Calling All Motorola Consoles!!!

[TheRed1]

I have a motorola SK49 3 channel unit I am hanging on to, I thought it was from 1960 but could stand corrected. I think theres a date stamped on the amplifier. It does not have the optional tuner (used for record storage) but does have the neat channel verifier and the vibrosonic reverb, uses p-p 6bq5 for the bass 15" and se ecl82 for each l/r channel all contained on the same amp chassis. total of 6 speakers. works good but needs cabinet needs refinished. does anyone else have info on my model.

Though your console may have been advertised, manufactured and sold any time from Sept. 1960 on, it was probably considered a 1961 model. September seems to have been the month that most of the console manufacturers debuted the coming year's new models. Your console appears to be one of the higher-priced "regular" Motorola consoles from 1961. "Regular" meaning it's not a Drexel model ($625-695) or a Heritage model ($895 and $995). It may be the one referred to as the $457 model in the 1961 Roundup above. Here is an advertisement from Sept. 1960 for your model:

 

[larryderouin]

I have a motorola SK49 3 channel unit I am hanging on to, I thought it was from 1960 but could stand corrected. I think theres a date stamped on the amplifier. It does not have the optional tuner (used for record storage) but does have the neat channel verifier and the vibrosonic reverb, uses p-p 6bq5 for the bass 15" and se ecl82 for each l/r channel all contained on the same amp chassis. total of 6 speakers. works good but needs cabinet needs refinished. does anyone else have info on my model.

My ex-Moto was a SK47-M. Had to gut it. But tentative dated it to 1962.

When I gutted it I found out what the "Exclusive Channel Verifier" is. They took the Speaker ground from the amp and split it at the switches and then to the speakers. Seemed to me a waste of wire and time as yoou could do almost the same thing with the Balance control.

The Amp , pre-amp, and speakers are part of a testing rig I have in my work-room. The 15" vibrates/rumbles (sharp thump and then sounds like distortion) badly when you crank up the bass control. Haven't decided if it's the speaker itself or the front plate it's attached to. It's tight on the plate. And it did this when it was in the console.

Larry

 

[TheRed1]

My ex-Moto was a SK47-M. Had to gut it. But tentative dated it to 1962.

I have the SK-47 tentatively down as a '61. SK-40, -49 and -51 are definite '61s; it seems likely that the SK-47 would fall into that model year, too. What led you to lean toward '62? Looking at my notes I have SK-71 ($349.95) down as my only '62 model so far. But now I can't find my reference for that model. I'm a little disorganized here - I'll get back to you.

 

[larryderouin]

Over on Antique Radio forum, there's a guy with a 47 that was dated by original Receipt as Aug or Sept '61. Figuring they did their model years from Sept. to Sept. He came up with early 62 model. The original thread is a couple years old. That's why I said tentative. If you came up with '61 based on 40, 49, & 51, that works even better.

Larry

 

[larryderouin]

Speaking of which. This is the SK-47m It doesn't look bad up front, but underneath the bottom, had a lot of water damage and rot, The sides were swelling and peeling. It wasn't worth the effort to try and restore the cabinet. So it got parted out. Looks alot like the SK-49.

Larry

 

[Hertzz]

Motorola Console

this is the model I'm looking for. One of my friends parents owned it when I was growing up. It was one of the best sounding consoles at the time. What is the speaker layout? 15" in the center with mids and tweeters on the sides?

 

[Codyman]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread, today someone is offering me a SK54MB Motorola for $25 (pics attached) - it works supposedly but I haven't taken a look at it in person yet... thoughts?

 

[perchdog]

very nice unit.. i would talk him down to 24.95, grab it and run like hell...

 

[TheRed1]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread, today someone is offering me a SK54MB Motorola for $25 (pics attached) - it works supposedly but I haven't taken a look at it in person yet... thoughts?

For $25 you really can't go wrong with a Motorola. Very likely a 1961 model - the '61 equivalent of a '60 SK-29 which was referred to as their "versatility leader" due to its relatively compact size but supposedly good stereo separation with the mid/high drivers located in the fold-out doors. The '60 version was $399.95 which put it in Motorola's "de luxe" bracket. The SK-54 was probably similarly situated as evidenced by the solitary Vibrasonic knob.

If you go ahead and get it and it should have a 1961 Motorola catalog with it - send it to me (I'll make it worth your while) or scan it and post it.

 

[TheRed1]

this is the model I'm looking for. One of my friends parents owned it when I was growing up. It was one of the best sounding consoles at the time. What is the speaker layout? 15" in the center with mids and tweeters on the sides?

