Western Electric 23c vintage mixer with 618B input transformers from the Gates and Collins era, 2 of 2.

PLEASE READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO PURCHASE, CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS.

I have 2 in stock, this is number 2.

Something very special for sale, 100% fresh to market this exact console has never been offered for public sale before. Selling this Western Electric “Speech Input Equipment” tube mixer model 23c. Highly desirable and very rare item from the golden age of radio broadcast. It contains lo less than 4 original WE 618b transformers. Made around the 1940’s this tube console was specially designed for AM/FM radio and has reached legendary status amongst vintage aficionados. In general only on rare occasions these consoles surface in the USA but "the exception to the rule" this one has been discovered in the Netherlands. This specific console has a history of use in Dutch local broadcast. I think it might have been purchased from USA army surplus after WW2 but I do not know for sure. After this console was decommissioned by a local radio station it was used in a religious setting. It was stored in controlled environment. This console was decommissioned in functional condition some time ago stored dry and with care.

Somewhere in the distant past the radio broadcaster who used it implemented some modifications on this console for use in the Netherlands / Europe. From what i can see (without extended knowledge of these mixers) the following updates / mods have been done:

1: The original 100/110v power transformer has been replaced with a 220v power transformer that works with EU voltage.

2: All tubes have been updated with Philips tubes (WE tubes were probably unobtainable in the Netherlands). 

3: Tube sockets have replaced with sockets that are fitting for use with Philips tubes, the underlying infrastructure looks to be original and i think the mod can be reversed without problems.

4: One 160c output transformer has been replaced with a non original OPT to create suitable impedance for monitors in use at that time, the second 160c is in place.

6: Outputs on the back are mounted in a non original "bolted on block" and are made with Philips connectors. This mod can be reversed.

7: One of the knobs on the right does not look original.

8: The power cable has been removed because it was defective and sub standard.

Please understand that i might have missed some technical details, inspect the pictures for the full story and ask me questions before you buy.

The good part:

This console looks mostly original and not wrecked by novice. The front panel and the control knobs are in good optical condition and look to be period correct except one. In general i think that the implemented modifications can be reversed engineered back to original. Except for one 160c OPT all of the essential transformers are in place (4 x 618B, 1 x 160C etc). With the aid of a skilful and knowledgable tech i think this console can be brought back to former glory "all the bones are there". This console should be in use in music recording studio with contemporary mics, imagine recording your ribbons with this one.

Calling this console rare is an understatement, i think its über rare to the point of impossible to find. The 4 x WE 618B input transformers on their own are an exclusive and valuable affair. Since this console was stored working minimum 20 years ago i think this one should be brought up in controlled environment by specialist. Since i am not that specialist i am not risking a toasted console by putting power on it without any prior consideration. Future buyer must buy the console with this stipulation, no exceptions.

READ CAREFULLY: 

I am selling this console in "as is barn find" condition (it was not stored in a barn, it is matter of speech). I have not tested it or turned it on and in current condition i sell this console to be for parts and broken. I list it as "defect" but from my description and with the help of a skilled tech i think this one will shine. I am not responsible for external work on this console and the choice for overhaul is the responsibility of the buyer. This console will be shipped in a certified wood crate via Fedex international service. 

This console has not been tested prior to sale. Pictures are of actual item, please inspect the pictures for a assessment of its overal condition. Feel free to ask any questions before you buy. Import duties are for the buyers account and are not included with buy it now price. Due to size, weight and value of this console the shipping cost is higher than average. Business buyers within the EU zone with a valid VAT number please upload your VAT number to your Reverb profile for a VAT free purchase, suitable invoice for your business is available after sale. Please expect up to 8 days to prepare shipment.

I will ship with Fedex international Economy to the continental USA, UK, Japan, Canada, Norway and Switzerland. Full value will be declared on customs documents, requests to lower value will be ignored. Shipping to the above mentioned locations only, no exceptions.