[Johnson] Ranger prices?

Tue Jan 3 10:35:39 EST 2012

I'm with Bry... I have three rangers... One is a ranger one that is in "good" shape, with a hole drilled in front panel for carrier level mod, but no ptt mods...no repaint...but electrically recapped and ready to go. I paid $150 for it... I have a ranger II modified in the late 80ies by Tim Smith WA1HLR...it is, in my opinion, of higher value because of whose it was, and how it was the very ranger used to write highly respected mods that remain the standard for rangers today. I paid $500 for it and use it every day. The third was a bit of an extravagance... a ranger II that has been completely restored, from repaint, re-silked, with PTT and Audio mods, and chassis that you can see your face reflected in. It cost over a kilo-buck, and if I had the box, it would be considered better than brand new. I see it as an investment, just like my restored 1940 SX-28. 
I think these three rangers of mine represent the range you can expect... from utility, high-end audio, to a collector condition piece. 
Fortunately, thousands and thousands of these great rigs were made, and made mind you, in America. 

73, Warren
W1GUD
FLAMGROUP.COM

On Jan 3, 2012, at 9:42 AM, bcarling at cfl.rr.com wrote:

> Very good points. The Ranger that I bought for 50 dollars had a hole in the front panel. A control have been added for RTTY offset (ick) but the transmitter worked just fine.
> 
> Bry Carling
> 
> Sent from my WW2 walkie-talkie with android OS, please excuse my brevity.
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Reply message -----
> From: "w7fe" <w7fe at cox.net>
> To: <burnsguitar at yahoo.com>, <johnson at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Johnson] Ranger prices?
> Date: Tue, Jan 3, 2012 3:02 am
> 
> 
> Welcome back to Ham Radio, Brian!
> 
> Over the last few years, I have seen the original maroon-cabinet versions 
> (now known as Ranger I's) go for < $75 to >$600 with Ranger II's usually 
> (and unrealistically IMO) selling in the upper third of that range.
> 
> As with most vintage items of any kind these days, you can expect that 
> physical appearance and operating condition will be major factors 
> contributing to a given unit's value, but the seller's zeal and the buyer's 
> often irrational 'yen' to own a particular item have a way of adding to the 
> objectively determined value to produce a sometimes amazingly inflated 
> purchase price.
> 
> As an obviously accomplished craftsman with a well developed eye for 
> quality, I expect that you will diligently apply your skills to your search 
> for a suitable Johnson Ranger. This will give you a distinct advantage over 
> many of us who tend to often grossly overpay for certain vintage ham gear 
> for reasons which usually go unexplained.
> 
> You'll likely soon be offered several Rangers, variously described as "needs 
> work" (read "basket case") to "absolutely gorgeous" and generously rated at 
> both ends of the spectrum by the sellers.  Many units may well have had one 
> or more of a myriad of 'improvements' added over the years, and it would 
> certainly be to your benefit to determine what areas may have been modified 
> before you agree to a price.
> 
> In other words, there are lots of  EFJ Rangers out there in widely ranging 
> conditions and over a broad spectrum of asking prices, so "caveat emptor" 
> applies --  in spades.
> 
> 73 de Stu, W7FE
> Henderson, NV
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Brian Burns" <burnsguitar at yahoo.com>
> To: <johnson at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 4:43 PM
> Subject: [Johnson] Ranger prices?
> 
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> I'm returning to ham radio after 50 years, and am interested in getting a 
> Ranger for AM work. I'm wondering what is a reasonable price to expect to 
> pay. I'm not concerned with appearances, just that it be in working 
> condition. I've got the usual technician skills, and can restore as 
> necessary.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Brian Burns  ex W5BRO  ex K6UCD
> 
> See my website at : www.lessonsinlutherie.com
> 
> Craftsman Graphics
> 18000 George's Lane
> Fort Bragg, CA 95437
> 
> Toll Free: 866-214-9472
> 
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