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Enter the 1980s and with it, the height of the portable
stereo craze-- walkmans were worn on the
hip and boomboxes like these were held on the shoulder or
positioned on a street corner for an impromptu breakdancing
session. In fact, the terms "boomboxes" and ghetto blasters" were
started during this period to describe the "noise" that emanated
from portable stereo cassette recorders, though the sound quality
on some rivalled that of home stereo systems. You'll see that as
the decade progressed, these silver and chrome-laden beasts grew
in size and in functionality. They became a status symbol of
urban culture--the bigger, the more buttons and lights, the
better. Browse on and enjoy our pictoral history of these gems
during the height of their popularity.
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Can you identify this one? Featured in the 1984 movie
Breakin'. Ghetto blasters like this one were found on city
streets throughout the country in the mid-80s. This is probably a
Taiwanese or Chinese no-name brand, but we are intrigued by the
apparent second cassette located above the primary one.
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Whoa, Sean in Canada has the same boombox as the one featured above! His
is a Clairtone, and was distributed throughout Canada in the mid-80s. This beast
is protected by a promximity sensor (ALARM!) which lets out a deafening siren when
someone walks near it. Good luck trying to sneak off with this one. Weighing
in at a whopping 20 pounds and measuring 2 1/2 feet in length, this very well may
define the blaster in ghetto blaster. Sean is desperately seeking a cassette
door for his, so if you've got info, send us message! Thanks Sean!!
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Imagine our surprise when we spotted this one at a local flea
market for $30. This exotic-looking Grundig featured a myriad of
functions including SW/AM/FM/LW reception, a hideaway telescopic
antenna, presets, variable stereo knob (from 0 to "super"), LCD
clock and alarm--all in that sleak euro chassis. We're guessing
this was released sometime in 1982.
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This RX-5050 was Panasonic's crown jewel boombox in 1983.
Sound quality was incredible, utilizing the company's patented
"Ambience" control. The system and a red & green LED meter
and a five-band graphic equalizer.
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This Sanyo MX650 is a veritable force in loudness. We sure
wouldn't want to bump into this intimidating machine in a dark
alley. The cassette drive position is pretty cool, though.
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Is this old broken Emerson worth the effort of repairing? Jay
and Paul assess the damage in this shot and make that
determination.
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Panasonic's RX-5500, a fine example of the classic '80s
boombox. This model was actually released in 1981. Other
manufacturers imitated designs like this one for years after.
Nice twin LED meters...
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Looks like a wall, doesn't it? Powered by 8 DD batteries,
this was GE's flagship ghetto blaster in 1983. It offered
"feather touch" controls, the MLS music search system,
stereo & loudness switches, balance, bass and treble
control.
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The Fat Boys spotted with a not-so-fat boombox in the 1984
film Krush Groove. A scene like this may be labelled
stereotypical, but was nonetheless commonplace in New York City
back in the mid-80s. Click here for a close-up
of the boombox.
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Unsure on the model number of this ghetto blaster. We do know
this JVC was released sometime in 1985. Notice multiple component
facade--this trend began in mid-80s and continued into later
years. We guess the speakers are detachable, making this an
appropriate home stereo for the apartment dweller or college
student. update: Hemlyn from the UK writes, "Mine is model JVC
PC-200W, and though it doesn’t look exactly the same (mine
has less black and more silver on the front) all the functions
are exactly the same and in the same places. In daily use here
in northern England, though it gracefully retired from recording
cassettes a few years ago (ie this function no longer works!)
Plays ‘em fine tho.’ Still has a very, very clear stereo sound, will go quite
loud, and will boom very satisfyingly if required. Quite
heavy, esp. with batteries installed, but who cares? Sling
out that pathetic walkman, sling your blaster on a guitar
strap and let the neighbourhood know that you’re coming down
the street!
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From the 1984 film Krush Groove, LL Cool J explains that he
can't live without his radio. Neither can we, LL.
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Arguably, one of the finest boomboxes of all
time--Panasonic's RX-7700. Priced at a whopping $700 in 1981,
this system performed as well as it looked. Features included
AM/FM/SW reception, twin antennas, three meters, side handles,
exceptional tuning and recording capabilities and gorgeous looks.
If there were one ghetto blaster to obtain, this might be
it.
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