That would be the 1960 SK-32 in Drexel's "Declaration" line ($550). Somewhat of a high-end Motorola, I believe it had 7 drivers probably located as you suggest. I bet that was a good sounding console. Good luck on your quest to find one.

 

[relaximus]

Glad I stumbled upon this thread, today someone is offering me a SK54MB Motorola for $25 (pics attached) - it works supposedly but I haven't taken a look at it in person yet... thoughts?

Other than needing some mild cabinet refinishing, that thing looks fabulous! Those fold-out speakers should make for easier place-ability. For 25 bucks, I can't see how you could go wrong. From the pics, that looks to have a separate driver for the Vibra-Sonic function similar to Markus' medallion-crested beast.

Red: Do you suppose those casters were from the factory? It would certainly fit with Moto's versatility marketing moniker for these models.

Back to the model number meanings, I trying to extrapolate what the "MB" suffix may mean. In another thread, I mentioned seeing a unit with a "CW" suffix and hypothesized that it might mean Contemporary Walnut. Using that paradigm, this might be Mediterranean Blonde, but that sure doesn't look like blonde oak. So perhaps in this case, the M is for Maple. But then, what does the B signify? It would sure help to find 2 of the same year models in different finishes/styles.

Dave

 

[markus]

For $25 you really can't go wrong with a Motorola. Very likely a 1961 model - the '61 equivalent of a '60 SK-29 which was referred to as their "versatility leader" due to its relatively compact size but supposedly good stereo separation with the mid/high drivers located in the fold-out doors. The '60 version was $399.95 which put it in Motorola's "de luxe" bracket. The SK-54 was probably similarly situated as evidenced by the solitary Vibrosonic knob.

If you go ahead and get it and it should have a 1961 Motorola catalog with it - send it to me (I'll make it worth your while.) or scan it and post it.

I just picked up a free (and VERY crusty) SK-29 today ! it was sitting on a porch for who knows HOW long . . . cabinet is junk, but all the drivers are good - interesting note - this one has a Magnavox 15 incher (232 man. code . . .) the foldout speakers are interesting too, as the oval 'fullrange' drivers are shallow mount, with the entire magnet structure not to the back, but to the FRONT, effectively making the motor structure a phase plug :scratch2:

 

[perchdog]

Red,
It has just occured to me you don't even own a Moto. Man your doing an excellent job of gathering data. I can not even explain how many times I have referred to your Fisher console thread and still do.. Great job and thanks so very much.
When I first got mine everyone seemed to be into the maggies.. I cannot help but feel the Moto's are right up there and lacking not a thing. Actually if you think about it they have to be one of the largest manufacturese in the radio field still, their early work certainly formed a great foundation towards where they are at today
Keep up the great work, it is very cool of you...
Dave

 

[relaximus]

... the foldout speakers are interesting too, as the oval 'fullrange' drivers are shallow mount, with the entire magnet structure not to the back, but to the FRONT, effectively making the motor structure a phase plug :scratch2:

Oh Markus, you tease! Pictures damn you, pictures!!!

BTW: Chris and I are looking forward to seeing you and catching up a bit next month at Frank's. I need to personally thank you for introducing Chris to Lily Allen's "F#ck You Very Much" so he could post it on my Facebook page. Hopefully, there are now several thousand of my customers who have become aware of this young lady's fine talent and flair with lyrics. :worried:

Dave

 

[relaximus]

It has just occured to me you don't even own a Moto. Man your doing an excellent job of gathering data. I can not even explain how many times I have referred to your Fisher console thread and still do.. Great job and thanks so very much.

Let me echo this sentiment resoundingly. Carter, you have been an amazing resource and inspiration for so many of us wayward, console junkies. Between your record keeping, research and enthusiasm and my friend Markus' encouragement I am a console lover for life. Thank you for all that you do and have done for all of us! And yes, you diving head-first into this Moto thread is a true testament to your console devotion.

PS: If you are willing to share, I'd love my email in-box to be filled with any and all Moto brochure/advertisement/whatever scans you'd care to send my way.

Cheers!
Dave

 

[Hertzz]

I've never seen this model Motorola but what a great idea for a compact console with the Wing mids and tweeters. That is also a beautiful cabinet. Motorola had some of the highest quality cabinetry in their day. Definitely a piece worth restoring.

 

[perchdog]

so does this mean you own it ???

 

[relaximus]

so does this mean you own it ???

Codyman: Please say Yes and make me jealous! :thmbsp:

Dave

 

[Codyman]

I am waiting to hear back from the owner... Wish me luck

 

[VinylHanger]

Here's a little something I picked up the other day for 8 bits. That's a DVD case in front of it. Turntable only, I didn't pay attention when I grabbed it. Model SK100MP. It's a lot cleaner than the pics look.