[R-390] what is the value of a R390 (note the lack of an A)

Todd Bigelow - PS [email protected]
Fri, 14 Feb 2003 14:23:42 -0500


Richard Loken wrote:

>I find myself broke and contemplating selling my R390 that has been sleeping
>in shack for over five years waiting to be restored.  So whats it worth?
>
>This is a Fair radio used, repairable unit in good physical condition with a
>quite nice engraved front panel that I bought when Fair still had lots of
>R390's circa 1996.  I also have a very good manual photocopy, both proper 
>meters, and spare rectifier and regulator tubes but all three covers are
>missing.
>
>What would be the price range of such a package these days?
>  
>
Well, Richard -

The good news is that it's an actual radio, not one of the imaginary 
'non-A' types. Sounds like it's pretty complete, I think Hank has repro 
covers (or maybe those are just for the A model?). Not sure if you've 
tested or used the radio at all, so a lot would depend on that. But my 
guess is somewhere between $200-$400. The R390 is a much nicer radio 
than the cost-reduced A model IMHO. It's also a lot heavier, so shipping 
will be a consideration. They are not as plentiful as the later A 
either. Just having the meters installed is a big plus these days. The 
missing covers are certainly a lot less important.

If you can find any possible way, keep it. This is *the* receiver to 
have for long-term listening. The A is nice as well, but the R-390 from 
which it came is truly a marvelous radio. If you have several A models, 
I'd suggest moving one of those since it will be much easier to replace. 
I'm in the process of "culling the herd" as well, but my remaining R-390 
is going nowhere. It's one project I won't minding getting to later. I 
sold my duplicate R-390 to Sir George in 1998 for over $300, if that's 
any hint. It  was as complete as yours with the Utah cover on top, but 
missing the other two. Both meters, all knobs, working but needing 
restoration and a power cord. No manual either.

Hope this helps, and I hope you find a way to keep it. If you do decide 
to move it, you shouldn't have any problems finding a buyer. I won't 
quote the words of Les Locklear (who I think quoted someone else?) about 
these radios, as tempting as it is....

Boomer,  KA1KAQ