VOLUME 20            APRIL 2003                NUMBER  4

RADIO MISCELLANEA -- APRIL 2003

From Antique Radio Classified for April 2003
(Copyright 1996-2002 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

"Antique Radio Classified" invites its readers to contribute letters and information for inclusion in "Radio Miscellanea" and elsewhere in the magazine. "In The Marketplace" is based on information submitted by the businesses themselves. All topics should be of general interest and sent to A.R.C., P.O. Box 2, Carlisle, MA 01741. All material submitted should be verified for accuracy and may be edited for publication, which is not guaranteed. See the masthead for more details.

Another Repairman's Vignette

Dear Editor:

I enjoyed the vignette on page 22 of the February 2003 A.R.C. Perhaps you can use the one that follows in a future issue - my gift to your cause because I love your magazine and want to support it.

My longtime work friend, Yoshio Kobata, was locked up during World War II in an internment camp and then released to join the Army, as he had been born in California. He was trained at war's end using the G.I. Bill and ended up with his own radio (later radio/TV) shop in Concord, Cal. One day a customer left a radio for him to restring the dial cord as it was defective or broken. Sometimes an easy fix, sometimes a "dog." Yosh usually charge the same price for either service - $1.50. The customer had not asked for an estimate, and when he returned he became really angry at the price (remember this was the 1940s).

After much heated discussion, Yosh took the radio back and cut the newly restrung cord. Then he gave the man his radio and said, "No charge. Take it to another shop for repair please." Obviously an angry move which meant a loss of labor time and a customer, but it satisfied Yosh.

I heard the story many times as we worked together and discussed the problems of having our own business. When I had my own home radio repair business, I made sure that a customer understood the price before beginning the work. I would provide a phone estimate, if requested, after I had found the problem. I also sometimes clipped parts in to ensure that the radio would play OK with the repairs needed.

--Stan Lopes, Concord, CA

We appreciate the support in such a concrete way. (Editor)

A.R.C. Ad Scored

Dear Editor:

For your information, I did score a remote control as pictured in my ad from last year. My assumption was correct - that not everyone is on the Net yet!

--Bill G. Davis, Oakland, CA

Great Job!

Dear Editor:

I have been a subscriber from the beginning - Vol. I, No. 1 - Wouldn't be without it. Great Job!

William H. Smith, Tiffin, OH

A.R.C. Ads

Dear Editor:

Here's a note included with my ad for the next issue: A.R.C. ads still get results.

--Alva May, Shenandoah, VA

E-mail and Tabs

Dear Editor:

"As we all know e-mail affords us many advantages." This quote from your March 2003 editorial makes an important point that should be taken to heart by all A.R.C. advertisers. A scan of the March classified ads reveals over half of the advertisers do not include an e-mail address. There is nothing so frustrating - not to mention expensive - than phoning an advertiser, only to be told an item is sold or that a wanted item has been found. I know that some oldsters are reluctant to use newfangled inventions. Rest easy, I'm 70 and have used e-mail for over 10 years. During that time, I have not been sickened by computer viruses, killed by hackers, or carried off to Nigeria by software pirates. If it's safe for me, it's safe for all. And, you will notice an immediate improvement in the effectiveness of your ads.

--Joseph Mente, Olympia Fields, IL

P.S. The sticky tabs are missing from my March issue. This is unacceptable, my having paid for them, and all. Please send me two sticky tabs, along with detailed instructions for their installation, and take steps to see that it doesn't happen again!

Web Search Finds A.R.C.

Dear Editor

I was looking for more information on my Electromatic TV. I wasn't aware that there was another one in existence until I did a search on the Web and came up with Ross Mason's photo in your Photo Review from your April 2001 issue. I also found the three follow-up letters in Radio Miscellanea from your June, 2001, issue.

Thank you.

--Larry Ware, Peoria, IL

Internet Irony

Dear Editor:

I may not be as educated as some of your subscribers, but I want to say this. It would be ironic for a publication that deals in old technology to go into the newest tech/Internet to please people who are into computers and want to make the rapid buying and selling of old radios a priority. Leave it be.

--Harold Wright, Chancellor, AL

This letter, from a few years ago, speaks for up the many traditionalists among radio collectors. (Editor)

A.R.C. Superb

Dear Editor:

A.R.C. is a superb publication. Please keep it up!

--Ed Allison, Sacramento, CA