Big River Hardware - Restoring Vintage Radios, Amplifiers, and Guitars

Our Story

At Big River Hardware, we began by restoring antique radios and tube amps as a labor of love. Through this process, we discovered a scarcity of replacement parts, particularly wooden knobs. Existing options in the market fell short of meeting our standards in terms of quality and aesthetics. This realization inspired us to delve into woodworking techniques and explore various types of wood, striving to create superior replacement knobs.

To ensure authenticity and precision in our designs, we extensively researched original production methods and adapted precision lathe techniques. This meticulous approach allowed us to perfect our distinctive BRH designs. Recognizing the demand from fellow vintage radio enthusiasts, we decided to share our parts with others who share our passion for restoration. This marked the inception of our journey as an operating business.

As time went on, our reputation for crafting high-quality parts grew, attracting requests for custom nostalgic pieces for guitars and amplifiers. This enthusiastic response led us to expand our offerings and establish Big River Hardware as a dedicated provider of custom parts for both instruments and radios. Through innovative processes such as carving and laser burning, we are able to create personalized designs that add a unique touch to your cherished musical equipment.

Our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Whether you are a vintage radio aficionado, a guitar enthusiast, or both, Big River Hardware is here to serve your needs. Join us in celebrating the beauty of classic electronics and experience the artistry and precision of our custom designs.

Why Choose Big River Hardware for Your Audio Renovation and Musical Needs?

When it comes to your audio renovation and musical projects, Big River Hardware stands out as a dedicated partner. We prioritize our customers and provide a wide range of premium parts tailored to the needs of audio renovators and music makers. With a focus on customization, we offer endless opportunities to bring your unique designs to life.

At Big River Hardware, we understand that every project is different. Whether you have a specific idea in mind or need inspiration, our extensive collection of designs in the shop ensures you'll find something that resonates with your vision. You can even use our existing designs as a starting point to create something truly one-of-a-kind. With a variety of high-quality woods to choose from, we prioritize the quality of our materials, ensuring they match the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into our products.

Why choose us? At Big River Hardware, we offer:

Premium Parts: We curate a selection of top-notch parts to meet the needs of audio renovators and music makers. Our commitment to quality ensures that our products will enhance your projects.

Customization Options: We believe in the power of individuality. With endless customization options, you can create designs that reflect your personal style and artistic vision. Let your creativity shine!

Extensive Design Collection: If you're seeking inspiration or prefer a ready-made design, our shop features a diverse range of options to choose from. Explore our collection and find the perfect fit for your project.

Quality Craftsmanship: We prioritize craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every part we offer undergoes a rigorous quality check to ensure it meets our high standards before it reaches your hands.

Choose Big River Hardware as your trusted partner for audio renovation and musical endeavors. Our commitment to customer satisfaction, premium quality parts, and unparalleled customization options sets us apart. Experience the difference of working with a dedicated team who shares your passion. Let us help bring your projects to life with precision, creativity, and a touch of artistry.

How We Make Our Parts

The Craftsman behind the "Big" Memories:

 

Ben was entrepreneurial at a young age and had his first Antique Radio Business in Middle School.    Before the internet, he would spend his free time on the river behind his house waiting for the once-in-a-year opportunity to source radio parts at the Elgin Illinois Radio Fest!  It was an adventure just trying to find capacitors & tubes...the voltages were much different than what you would find at Radio Shack.

Restoring audio equipment would bring back memories.   This would happen through the smell of the vinyl records or the first sounds coming from the warm glow of vacuum tubes and the paper cone speaker.    Some songs just sound different on modern equipment.       

With the birth of the internet, Ben had an idea to help others create memories by bringing premium parts and accessories to their doorstep.   Big River Hardware came from his vision to create "Big" Memories by reaching customers through the "Big" River..the Internet. 

Through the years,  Ben heard some exciting memories that were brought back to life.   We would love you to help re-ignite yours! 

Out Partners:

We are constantly looking for locally sourced goods and would appreciate any collaboration tips to help us to better deliver our mission to restore and create memories.

We are constantly building our digital parts library where we are developing catalogs of 3D images of hard-to-find parts like vintage audio knobs or 2D parts like period-specific grill cloth replicates. 

We work with local craftsmen who are using the latest technology like CNC, 3D printers, 2D Printers,  laser cutters, Color measurement equipment, and sew-bots. 

We also work with tradesmen who source locally sourced sustainable materials like sawmill walnut, brass sheets, and locally sourced wool.

We have also worked with technicians who are experts in their field of study,  from battery radio technology of the 1920s to the golden era of tube radio into the launch of transistor equipment and beyond.