RADIO REPAIR GUY
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GERMAN OR EUROPEAN RADIOS

[6/30/2011 We are now accepting certain models of German or European radios for repair.]

The class of radios represented by Grundig, Telefunken, Saba, etc. are a special case of repair costs and value. These radios, which are generally very large table units, produce incredible sound through multiple speakers, large enclosures and just plain high quality. The components used in them are usually first class and wear well with time. They are, however, subject to failure in some components, dial string failures, etc. Though we have successfully repaired many Grundig, Telefunken, Saba, etc. radios,  they do represent unique challenges in repair such as:

1. DOCUMENTATION

It is sometimes difficult, or impossible, to acquire schematics and documentation on these radios. And if available, the documentation generally costs $15.00 to $25.00. [American radio documentation is basically free on the web except for unusual cases]

2. WEIGHT

They are simply a "bear" to handle in my shop. The radios, set up for repair, have to be outside the cabinet, but in close proximity to the cabinet, to repair. See Ineligible Radios  No console radios ever accepted for repair.

3. SHIPPING WEIGHTS

The cabinets require (most of the time) a maximum size UPS box for shipping. This leads to very high shipping and packing charges because of dimensional weight and insurance concerns. Most of these radios cost between $135.00 to $170.00 to pack and ship UPS ground. UPS will not ship them in smaller boxes and stand behind the insurance. [See my notes on shipping].

4. REPAIR - RESTORATION

Due to the inherent complexity of design and topology, in combination with language difficulties we do not perform Restorations on this class of radio. We do offer repair and necessary "heavy up" to make the radio failure proof for a very long time. This includes Electrolytics [known failure item], replacement of selenium rectifier [known failure item] and all high voltage capacitors [known failure item].

As a result, when we accept one of these radios for repair, because of the issues above, we request an initial payment of $235.00 against possible repairs and return shipping. We have gotten burned too many times by under-estimating the shipping charges and being ignored when we submit a bill for the underpayment on shipping. When the final bill is tallied, the pack/ship will be estimated at $165.00. If the actual is under that amount we will refund the difference.

Radio Repair Guy