The Return of Cassettes

Once I got started collecting and using vintage stereo components and boomboxes, I started wondering if I could get new music on cassettes.  I was surprised and somewhat shocked that there is a whole underground music scene that distributes music on cassette.  It's a movement driven by cost and a certain amount of nostalgia for analog music media.  You can find a cassette with great music released by an indie label for about $5.  It's a good chance to support struggling artists and listen to something new and cutting edge!

By Saviour1981 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you'd like to learn more, check out my article -

Music Cassette Tapes are Making a Comeback!

Thrift Store Speakers

If you've been inspired to look for stereo equipment at your local thrift store, I need to add one more caveat.  The paper and foam in stereo speakers deteriorates over time.  If possible, pull the grill of any prospective speaker purchase from a thrift store.  You might find that the speaker looks like this --

-- or like this:

Unless you just want to by vintage stereo speakers as a restoration project, I wouldn't recommend buying speakers unless you can confirm that they are in good shape and working.  Otherwise, you can buy perfectly good speakers online or at your local stereo store.

Tips on Buying a Retro Stereo from the Thrift Store

I've been poking around in thrift store stereo sections quite a bit lately.  I've had a mix of good luck and bad with my "bargain" stereo finds.  There are some really good deals to be had on stereos.  However, you really have to test thrift store stereos as much as you can before making a purchase.  Here is a how to guide that will help you find some great second-hand stereo buys at your local thrift store:

How to Buy A Thrift Store Stereo

By Norbert Schnitzler (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons

Adam 12 - The Best Cop Show Ever!

Remember when cop shows didn't feature shirtless tattooed guys?  One of the best cop shows ever was Adam 12.  I enjoyed it when I was a kid and, when I can find it, I still enjoy it now.  It was based on true stories from the files of the LAPD.  The contrast between the LAPD depicted in this show and the troubled LAPD depicted in the gritty and violent television show The Shield is amazing.

Photo of Martin Milner (left) as Malloy and Kent McCord as Reed from the television program Adam-12. The storyline was about two police officer partners-one a veteran (Malloy) and one a rookie (Reed).

Adam 12 currently airs daily on the Antenna TV.  My favorite episode as a kid was the one where Malloy and Reed attempt to subdue a really big and powerful suspect.  At one point in their fight, I remember the suspect put Reed in a helicopter spin.  (It was cool when I was 12 or 13!)  Adam 12 is always DVR worthy television and it's a great way to spend 30 minutes!




 Photo by:  By Universal Television (eBay item photo front photo back) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Retro Sounds: Miida Stereo Receiver

On a recent thrift store run, I dipped my toes into the pool of vintage sound systems.  I bought a Miida Stereo Receiver.  It's a nice looking receiver and it is totally analog.  When you power it up, it has dials and needles and a warm glow.  The sound it delivers is pretty good, too.  But, there is a problem.  One stereo channel cuts out completely--even when listening to headphones.  A little whack can help it come back, but that's not a fun way to listen to music.

I probably jarred the unit a bit when positioning it on the shelf and attaching speakers.  But, now I am in a quandary about whether to have it repaired, learn to repair it myself, or ditch it and buy a more modern receiver when the time is right.  I don't want a $40 dollar receiver to become a $400 receiver.  But, it would be so cool if it worked right!

Miida Stereo Receiver

I could just save up a little money and buy a new receiver like the Onkyo TX-8255 (shown below).  I'm sure it would work well and sound great.  But, I'm a little stubborn about these things.

Retro Gifts

From Radios to Record Players, this Christmas old fashioned gifts may be your best bet.  Here are some decidedly retro gift ideas:

Five Retro Gift Ideas

A Retro-Style Watch from Fossil

This watch from Fossil has all the retro goodness of a classic watch from the 60s or 70s in a modern quartz package and dial size.  It's a nice solid watch with a classic look and simple style.  You can read more about it in this review:

Wristwatch Review:  Fossil Men's Ansel Vintage-style Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Band

If you'd like to learn more, this link will take you directly to the watch on the Fossil.com site!