Fisher Futura V console questions

[gkargreen]

Hi, Fisher friends, I just picked up a local Fisher Futura V, according to the pics on fisherconsole.com. I haven't yet noted the chassis model numbers other than it uses 7591 output tubes. Can anyone tell me here if this console sounds good, or any other info to pass on to me? I will need to dump an old radio console and a desk to make room for this, its in pretty good shape except for the top, which is a little worn. Thanks!

 

[larryderouin]

It should sound very good once the xover caps are changed, and the amp and preamp(which is incorporated in the tuner) are recapped. They usually sound pretty good if they are in running condition. BTW, was that the one on DC Craigslist for a Franklin, Jackson and Lincoln that was being sold as a '63 Futura which is a IV? The IV and V have identical cabinets. Only the Chassis's #'s changed. The IV has a 680A & 490T, while the V has a 690A & 690T chassis.

If it has the tube layout page on the back it'll say either F-58 for a 63 or F-59 for a '64. If the owner had a lime green Miata in the driveway, it's a 63. I saw the pics later from another AK'er and we were drooling over them.

 

[gkargreen]

It should sound very good once the xover caps are changed, and the amp and preamp(which is incorporated in the tuner) are recapped. They usually sound pretty good if they are in running condition. BTW, was that the one on DC Craigslist for a Franklin, Jackson and Lincoln that was being sold as a '63 Futura which is a IV? The IV and V have identical cabinets. Only the Chassis's #'s changed. The IV has a 680A & 490T, while the V has a 690A & 690T chassis.

If it has the tube layout page on the back it'll say either F-58 for a 63 or F-59 for a '64. If the owner had a lime green Miata in the driveway, it's a 63. I saw the pics later from another AK'er and we were drooling over them.

Thanks, Larry, I got this from my picker local to Fairfax, I believe he got it from somebody in Springfield, VA. I got a better look at it this morning, its a model F-58. He sold it to me as a pull and junk, but the console is so nice and cool looking I am trying to make a space for it and then restore the electronics for use in the living room. Chassis is 680-S and 490-T. Thanks, Randy

 

[larryderouin]

That cabinet is one of the better looking ones from the mid 60's. Should restore fairly easily, and sound quite good. My '65 sounded a bit rough when I 1st got it. Then I discovered the E-caps in the amp had for the most part puked. Once the caps were replaced, it is one of my favorites. A little lite in the bass, but 10" Woofers in these weren't designed for thumping. My amp is a hybrid but that difference shouldn't make that much of a difference. With a good set of 7591's it should thump walls and windows quite readily.

 

[biscuithead]

It should sound very good once the xover caps are changed, and the amp and preamp(which is incorporated in the tuner) are recapped. They usually sound pretty good if they are in running condition. BTW, was that the one on DC Craigslist for a Franklin, Jackson and Lincoln that was being sold as a '63 Futura which is a IV? The IV and V have identical cabinets. Only the Chassis's #'s changed. The IV has a 680A & 490T, while the V has a 690A & 690T chassis.

If it has the tube layout page on the back it'll say either F-58 for a 63 or F-59 for a '64. If the owner had a lime green Miata in the driveway, it's a 63. I saw the pics later from another AK'er and we were drooling over them.

Hey Larry,

My Futura is missing its tube layout sheet. Under where it was stapled is a date stamp "May 24 1962" on the wood. I am pretty sure I have a '63 F-58-W, modern Futura IV.

Have you seen this date stamp under other tube layouts before? Is it typical that a cabinet is made 6months-1year before being sold?
Thanks

 

[gkargreen]

That cabinet is one of the better looking ones from the mid 60's. Should restore fairly easily, and sound quite good. My '65 sounded a bit rough when I 1st got it. Then I discovered the E-caps in the amp had for the most part puked. Once the caps were replaced, it is one of my favorites. A little lite in the bass, but 10" Woofers in these weren't designed for thumping. My amp is a hybrid but that difference shouldn't make that much of a difference. With a good set of 7591's it should thump walls and windows quite readily.

Thanks, Larry, first job up is to see the condition of the speakers, as they are acoustic suspension, I wonder if they are the type that can have surround rot. If the speakers are good, its going to the living room and the chassis will get a TOTL restoration like I have been doing on my vintage tube amps.

 

[larryderouin]

The speakers should have a butyl rubber surrounding the speaker cones. It should still be sticky. From Front and back.

Yeah it's pretty normal for the date to be about 6 months ahead of the model year. Model year is Sept. to Aug. So yeah your's should be a Futura IV. The amp and tuner verify that. You can also check the transformers for the EIA CODES and the can caps will have an EIA Code. They probably are about the same time manufactured, so to get in the transport(logistics) system. And a couple months after the model year started Design Dept and engineering are working on next years models......

 

[biscuithead]

cool thanks!

 

[biscuithead]

Hi, Fisher friends, I just picked up a local Fisher Futura V, according to the pics on fisherconsole.com. I haven't yet noted the chassis model numbers other than it uses 7591 output tubes. Can anyone tell me here if this console sounds good, or any other info to pass on to me? I will need to dump an old radio console and a desk to make room for this, its in pretty good shape except for the top, which is a little worn. Thanks!

"Dump whatever it takes to fit a Fisher" is a good moto IMO! Yes, when it is treated with kindness, it will bless your ears with bliss.