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Fisher Executive VIII

alchemist

alchemist

Active Member
Came upon a working Executive VIII console, with what seems to be the 800C receiver imbedded. The Ampex RtR had been removed, as had the Garrard TT. The console frame and wood are a solid 8/10. Obviously, the receiver would have to be gone through well, but does $800 seem a bit steep, given the RtR and turntable are gone?
 
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Table is easy enough to replace if it hasn't been hacked out. Guessing that would be a Type A, and those can be had for not much or you can use something else if you prefer. The tape machine is a little harder but still not a show stopper. The receiver is probably worth at least half that money.
 
The TT IS a Type "A" MKII. Also the AMPEX R2R was a $400.00 option. If there is a diagonal slot affair ("magazine rack")in the left side, it didn't come with the R2R. The Magazine rack is a friction fit. Just lifts out.

What they're asking for it isn't too far off (which cab is it? MCM will get more than either the French or Italian Provincial), as a working 800c goes for Avg on Ebay north of $1200.00. But you can have my Executive for $1500. And it has the R2R.(just kidding, it's not for sale until after I start taking a DIRT NAP!).
 
If you're in the console market, you can't do any better than a President in that year. The 800 is we worth the price plus you get a top-notch cabinet, speakers and TT.

If you're looking to flip it, MCM carries the money. If you're looking to keep it and it's French Provincial, you can make it work in a room decor wise. Sadly, these get chopped up yet were the best selling style in the day...
 
It’s the Modern for sure. Pic of the slot for the RtR as well.
 

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Check on the back for a sheet with Model # and tube layout on it. It'll either be a Model 950 ('63) or Model 960 ('64). There may be a serial # on the sheet that SHOULD match the serial on the receiver. A Model 950 ('63) will have a 10001-19999 series 800c. Model 960 (64') can have a 30000 series 800c. If it's a 10001-19999(verify on receiver) Use ONLY the EXECUTIVE VIII (Model 950) Service manual. This 800c series is slightly different than the later 20001 and up series.

The cabinet looks like it did not have a R2R in it. It's recessed about 4" down from the top and those slots wouldn't have been there. Having said that, I see no reason you can't put one in.
 
This was a model 950 for sure. I didn’t grab pics of the serial number. Will try to ask. I remember on the back diagram there being one for the receiver and one for the ‘tape recorder’. But maybe that diagram sheet was generic.
 
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It’s a tough call with a console simply because they are big, heavy and hard to sell (and a PITA to part out - heaven forbid). However, if you plan to use it you probably can’t do much better than a Fisher loaded with an 800C. If you have a spot in the house and plan to use it than that is a fair price.
 
Would it hurt to transport one of these on its back? The 33 1/4 is a little tall for the old 2500. And how much might this unit weigh sans tape deck and turntable? 100 lbs?
 
No. Just make sure the tt is snugged down on it's transport screws. Take off the outer platter. Make sure the attachment screws on the 800c are tight.(use a stubby screwdriver.) Probably 150-180. The 800c weighs about 50 by itself. Strap down the lids.
 
Sadly, someone beat me to the unit. Call it being a little greedy, but i wanted that Executive, even sans RtR and turntable. My back has had serious issues, so much so i was lying flat on tuesday and wednesday, with a bulging disc. just couldn't get an offer and even worse, couldn't get off horizontal for a few days. Best as i could tell, he sold it for maybe $700 or so. Thanks Larry and Lee and others for answering questions for me. Sorry for the trouble.
 
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I'm sorry you missed the Fisher Executive VIII(French Provincial, but it's still very nice). You never know when something will pop up again. I was resolved not to buy anymore stereo consoles. A friend who knows I am interested in Fisher consoles, texts me with photos from a thrift store with a 1963 Fisher Executive VIII. I will post a new thread with photos, as I have some questions. My cabinet is in such nice condition, considering its age. Anyway, alchchemist...when more people know you are interested, you expand your chances to find that Fisher.
 
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