[Hammarlund] HQ-129X Value Question

[GARDGORE@aol.com]

In my view the HQ-129X described is worth $50 only if you needed the parts or 
if you enjoy the challenge of restoring and bringing back a basket case. I 
would probably be inclined to look a little further for another one, however. 
The HQ-129X typically sells at the hamfest and swapmeet level in the range of 
$75 to $150 for a fairly good one. Spending a bit more than $50 for the rough 
one mentioned will get you a much better receiver. On the other hand 
restoring a basket case would bring a real sense of accomplishment if you are 
skilled at restoration or desire to advance your level of experience. I have 
a friend who only buys the really rough stuff most of us would shy away from 
and it sounds like your HQ-129X would be right up his alley. He has honed his 
refurbishing skills and enjoys displaying his finished work with pride along 
with "before" photos. The HQ-129X was Hammarlund's first postwar design and 
perhaps its most notable feature was some fresh styling over its predecessor 
the HQ-120X. It didn't embody any particularly new groundbreaking technology 
for its time but rather was based on previously used and successful solid 
Hammarlund engineering. The Super-Pro was of course the flagship high end 
model but the HQ-129X was still a very well built, capable, solid performer 
with its 1 RF stage, 3 IF stages and excellent crystal filter. The companion 
transmitter was the Four-20 along with the Four-11 modulator to make a 
complete 1946 Hammarlund station. Every well rounded BA collection should 
include the HQ-129X receiver if for no other reasons than because they are 
stable and reliable and perhaps for the peculiar styling. I think the "HQ" 
prefix in the Hammarlund model numbers can be traced back to the earlier 
Hammarlund Roberts days when they sold models like the Hi-Q, Hi-Q 29 and Hi-Q 
30 line of broadcast receivers.

Greg Gore, WA1KBQ


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