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Grunow 1291B from 1937

12/15/2016

34 Comments

 
This is the last console from the collection of radios given to me  by Jerry. It is a 12 tube super with AFC and the popular Teledial.
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The cabinet design makes it a perfect fit for the corner of a room. It is large, nearly as big as the GE M-125 pictured several posts below.
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The main attraction for most people is the "Teledial" or push button tuning. This function works much like the similar configurations on other brands such as the Philco 37-116. The most notable difference is that the Grunow uses a discriminator/detector and AFC which works very well when using the push-and-turn tuning unlike the "Magnetic Tuning" on the Philco that works - sometimes - and is relatively hard to calibrate.

The Grunow's tone control has 6 positions, or 2 sets of low, medium and high tone. The difference between the normal and "Dial" settings is the activation of the AFC allowing aproximate tuning using the Teledial which then is automaticly adjusted to a medium to strong pre-set station. Again, as a compairison to the Philco which works for strong stations.

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The Grunow 1291B cabinet has rounded sides making it a great fit in corners of a room. The veneers used are quite striking and the gold-toned accent above the black band at the base, is a novel and nice touch. From reasearch I have done, I believe  that the black base which has the same veneer beneith the paint, was not always painted when it left the factory. This one was definatly black so it was restored that way.

I would say that this cabinet design was lacking in some aspects. Support and alignment of the curved sides seemed to be a problem. As found, very few of the blocks used to secure the sides to the base and radio shelf were still attached and even when they are there are large gaps making the glue joints less than ideal.

The curved veneers and backing have no trim on the front edges which exposes the veneer edge to likely damage/pealing. Also this design places a lot of stress on the curved wood its self and without better attachment the edge that meets the front pannel (where the teledial/knobs are) tends to open up allowing for a visable crack. I took a lot of time to squar-up the cabinet to reduce the impact of these deficiancies.

I was able to reuse the original grill cloth.

I would reccomend removing the chassis prior to moving this radio unless care in handling can be assured.
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One of the major issues with the restoration of this chassis was damage to the 3 position Band switch which is delt with in detail several posts below.
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This 12 tube chassis uses push-pull 6F6s for strong audio with good bass with the 12 inch field coil speaker.There is a 5Z3 rectifier which was also a good choice for stable B+. There is no Eye tube or other signal strength indicator. A 6J7 is used as the AFC control. All but the rectifier are metal tubes.

Unfortunatly some of the paper caps had already been changed out in a previous service. So I will be looking for original replacements to re-stuff. I also had to replace the output transformer since one-half of the primary was open.

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The tuning knob moves the entire dial assembly with ease as long as the chassis is positioned in the cabinet correctly. A strip of brown felt is attached to the edge if the dial cut-out to improve appearance and allow for slight contact off the rotating assembly though up/down, in/out and right left adjustment of the chassis is particulary important for this dial to function properly.

As I tuned the presets I orientated the buttons with stations assigned to appear level when at the 180 deg position. Unasigned buttons are at random positions relative to the dial. They can be manipulated but only after removing the dial cover (6 screws). The station labels are not accurate, rather the ones that came with the set.

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Answer to Paul W's Question - In Comments
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The question was: What setting controls the AFC?
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Pictured are the lower two controls - knobs.
On the right we have the band selector: F=Foreign, B=Broadcast, P=Police.
On the left is a combo-function control: STD=No AFC with either Low, Medium or High tone control.
Dial=AFC On with either Low, Medium or High tone control.

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It should be noted that manual or pushbutton tuning will work in either STD (AFC of) or Dial (AFC on). If the pushbutton tuning is used with the AFC off (STD) weak stations may need manual fine tuning due to errors caused by lash or even centrifical force (the tuner misses its mark).
34 Comments
Harry
12/16/2016 08:00:20 am

Just watched the Grunow teledial video....pretty cool, nice looking set. Definitely a keeper!

Reply
scott
1/8/2017 11:08:55 am

Great job on the radio!! I just picked up a1291the other day that I need to restore as well, but it is missing the tune knob. In trying to find one to acquire I came across your ad here. However I can't make out what your radio knobs look like. They almost look like they don't match mine, which will be an issue if the three that I do have are wrong. Can you please send me a closeup of the radio knobs? Thank you very much for your time. Scott.

Reply
Russ
1/30/2017 12:27:39 pm

Pictures sent

Reply
Leonard Peters
9/4/2017 11:26:17 am

I also just rebuilt one of these radios. I also found half the primary of the output transformer open. What did you do about that?

Skid
5/7/2017 06:29:11 pm

WhAt do you want for it

Reply
Russ
9/6/2017 11:36:14 am

Sorry, Most of the radios on my blog are not for sale.

As for the output transformer, sometimes I fix (rewind) these but I think I just replaced it from the pile of spares that I have on hand. You should be able to order an acceptable replacement from Antique Electronic Supply or other vendors.

Reply
Catherine
11/10/2019 08:10:18 am

I just picked up a Grunow model 1291 from a storage unit. It is filthy, thick dust on the inner workings and exterior needs work. I am located in Texas. Need to either find someone to do the fixing of the interior workings or instructions on how to do it. Any suggestions?

Reply
Jody Long
6/2/2021 10:27:32 am

I have one of these radios I'm looking for someone interested in taking it off my hands and maybe using parts to repair another one. Being the cabinet on this one is shot. It has seen lots of water damage over the years.

Reply
Marti Bundy
7/21/2021 12:37:44 pm

I have a Grunow I believe is a 1937 tube with AFC and Teledial for sale. It looks just like this one. Needs new tubes and a little love on the cabinet. I live in San Diego and would need someone to pick up. $300 or best offer.

