'Radio doctor' practices dying art of electronics repair

Montreal's 'radio doctor' has been repairing radios in the city's Mile End neighbourhood since the 1960s. Joseph Hovsepian says he is part of the last generation that knows how to repair electronics.

NOTE: Joseph Hovsepian's name is misspelled in a banner in this video. His name is spelled Hovsepian.

Connect with CBC News Online:

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

[williamwong]

I remembered buying a small box (slightly smaller than a match box) of metal neddles for 10 cents in the late 50s
I was a little kid back then
They were use in a gramaphone playing 78 records.
I was dedicated to wind up the machine when it begun to slow down.
Lucky to be still alive today.
Thanks God.

[revoxjazz]

Personally, and even though I wasn't 100% a repairman throughout my life as a sound guy, I decided to dedicate myself to the same purpose that this gentleman dedicates himself to, now that I'm close to 60 years old.
In fact, I think that there is still a lot to do in this area and I hope that my decision will clearly show to those who come into contact with me that a whole society that bases its life on the habit of discarding everything is a society that does not know the pleasure that exists on basic things like keeping your equipment in good condition, as desirable.
I've been practicing this way of life and I won't stop, except when I don't have a chance to work at it anymore.
I hope there are more people interested in this kind of attitude, not just electronics.
Health for all!
Macedo Pinto, Portugal

[allthegearnoidea]

I am very glad to say the art of repairing valve radios is a great hobby and very much alive here in england for both old and young

[TheGearhead]

Very sad. I feel the same way about antique radios and am 61:(-John in Texas

[erdvilla]

Electronics nowadays are made to last 5 years tops; otherwise they aren't profitable enough. Old electronics were made to last because the buyer didn't know when he would be able to get another one or visit a repair shop in the far city.

[xmenken]

He should start teaching students in polytechnics before radio repair disappears.

[Goforitmanager]

No wonder is a "dying art", if one goes see people like this to learn how to repair electronics and he/she says it takes 40 to 50 years then interest is gone before even getting started.

Thank god for some truly great Youtube channels and websites that are far more encouraging about learning old electronics.

[raccoon]

*we used to send Grundig equipment to his shop from ours back in 1988-1992 period*

[ronstar]

About 12 years ago, I interviewed the last typewriter repair man in San Francisco's financial district.

[dillsf]

people can't live without the phone today.

[shutterlab]

This guy has it exactly right! Might be worth a roadtrip to Montreal.

[jason]

Wow awesome you sir are one of a small group of people that is a fading good historical history !.

[montelcarlos]

"you need 40 to 50 years", i think he mean "you need to have passion in this and commit to it your wholelife to generation people always speak in some metaphoric bless him.... :)

[timstanford]

I repair guitar tube amps and solid state class A/B. I don't mess with class D. Components are Too small.

[tubeDude]

You said it! It's sad to see tube equipment go. That's all I do is repair old Tube Radio's and Tube Test Equipment.

[mik]

Electrical engineers still study analog and digital electronics.skills are still there

[florinmoldovanu]

I think this hobby has great rewarding potential. The question is whether us radio enthusiasts are into radios out of nostalgia or out of the interest and the curiosity of fixing things and listening to a genuine transmission. Sure thing digital music can be made to sound impressive but it's so perfectly reproduced that it leaves no room for feeling alive. The magic of radio is that it has a signature of its own and any interference or hiss makes it unique and only adds the the aliveness of listening to it whereas digital is just cloning sound. Nothing wrong with it, we love clarity too but I think that we shouldn't give up on radio waves just yet.
His comment about taking 40 to 50 years to teach someone is laughable. Probably he meant for someone to get to his level. He didn't get the question right. I don't know how to fix radios but I don't think it's that hard and I want to take it as a hobby.

[Jericho]

It’s not a dying art to be honest there’s plenty of people doing it, only thing that’s fading is the manufacturing of Vacuum tubes and other now obsolete parts making antique radio restoration difficult.

[TheTheo]

The well made older electronics "were built to last" and can be repaired. I have a Teac open reel tape deck from the late 1960's I bought in 1977 some head wear, but still working. Same with a Pioneer FM receiver from the early 80's. Though it's likely due for restoration. New capacitors, resistors,

[NebukedNezzer]

this is what I did for most of my life. now I am retired and just do it for fun. times change.