[Drake] Drake Rant

[Chris Codella, W2PA]

Richard, (Rick?  Rich?   ...you didn't say)

You won't get flamed here - I think others may share your frustration.  
And besides, Drake enthusiasts are civilized ;-)   Since you posted to 
the reflector, you will get responses via the reflector too.  Here are 
some suggestions, because it's probably not as bad as you think.

I've been watching Drake 4-Line prices on eBay (it's okay to say the 
word ;-) for about 8 years or so, and they seem (to me) to have been 
fairly stable over that period.  However, whenever a unit appears that 
is in unusually great condition, the price tends to go through the 
roof.  But that's to be expected since units like that are not very 
common.  If anything, I've seen prices drop slightly over the past year 
or so.  I don't follow 7-line or 2-line pieces, so if that's what you're 
after, I can't speak with any experience.  But I'd assume it works the 
same way.  As Dave pointed out, the market is the market.  An item is 
worth exactly as much as someone is willing to pay.

If you want a very good deal, the best way to approach this vintage 
radio stuff is to find a unit that is not in museum condition but is 
restorable nonetheless.  For example, if the paint is not badly 
scratched or bent, the front panel is good, but it's just very dirty and 
needs some alignment and maybe a part replaced, then you can get 
something for a very good price.  Next, you put in some work getting it 
in shape (which is fun, by the way) and end up with a new-looking, 
new-performing piece of Drake gear. 

73,
Chris, W2PA