Blast from the Past: Paul’s Review of the Panasonic RF-1350

Thanks to Paul for this review of the Panasonic RF-1350 AM/FM/SW Radio. 

This radio is quite rare. It may have been marketed only outside the US (I received mine from Canada).

Dimensions: 12″x8″x3″ (approximate; a little larger in actuality)

Features: 

• AM/FM/SW in 5 bands. Continuous shortwave coverage in 3 bands from 1.6 – 30 MHz.
• Telescopic rod antenna
• Headphone and line out
• External antenna connections for AM and FM
• Continuously variable (analog) volume, bass, and treble control
• Large tuning knob
• Fine tuning knob for AM
• Mechanical band selector switch
• Runs on 4 D batteries or AC (no adapter required)
• Tuning indicator needle
• Carrying handle
• Dial light (press and hold to illuminate)
• Brushed aluminum face

Performance:

In one word: superb. Excellent sensitivity and very good selectivity on AM/FM/SW. Very smooth, solid tuning knob (no wobble).  No backlash on dial. Dial amazingly accurate on AM and FM. Very nice control of audio tone via bass and treble controls. No scratchy controls. It has a 12 cm speaker (about 4.7 inches), and it can be very loud and room-filling. Build quality and workmanship is great and completely eclipses radios such as the Eton S350DL or Redsun RP2100.