Info required on ALBA CR38. New in box - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Passerby · 31st Aug 2015, 7:08 pm

I have found this Alba CR38 in my loft, and am looking for some information.
It appears to be brand new and in 100% pristine condition, complete with box and all paperwork. The box a bit tatty.
Any info would be great, value, age etc.

ben · 3rd Sep 2015, 1:47 am

This will doubtless need the mech cleaning and relubricating and most/all the rubber parts replacing after having stood for so long.

Its value depends a great deal on working condition. Few people want old electronics purely for decoration. You could attempt this yourself if you have some time , patience and some basic tools.

Note also that Alba was a budget brand often sold in catalogues etc. However, that unit looks quite well built compared to what came out only a few years after.

As to value, have a look on ebay and similar to see what unrestored radio/cassettes boomboxes from this period (late 70s - early 80s) sell for. Note that is not the same as what people ask for them!

mark pirate · 3rd Sep 2015, 8:20 am

I used to have an identical model, but it was badged Binatone. I am pretty sure it dates from 1978. As ben has said, it will need some attention due to years of inactivity.
Most likely just new belts for the cassette deck, and some switchcleaner in the controls.
I think it used a couple of AA batteries for the LCD clock, lets hope the originals have been removed!

Mark

31st Aug 2015, 7:08 pm	#1
Passerby Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Kent, UK. Posts: 1	Info required on ALBA CR38. New in box I have found this Alba CR38 in my loft, and am looking for some information. It appears to be brand new and in 100% pristine condition, complete with box and all paperwork. The box a bit tatty. Any info would be great, value, age etc. Attached Thumbnails

3rd Sep 2015, 1:47 am	#2
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Info required on ALBA CR38. New in box This will doubtless need the mech cleaning and relubricating and most/all the rubber parts replacing after having stood for so long. Its value depends a great deal on working condition. Few people want old electronics purely for decoration. You could attempt this yourself if you have some time , patience and some basic tools. Note also that Alba was a budget brand often sold in catalogues etc. However, that unit looks quite well built compared to what came out only a few years after. As to value, have a look on ebay and similar to see what unrestored radio/cassettes boomboxes from this period (late 70s - early 80s) sell for. Note that is not the same as what people ask for them! __________________ Regards, Ben.

3rd Sep 2015, 8:20 am	#3
mark pirate Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK Posts: 5,185	Re: Info required on ALBA CR38. New in box I used to have an identical model, but it was badged Binatone. I am pretty sure it dates from 1978. As ben has said, it will need some attention due to years of inactivity. Most likely just new belts for the cassette deck, and some switchcleaner in the controls. I think it used a couple of AA batteries for the LCD clock, lets hope the originals have been removed! Mark