Reply
Russ
7/26/2021 10:12:17 am

I don't usually accept "for sale" adds, but I'll leave this up for a few days.

I would suggest that a project radio would have to be in pretty good shape to sell for $300, but you might get that in San Diego.

Anybody interested - I'll forward your reply IF you submit it in the CONTACT (not comments) section.

Russ

Reply
Paul Wimmer aka processhead
7/26/2021 02:12:11 pm

Hi Russ. I am restoring a Grunow chassis 15W from a model 1541. It has the three position power/AFC switch.
I noted on your web site that you have, or had, a similar model 1291B.

Can you please describe the switch functions as it it rotated clockwise from the off position?
I am unclear which position turns on the AFC, center or extreme clockwise position.
Thanks. Hope all is well with you.

Paul

Reply
Russ
7/31/2021 01:35:41 pm

Paul,

I answered your question at the bottom of the original post (added on).

Russ

Reply
Doris Rice link
8/12/2021 01:42:43 pm

i have a Grunow teledial in my garage that i got around 1970. I was going to redo but was in my 20s and did minimal work. it is just sitting there and i know i will never fix it.

Reply
Anthony B Faraci
11/27/2022 04:15:48 am

Does a non functional discrimnator transformer disable the internal osc?

Reply
John T Kemp
4/29/2023 08:06:24 am

I have a Grunow Teledial that I got from my old neighbor. Willing to
give it to someone who can either restore it or use its parts. Southeast Michigan location.

Reply
Stephen Sackett
8/10/2023 01:10:30 pm

I am interested in acquiring your radio, please contact me if it's still available. [email protected].

Reply
Russ
8/10/2023 03:48:11 pm

Thanks for the offer but none of the radios pictured here are for sale. Occasionally we have one or two for sale at the museum but they are for local pickup only.

russ
8/10/2023 03:51:06 pm

Thanks for the offer but none of the radios pictured here are for sale. Occasionally we have one or two for sale at the museum but they are for local pick up only.

Eddie Wilbon
8/9/2023 05:18:46 am

I have a grunow, and it is in good working condition. What is is value?

Reply
Russell Webb
8/9/2023 12:16:54 pm

Impossible for me to say without seeing it. Additionally, your location can make a significant difference since they are hard to ship. Unrestored with a cabinet in good shape, they might bring $50 - $100 on CL to a collector in a large city.

Reply
David Townsend
10/17/2023 07:19:59 pm

My father recently gave me a 36, or 37 radio. The one that Shirley Temple advertised. As a child I remember playing with the dail for hours. The bad thing was that his house flooded and completely ruined the wooden body. So I have all the insides and the dial. So if anyone needs, e mail me and I'll be happy to help somebody that will save this old radio.

Reply
John Kutz
3/31/2024 08:51:28 am

David, I retrieved a Grunow of these radios from a barn. It was stored from the 1950s. It looks complete and the cabinet is good - Just needs refinishing. Available. Located in Pennsylvania. I can send pictures.

Reply
Stephen Ellis Sackett
3/31/2024 09:01:57 am

If you want to sell it I am interested, please send pictures and location.
Thanks,
Steve

Harry Flouhouse
10/28/2023 10:35:57 am

What shape are your chassis in? Interested Harry

Reply
Russ
10/28/2023 12:05:11 pm

It has been a while, but, as I recall the chassis was in good shape with little or no pot-metal problems. The biggest problem was the cabinet coming apart mostly due to poor construction methods .

Reply
Scott Vaughn
11/4/2023 11:33:29 am

Hi. I just found one of these in a storage unit, and I was curious as to what it costs to restore one? Just wanting a ballpark figure so I can discuss it with the Mrs.!!
I'm in Illinois.

Reply
Russ
11/5/2023 08:45:55 am

Scott,

There is no way I could give you an estimate without examining the radio. Since I am no linger accepting repairs (retired) it might not be very accurate anyway. I have found that radio restoration is best handled in two parts - the radio chassis/speaker and the cabinet. Some people, you might find, may only do one or the other.

Russ

Reply
EDWARD
12/14/2023 11:23:22 pm

Where is the fuse located on these please? I have one that worked beautifully but I think the in line fuse is blown....my tech guy disappeared....

Reply
Russ
3/31/2024 09:54:22 am

I do not recall a fuse. Most of the radios of this vintage did not have fuses. Not saying I could not be wrong or that a fuse has been added, but if a fuse is blown, then the radio probably needs to be checked out.

Guys, if you have a radio for sale, include contact info. I don't want to get in the way of preserving a good radio.

Russ

Reply
Joe Thompson
8/31/2024 04:48:45 am

I have a 1937 Grunow 1291B Russ Ol radio that I would like to sell. Chased in good condition- it just needs knowledge and TLC to get working

Reply
Stephen Sackett
8/31/2024 06:22:40 am

I am interested in buying it. Can you tell me where you are located, the price and send some pictures? Send to [email protected].

Thanks,
Steve

Reply
Russell Webb
9/6/2024 08:14:57 am

Sorry. none of the radios on this site are for sale.

Ormond Beach Pad link
1/24/2025 03:33:58 pm

I have one of Grunow teledial radios for sale.

Reply
Stephen Sackett
1/24/2025 05:44:01 pm

I am interested in the Grunow Teledial, can you tell me where it is located and the price.

Thanks, Steve

Reply



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CUSTOM DESIGN BY SUE WEBB  06/2013       Redesigned by Russ Webb     Approved by Fuzzy   Updated:  Pretty much all the time, but I forget to change this date
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