GRUNDIG TRANSISTOR 305 RETRO 70s RADIO
Here’s a classic portable transistor radio made by Grundig in the early1970s showing its age although in perfect working condition sounding rather good. The Transistor 305 is a basic model with two wavebands AM & FM. Finished in dark black plastic with chrome trim and black front grille, rather than the more common wood effect. Top dial has clear lettering with original aluminium control knobs and chrome push buttons but the dial does have a crack around the volume as shown in the photos. The handle is solid with bright chrome although rather loose on left side as the spring retaining clip has fractured.
The radio sounds excellent with that rich Grundig sound. The battery compartment is free from any corrosion and cover is present but with a chip which still holds in place by the retaining screw. Note the original aerial is missing its top end section and would benefit from replacement but FM is sensitive so is not really needed and clicks into position for rotation. It runs on a PP9 battery. There is a special miniature 2 pin socket for external 9v adapter. Size is 29cm wide, 18cm tall and 7cm deep, weight 1.8kg.
26/06/2019 at 4:57 am
I am looking for a user manual for the Grundig 305 Transistor radio. Could you please advise? Thank you.
26/06/2019 at 8:01 am
Hi Robin – Best place I’ve found is this Hungarian site Elekro Tanya. They don’t list the 305, but this models was also called Party Boy and the Party Boy 210E looks similar, the manual is here: – https://elektrotanya.com/grundig_party-boy_210e.pdf/download.html#dl. You may have to wait a minute for the site to process the download request and avoid clicking distracting download adverts but the site is good.
There’s a list of Grundig Party Boy manuals they have here. Hope you find what you need.
14/01/2021 at 3:10 pm
I’m trying to identify a Grundig radio from my chilhood. The 305 you have is near what we had home except that there are more bands so more push buttons on top, and more dial scale. The rest is exactly the same (buttons, plastic wooden speaker grill, antenna) Thanks.
14/01/2021 at 8:13 pm
Hi Michel
It could be a Grundig Elite Boy 210 which has an additional SW band – https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/grundig_elite_boy_210.html
Grundig made several different models that have similar size such as the Party Boy but think these all had metal grilles – https://storycase.co.uk/radio/radio/grundig-party-boy-207/
Try google images for “grundig elite boy” to check.
Hope you find it!
Rick
17/01/2021 at 1:24 am
That’s it : Grundig Elite Boy 210 ! Thank you sir!
27/09/2021 at 4:45 pm
hello Rick
I recently picked up a grundig transistor 305 radio in decent shape. this one has the brown wood grain front panel. only obvious problem is the tuning knob which doesn’t turn.
I read your response regarding a stuck thumb wheel but was unable to remove the front cover and didn’t want to force anything. So I am unable to tune the radio. I did remove the two bottom screws.
If you can offer some suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Jim Farrell
27/09/2021 at 5:48 pm
Hi Jim, removing the screws should allow the radio to open – it may need leverage from a small flat bladed screwdriver to come apart. You don’t need to remove the front cover. Once inside locate the tuning capacitor. If you can see any dry grease on the spindle scrape this away first. Then try spraying some WD40 or lubricating switch cleaner to the tuning capacitor spindle. Wait a few minutes and try rocking the tuning control back and forth to free up the bearing. If it still won’t move apply some heat to the spindle or take the tuning knob off and apply more leverage with pliers – take care not to use too much force and it should start to rotate. Apply a little oil to the bearings and rotate all the way through the tuning range until it’s smooth. Let us know how you get on.
08/12/2023 at 6:40 pm
Nothing beat the engineering behind the of the greatest radio companys ever! made the Sound from the 1960 1970s and 1980s will never be better i was a fan ever since 1978 i had some of the best radios they built
15/02/2025 at 10:24 pm
Is it for sale?
16/02/2025 at 7:51 pm
No, I no longer have this radio.