Kenwood R-1000 (Source: Universal Radio)
My buddy, Dave Zantow (N9EWO), has apprised me of a new review he has published of the classic Kenwood R-1000 receiver. Dave comments that he doesn’t normally review discontinued sets anymore, but he made an exception for the R-1000 as it “was so unique/good and still is to this day.”
Click here to read Dave’s full review.
Click here to search for a Kenwood R-1000 on eBay. Kenwood R-1000 owners should note that one Canadian eBay seller lists a re-cap kit for the R-1000 for about $50 shipped.
Finally got hold of one of these receivers, took many years but found one on a charity auction, beautiful condition inside and out and works perfectly, has pride and place in the shack, the starting bid was £60 or buy it now £100, you can guess the option i went for.
I wanted a radio like this in the 80s, but all I had was an inexpensive Radio Shack set and then eventually a Sony.
The link is bad. I found this review, which maybe was the article at the link: https://www.qsl.net/n9ewo/r1000.html
Recently I was able to pick one up from a very reputable Ebay seller and I’m happy I finally got my hands on one. I’ve owned an R-5000 for several years, but the R-1000 seems to be the first radio I turn on. Great sound, easy to tune, simple operation. A true classic.
How much you ask, put a good price and I am interested. Remember I am a poor latin man.
I’m looking to sell one if any ones intrested email me [email protected]
It’s been interesting to read all the comments and the review on the R-1000. I went online to find more info about it because I have one that my husband used, but now I am looking to sell it, as it has been neatly tucked away in the closet for several years. My understanding is that it is in great condition, but I can’t really confirm or deny that myself. Can anyone suggest how I should price this & advertise this, given that it is in very good condition? Thanks for the help!
Hi, Suzanne,
You may want to list it on eBay as an “as is” item and describe it as you have here. I just checked and Universal Radio just sold one for $339. They get top dollar on used equipment, though, because they have a liberal return policy even on used items. Here’s a link: http://www.universal-radio.com/used/sold141.html
In “as is” or unchecked condition, I’m not sure how much you would get on eBay or selling it locally. You would need to make sure you charge enough money for shipping to pay for it to be properly packaged as well.
Do you have any friends/family who are ham radio operators? They could verify if it works well for you. You may also contact Universal Radio and see how much they would pay you for this R-1000.
The R-1000 is a great little radio and I know many readers here who would like it in their radio room!
Good luck,
Thomas
This was my first real SW receiver, not counting the old Zenith Transoceanic that I had as a teenager. I bought it used from Amateur Radio Supply in south Seattle back in the ’80s. I sold it when I decided to upgrade to an R-5000. I really wish that I’d kept the R-1000, and really *really* wish that I had it now that I live in SE Asia. Like a fool, I didn’t even bring either of my SW portables (Sony ICF-SW6800 and SW1.) I’m sure missing listening to shortwave. The R-100 was GREAT! Really simple to operate and did an outstanding job, even with the thrown-together indoor antenna I was forced to use when I was a cave-dweller in Seattle back then (a length of aluminum foil thumbtacked to the top of the outside wall of my studio apartment.)
Thomas, first of all thank you for broadening your focus to include subjects such as MW broadcast band DXing and other areas beyond SWLing. It is much appreciated! Also for bringing us posts about the higher end consumer portables of the past. The Kenwood R-1000 was a beauty. I lament its passing, along with the demise of so many other classic portables from Sony, Grundig, Telefunken, Panasonic, and a host of other makes, so if it sounds like there may be a tear streaming down my face from reading Dave’s trip down memory lane, know there is a wry smile as well.
I was very fortunate a couple of years ago to find an R-1000 in mint condition and at a reasonable price. One of the things I like most about the radio is its excellent ergonomic design. Very easy to operate. The AGC is a little bit slow, but with its widest filter and a good external speaker, it is really a joy to operate and listen to.
I bought an R-1000 in July of 1980 for the sole purpose of taking with me to Saudi Arabia. I ended up staying there for 5 years. I mainly used the radio to listen to VOA (Rhodes) and BBC (Cyprus) broadcasts on medium wave for news/features. I also had a Kantronics interface connected to my Apple ][ + computer and used to decode RTTY from Tirana Albania. I recall hearing my Dad (N1CVG, sk) transmitting in CW from his home in Kingston, Massachusetts. For an antenna, I used a Hustler 5BTV (vertical) in the back yard of the house we lived in. I was located at King Khalid Military City in the northeastern part of the country. The R-1000 performed quite well. I ended up selling it sometime in the mid-90s. Thanks for the review and the trip down memory lane.
Regards,
George, NJ3H
Stephens City, Virginia USA
Stop this please, gentlemen. You’re making me want one!
Dave
AA7EE