 minute drive for me and I could drop off and pick up.  I believe Advance Plating quoted me $250 for the tuner chassis which is the same as Mara charged. 

[Robert Feenstra]

I will continue work on the tuner.  Russ, I may take your suggestion on the place in TN.  You are not the only one to use that shop.  The tuner chassis is ready for replating.  I held off in sending it to Badger until I saw their work.  I'm glad I did!

[Robert Feenstra]

In the meantime, as I wait to see how this gets sorted out, does anyone have an appropriate amp/power supply for a late Philly that they would like to sell?!! 

[Russ Webb]

I suspect that we only have a short time to get plating done at a "reasonable" cost - or at all.

[Scott Seickel]

Man, I am sorry to hear that. 

The first amp I did was a fairly local guy and he did a decent job.  I went back to him with another amp a year later and he was closed down.  Sad part was I could look in and see notes that went through his mail slot onto the floor- people were begging to get their parts back.  I thought I was lucky to not have any parts with him when he closed up shop.  I have spoken with a number of platers in my area and they don't do chrome anymore because the gov't comes down so hard on them.  One guy simply had an unlabeled drum and it cost him $5000 for the fine.  The State has random inspections here several times a year and they love paying their bills with big fines. 

[Robert Feenstra]

Well crap!  I have not heard from Badger Metal Finishing in Milwaukee.  They have my amplifier parts.  All indications are that they have gone out of business.  They don't return calls or emails.  I may have lost my amplifier/power supply and a good chunk of change!  I may be in the market for a replacement.