Laguna Aqua 1956 Arvin Model 956T AM Vacuum Tube Radio Excellent Condition! Great Looking Design!!
DESCRIPTION: This design has all the best characteristics of a collectible 50s retro radio. Cool colors - check. Contrasting tweed fabric grill - check. Gratuitous use of knobs and dials - check. Quirky design naïve futurism - check plus! The front red tone register that slides up and down seems inspired by many early science fiction movies. Tabletop tube AM radio manufactured by Arvin in 1956 Model Number 956T. This radio is in excellent working and physical condition.
CABINET CONDITION: Cabinet is original factory molded turquoise aquamarine color. All original factory molded colors through and through. Not repainted no over spray no touch up. None needed. There is a reapired hairline crack on the left top and sides. There is a heat shield installed underneath the top to prevent warping or heat damage. This particular radio shade is a pure aquamarine compared with other turquoise shades of the 50s. The others have been lighter blue hue. This radio is not yellowed from blue to green due to age. The front brown, tan, and gold tweed is the clean and a striking contrast texturally with the aqua plastic. No rips, no yellowing no staining no rust tracks no separated edges. No chips or major scratches on the chrome plastic trim. Chrome trim paint is thin and rubbed off in spots. These 956T tuning windows sometimes break off on surviving examples but not this one.
LOGOS: Arvin grill logo is intact and securely fastened.
KNOBS: Knobs are original and securely attached no cracks which is common on these surviving 956T's. The tuning dial works no slipping no squeaking.
SPEAKERS: This radio features dual speakers so it has a much better tone than normal single speaker radios.
DIAL LIGHT: Dial light lights brightly replaced with modern LED so it lights brighter and never needs replacing.
POWER CABLE: POWER CORD: The brand new replacement power cord and safety polarized plug are in excellent working condition with no cracks, or splits. No exposed wiring.
INTERNAL ELECTRONICS: All paper and wax capacitors have been replaced with modern equivalents. The tubes are working fine. All out-of-spec resistors have been replaced with modern correct value and voltage equivalents. Both Intermediate Frequency Transformers (IFTs) have been rebuilt to ensure static-free performance. The set has been aligned according to factory specifications. The radio has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. All wiring has been thoroughly checked for possible bridging and weak solder connection.
CLOCK: No clock
BACKING BOARD: Factory original backing board is intact securely attached printing faded.
FACTORY LABELS: No missing bottom factory labels did not have any.
PROVENANCE: Previous owner identity is not known. Was gently used then stored in a dry cool environment for a long period of time. No evidence of prolonged exposure to cigarette smoking, moisture, or pets. Was probably used in or near the kitchen for much of its life.
COLOR: Aquamarine with tan tweed grill cloth
YOUTUBE VIDEO here
DIMENSIONS: Approximately 13" x 5" x 7" (l x w x h)
WEIGHT: 4 lbs 15 oz
ADD BLUETOOTH: See pricing and info here
ADD Smart Speaker: See pricing and info here
ADD DIAL LIGHT: See pricing and info here
Webpage menu of upgrade services here
Product: antique radio, vintage radio, retro radio, vacuum tube radio, AM radio, art deco, mid-century product.
Category: radio
Cabinet construction: plastic
Period: 1950s
Country of manufacture: USA
Electronics: Mounted circuit board or chassis. Vacuum tube circuit.
Vacuum tubes: tested and working. Amplifier, converter, detector, pre-amplifier, rectifier