Timeless Charm: Vintage Radios and Their Tuning Hands

Quick Summary

• Subject: R. Sundaravadanan, a 90-year-old audio-electronics repair expert based in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Background: Nicknamed “Stylus Mani,” his interest began in the 1960s when he studied technical books on audio electronics during his teenage years.
• Journey: Mani started as a hobbyist repairing electrical devices and later turned it into a career by opening a radio and electronics repair shop in Palayam, adapting to technological advancements like tape recorders and televisions over the decades.
• Vintage Expertise: As gramophones and turntables gained attention among antique collectors, he specialized in repairing styluses and refurbishing vintage turntables at his home workshop.
• COVID Shift: During the lockdown, Mani utilized the internet to advertise his services nationwide; collectors from across India now send their devices for repairs via India Post. His fame has spread countrywide through word of mouth recommendations.
• Current Setup: Operating out of his residence in Thiruvananthapuram, surrounded by vintage devices, tools, and old music records playing nostalgically.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The enduring craftsmanship of R. Sundaravadanan illustrates the irreplaceable value of skilled artisanship amidst advancing technology. With growing national interest toward preserving heritage artifacts such as gramophones and vintage turntables, specialists like “Stylus Mani” are crucial bridges between history’s engineering marvels and contemporary interests. His adaptation from analog formats to digital accessibility reflects resilience both personally and professionally. Moreover, this story highlights how niche skills can be amplified through platforms like the internet-allowing preservationists across India to connect with experts from remote regions.

By continuing to practice a unique form of artistry that merges nostalgia with precision repair work, Sundaravadanan caters not only to individual collectors but also nurtures India’s broader push for cultural preservation amid global modernity.

Read more here: Link