No, not me, I'm not old enough (or rich enough). It's a piece of equipment that has served me faithfully for over 40 years.
Back in 1975, I was young, and had little money. I'd moved out of home and badly needed something to play music on. I scrimped & saved and finally got enough money together to buy myself a "sound system." I opted for a Sanyo system, that included an AM/FM radio (FM virtually unheard of in those days,) a turntable, and two (count 'em) TWO speakers. And a microphone input AND headphone jack. It was a piece of furniture- imitation wood grain and imitation brushed stainless steel. (these days it would be called a gramophone.) The following year I saved up & bought the tape (cassette) deck that was part of the "system."
Over the next years I used it at every opportunity, playing vinyls, cassettes, recording, and listening to the radio.
Over the years, the tape deck died, as did the turntable, and I replaced the speakers with better ones. But the tuner still worked fine.
Years later when I got back into music and got into Band In A Box, I used the tape deck input as an amplifier. When I finally bought a "real amp" I only used the Sanyo to listen to the radio, or to listen to TV (a stone age "theatre system.")
However, today I decided to put it out to pasture. I had a spare sound system that I installed into my music room, hooked it up to the TV, and can now listen to the radio without any static or hum.
But I couldn't bring myself to toss it into the rubbish (just yet?) I put it into my rack where it can sit & enjoy its retirement. Sentimental... yes Hoarder yes. But every time I look at it I can remember the many hours that it has served me so well.
Enjoy your retirement, Mr Sanyo.
Has anyone else got any old equipment that they use regularly? (pre 1970 Fenders or Gibson's don't count )
Keith, I haven't got anything to put to pasture, but I sure can understand your feelings. That little system cost you a lot of hard earned savings, you loved it - and still do, and it gave you pride that you worked hard to purchase it and own it.
Sadly, we live in a 'chuck-it-out' world now. Too expensive to repair of maintain anything, and there's a better design right on the shelf.
Eventually, you might need the space. In the meantime, it's absolutely fine to leave it in the rack and when you look at it, reflect on all those great years of enjoyment it gave you. One day, but doesn't have to be today.
The other interesting thing is that if you can keep it long enough, one day it will be a collectors item.
I've got a few 1930's fully restored valve mantle radios and a fully restored valve radiogram (pre-war). All are in perfect working order. I don't ever use them, but I love what they do, and how their inventors shaped the technology we enjoy today. They were "inventing the future".
Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I have two in storage that still play that I don't discard because they play 8 track cassettes too. There's two boxes of 8 track cassettes to explore one day.
No, not me, I'm not old enough (or rich enough). It's a piece of equipment that has served me faithfully for over 40 years.
Back in 1975, I was young, and had little money. I'd moved out of home and badly needed something to play music on. I scrimped & saved and finally got enough money together to buy myself a "sound system." I opted for a Sanyo system, that included an AM/FM radio (FM virtually unheard of in those days,) a turntable, and two (count 'em) TWO speakers. And a microphone input AND headphone jack. It was a piece of furniture- imitation wood grain and imitation brushed stainless steel. (these days it would be called a gramophone.) The following year I saved up & bought the tape (cassette) deck that was part of the "system."
Over the next years I used it at every opportunity, playing vinyls, cassettes, recording, and listening to the radio.
Over the years, the tape deck died, as did the turntable, and I replaced the speakers with better ones. But the tuner still worked fine.
Years later when I got back into music and got into Band In A Box, I used the tape deck input as an amplifier. When I finally bought a "real amp" I only used the Sanyo to listen to the radio, or to listen to TV (a stone age "theatre system.")
However, today I decided to put it out to pasture. I had a spare sound system that I installed into my music room, hooked it up to the TV, and can now listen to the radio without any static or hum.
But I couldn't bring myself to toss it into the rubbish (just yet?) I put it into my rack where it can sit & enjoy its retirement. Sentimental... yes Hoarder yes. But every time I look at it I can remember the many hours that it has served me so well.
Enjoy your retirement, Mr Sanyo.
