[R-390] Judging a R-390A for potential purchase

[DJED1 at aol.com]

There are tradeoffs on all the possibilities.   I visited Fair recently, and 
talked to them about their refurbished units:   The good news is that they put 
a lot of effort into repairs for the extra couple of hundred dollars- 
repainting the front panel, etc.   The bad news is that you're getting a blue 
striper, which by definition has been abused, and no original meters.   Buying on 
eBay may get you a radio with good meters, but unknown condition, and no 
recourse.   On the other hand, I've in general been satisfied with my eBay purchases, 
but I try to deal with items which have ben described in good detail, and the 
seller has provided some assurance that the item works.   At a flea market, 
you can at least touch and poke around the radio.   I saw a half dozen R-390s at 
Dayton, and they seemed to be going for reasonable prices ($450-500).   Most 
had original meters, but I didn't explore the working condition of any of 
them.   Of course, we've been trying for years to get members of the list to 
share, but there have been few offers thus far.   
Ed   WB2LHI