For the past few weeks we've been packing and doing some pre-moving to spread our stuff around to our loved ones' home for temp storage. One of the toughest thing is deciding what not to keep. I've been trying not to sweat the small stuff and have tossed out all our U text books and donated some small furnitures.
Tomorrow my cousin is coming to get the first piece of my collection that I've been loathing to part with.
This is a Clairtone Stereo model S 401 with all original manuals and bill of purchase sold by a Mr Burnett to a Mr Berg at Woodward's on November 3, 1961 for a then hefty sum of $499 + tax. Inside, it has an integrated tube amp, AM/FM radio and a Garrard turntable that still works! Its cabinet is mahogany.
Clairtone was an iconic Canadian design company that still generates much buzz around some of their much sought after models. Most acclaimed is the Project G and it's even on Facebook!
This piece was originally picked up by my dad from a SallyAnn probably 15 years ago. He completely refinished the wood, cleaned up the components and gave it to me when I moved into this house after our reno in 2000. It's been hanging out in my dining room looking gorgeous.
It came back to life when the iPod came to being as we hooked it up and used it as a stereo. The sound it produces is warm, airy with nice depth and just the right amount of base. It is very ahead of its time as it gives a very modern sound compared to some other cabinet components I have listened to in the past.
My cousin is starting out and doesn't have a stereo. This piece is the coolest of my stereo sets but it isn't the one I listen to the most. It deserves to be played more often. Tonight, I played it one last time and oiled it. It's ready to go with its best foot forward.
This is the first parting of my possession worth noting.