Has anyone else got any old equipment that they use regularly? (pre 1970 Fenders or Gibson's don't count )
That Sanyo gear from the 70's was excellent, as were their speakers. If it were me, I'd look for a pair of matching Sanyo speakers and a used good condition turntable. They can be had cheap at garage (boot) sales, and your vinyl will never sound better. I have tons of 70's gear, and it still sounds fantastic.
Know what you mean about that older equipment. Had a tape deck, tuner, equalizer, turntable all with wooden sides...actual real wood! Used to rub 'em down with teak oil every week! Nothing like electronics encased in wood. Those were the days.
As you can see from my sig below, I've still got a Yammie DX7II. Have to admit, I lust after the Motifs and that new Montage that was just announced, but in my heart just can't see myself ever giving up the DX...kinda display it like a badge of honor...I was there back then...but...we're just both antiques now.
I actively use a much greater percentage of my older equipment than my recent equipment.
The older stuff, like my stereo system that hasn't changed since I set it up in 1976 in the dining room, sounds and works perfectly. A lot of stuff I bought for computer production of music is now in the storage room for lack of drivers.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I have the tuner I bought back in 1970. And the speakers on it I bought from a buddy in the Marine corps when he was headed home and didn't have the room in his car for them. They are working out in the shed.
FM virtually unheard of in 75? Where were you living?
At that time, FM was in it's heady days of "album cut" rock stations here in the USA. I can remember finding WMMR FM in Philly on my transistor radio as a pre teen guitar player somewhere around the late 60's and realizing that they were playing the album long version of the songs as well as album cuts not heard in the top 40. I was hooked.
I kinda wish I still had many of the old amps I went through.... some were turds, but some are classics. Even the turds were cool in some way or another.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
The Kenwood tuner I bought in 1974 is still fantastic. I chose it for extreme selectivity specs. I live two hours north of New York City (got no snow!) and, with an FM antenna and booster on the roof, could pull listenable FM from Boston and Philadelphia on that Kenwood.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
This is not a slam against "The Outback" but Tommy Emanuel said in an interview that he had to be prepared for either AC or DC mains when he was gigging in Oz. Is that still the case over there?
Worse, the outlets were seldom marked resulting in his "letting the smoke out" of several amplifier.
Hi Don, No, I've never heard that. Of course they use generators for some open air gigs, but to the best of my knowledge they would be AC. Having said that, with the amount of time that Tommy has spent on the road over the last 50 odd years (he started on the road at age 6)he played at some pretty remote places in the outback.
This is not a slam against "The Outback" but Tommy Emanuel said in an interview that he had to be prepared for either AC or DC mains when he was gigging in Oz. Is that still the case over there?
Worse, the outlets were seldom marked resulting in his "letting the smoke out" of several amplifier.
Don
Don, it ain't as bad as people might lead you to believe.
There sure isn't any DC Mains and never has been. That was an Edison thing - Tommy's pulling your leg. (Well, I confess that there was some DC distribution way back when for a few building with elevators that had DC motors, but that was a special dedicated supply into some high-rise buildings).
All domestic outlets here are 240V 50Hz single phase. No exceptions. Yep, some lower-voltage gear might have smoked, but somebody would've had to cut the plug off and fitted another, because every domestic 240V outlet in Australia is exactly the same.
And there's nothing worse than letting the smoke out... I hate that.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Sadly, we live in a 'chuck-it-out' world now. Too expensive to repair of maintain anything, and there's a better design right on the shelf.
The shop near me, unfortunately also one of the best in the area and they are always loaded with work because of it, wants a $65 DEPOSIT just for the intake. It was $25 at first, then $40, now $65. As people bring stuff in, and they repair it, far too often the repair costs are close to what a new unit costs, and the customer just abandons it.
From the customer side, why pay $185 for a repair when a new item with a year warranty is $225? If I pay the $185 I have my 12 year old thing back or I pay $40 more and have a new one.
From the shop's side, we just put in $58 worth of parts and 6 man hours into this thing and now he doesn't want it? On to the resale shelf it goes.
That's good for us because that makes for some affordable used gear. But your premise is exactly right. The microwave mentality has really taken over.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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