RCA Model 128 Shouldered Tombstone Radio (1934)
This magnificent RCA model 128 radio of the tombstone genre was
introduced in late 1934 for the 1934/35 model season. I categorize
it as a tombstone but often feel it to be at the center of an identity
crisis, as it could equally well be regarded as a cathedral model!
Be that as it may, it's a three-band all-wave super-het having six
tubes and an original 1934 purchase price of $69.95.
In my albeit humble judgement, this is a simply gorgeous radio. The
large, softly lit circular dial is set between the graceful lines of the
arches above and the control knobs below. The fluted side
pilasters conjure an impression of strength, reminiscent of the
Gothic buttresses so often echoed in the styling of depression era
radios. The highly figured book-matched walnut veneer,
herringbone grille-cloth and vertical grille bars together complete
this radio's rich and handsome presentation.
The model 128 was one of a group of luxury models new for the
1934/35 season that debuted RCA's so-called "magic brain". This
innovation was described in the company's advertising as
"...the almost human unit that directs your radio reception just
like your own brain directs your body".
In fact, the 'magic brain' is that part of the circuit comprising the
tuned RF amplifier, local oscillator and mixer. It is of note that RCA
would go on to introduce the "magic eye" in the 1935/36 season,
the "magic voice" for 1936/37 and the "magic loop" around 1940.
The 128's tube line-up is 6D6 (RF amp), 6A7 (mixer/LO), 6D6 (IF
amp), 6B7 (2nd det/AVC/1st AF), 42 (AF output) and 80 rectifier.
The schematic is available here, courtesy NostalgiaAir.
introduced in late 1934 for the 1934/35 model season. I categorize
it as a tombstone but often feel it to be at the center of an identity
crisis, as it could equally well be regarded as a cathedral model!
Be that as it may, it's a three-band all-wave super-het having six
tubes and an original 1934 purchase price of $69.95.
In my albeit humble judgement, this is a simply gorgeous radio. The
large, softly lit circular dial is set between the graceful lines of the
arches above and the control knobs below. The fluted side
pilasters conjure an impression of strength, reminiscent of the
Gothic buttresses so often echoed in the styling of depression era
radios. The highly figured book-matched walnut veneer,
herringbone grille-cloth and vertical grille bars together complete
this radio's rich and handsome presentation.
The model 128 was one of a group of luxury models new for the
1934/35 season that debuted RCA's so-called "magic brain". This
innovation was described in the company's advertising as
"...the almost human unit that directs your radio reception just
like your own brain directs your body".
In fact, the 'magic brain' is that part of the circuit comprising the
tuned RF amplifier, local oscillator and mixer. It is of note that RCA
would go on to introduce the "magic eye" in the 1935/36 season,
the "magic voice" for 1936/37 and the "magic loop" around 1940.
The 128's tube line-up is 6D6 (RF amp), 6A7 (mixer/LO), 6D6 (IF
amp), 6B7 (2nd det/AVC/1st AF), 42 (AF output) and 80 rectifier.
The schematic is available here, courtesy NostalgiaAir.
RCA Magic Brain.. brings you more foreign and domestic stations than ever before.
| "Inside RCA Victor all-wave sets is an uncanny governing unit - shown here as part of the regular circuit and tubes. Human in its thinking, we compare it to the human brain. You choose the broadcast - from no matter where in the whole world. Then, watchman-like, it keeps out undesired radio signals. It concentrates on that one and makes it four times stronger. Each tone has higher-fidelity...in a quality of reception heretofore unequalled" |
The 128 has a big brother from the same model year in the form of the 143, which features an upgraded eight-tube chassis and an even
larger round-topped cabinet. RCA also manufactured the contemporaneous M61 shouldered tombstone for GE. It uses the same chassis
as the 128, cost the same amount and the physical similarity of the two is readily apparent. However the 128 is the nicer looking of the two.
larger round-topped cabinet. RCA also manufactured the contemporaneous M61 shouldered tombstone for GE. It uses the same chassis
as the 128, cost the same amount and the physical similarity of the two is readily apparent. However the 128 is the nicer looking of the two.
| "Model 128. A six-tube three-band (540-18,000kc) Super-Heterodyne Globe-Trotter with eight inch Dynamic speaker, Airplane dial, Dual Ratio Vernier Tuning, Band Indicator, Automatic-Volume-Control, Tone Control and 3.5Watts output. In beautiful table-type cabinet finished in two-tone walnut. 20" high, 163/4" wide, 111/2" deep" |
Model 128... a six tube, three-band superheterodyne Globe Trotter.
more..
| "..in RCA Victor all-wave radios you get that new miracle of science - the "Magic Brain"..." "Hear each and every tone with higher fidelity...reach far more stations...tune in round the globe easier...more accurately..." "If you could hear what the "magic brain" does for tone! It lifts up, elevates, in magician fashion each note...from tiniest treble to deepest bass. You thrill to the core as the music sweeps in..utterly true, rich. That's the type of sound reproduction - "higher fidelity" that RCA Victor now delivers to you!" extracts from various 1934/35 newspaper advertisements featuring the RCA model 128 |
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