Old school audio

It was sad to see my old stereo system go.  I had bought it in 1988 (when I was 15),with one of my first paychecks from working as a junior checkout assistant / dog's body, at Coles supermarket.  Still in excellent cosmetic and working condition, someone got a bargain on Ebay for $50. 

 Since moving house, the system had lived on the floor in the lounge room.  It was big and out of place and needed to find a new home and someone to use it and love it.  However, this led to the problem that I have quite a few old records (and sometimes add to my collection when the whim takes me)... so, how would I play them now?  Obviously I NEEDED a new (old) record player.  Nothing big, just a turntable this time.  I bought a lovely Garrard turntable with integrated HMV amplifier and matching speakers, on Ebay.  I had already sourced a cool stand for it from Mill Markets Newcombe.

Unfortunately, since bringing the player home it hasn't been playing to the end of the records correctly, so it's going back to the seller for a fix.  Hopefully, cross fingers that the fix ends happily.  But, yesterday I spun a little Michael Jackson and Elvis on it, and it sounded great.
Last week I also picked up this cool orange coloured radio cassette player, in the shape of a helmet (?) at Nobelius Auctions.  How retro looking is it??!  Nobelius, in Surrey Hills, have been a favourite auction house of mine, but sadly, they are closing down after their next auction.  I bought it to resell later, but after using it yesterday, I am not sure I can part with it, at least for a little while!!

Shoppers notes:

Mill Markets is the mother ship for collectors in Victoria, they are in 7 different locations (and I hope to have a stall there one day when I have time) see http://www.millmarkets.com.au/

Nobelius Auctions, one auction left, see http://www.nobeliusauctions.com.au/index.html

The Beginning of Retro

Since buying my house, I have become obsessed with looking for retro furniture.  Some of the bizarres and shops in Melbourne stock fantastic retro furniture, as do the Mill Markets.  (I will list shops in another blog entry).  But at the moment, there is a lot of cool furniture to be found on eBay.  And, being holidays, it is so much easier to check out eBay listings in the comfort of your own home! Much of this furniture is well loved and shows some minor signs of wear, which is even more attractive, showing authenticity.  The problem with eBay is actually winning the auctions, which can prove tricky. 

Teak sideboard purchased from eBay $480

Dining detting purchased from eBay $260

I bought the two pieces above from eBay, the sideboard looks like Parker or Noblett or Chiswell or similar, but there are no markings.  A coat of Danish Oil has helped spruce it up, and I don't mind the small spots and marks that prove it has been around for 50-60 years.  Just imagine what life this piece of furniture has witnessed!  The dining table is a round marble look laminex in a tan/gold colour and there are four gorgeous orange buttoned vinyl swivel chairs.  This one dates from late 1970s-early 1980s.  The dining suite was made in Melbourne and possibly the sideboard was too.  Love them both!!