Commodore 64 Models that as I know such: - C64 - SX-64 (portable computer based from Commodore 64) - Educator 64 (School-use computer that based from PET and Commodore 64) - C64C
If the Commodore Max is a version of the Commodore 64, then it can't be a predecessor of the Commodore 64; that would make it a "predecessor of itself."
Exactly 30 years ago as of today, Aprir 29th 1994 Commodore International filed for bankruptcy. C64 is the all time highest selling computer model and some estimates states that it was sold all the way to 17 million units. 64KB of memory, so little of it, but never forgotten
Very nice overview of the Commodore 64. Very nice examples. I never knew about the cost reduced 64c with the clips holding it together. Thought I'd seen it all... Nice to see that I got to see a 64 that I never knew existed! Thanks for doing it! Thomas
+RetroGameCouch Looks like you had a pretty real machine to me! I would believe it, as building "cost reduced versions" was always an objective for Commodore to maximize profits. No reason why they wouldn't have further built the 64CR that you showed. The 64c was after all a "cost reduced" version as well when they made the short board for it. The 64c creation was in fact two fold. One was to bring the styling up to date to help build sales, and cost reduction was the second implementation in that. That they went one step further I could completely see that!
Love the work you have done to explain all the models. My older brother got a vic 20 when I was 5. I just got a 64 with 1802 monitor and a disk drive. Monitor doesn't work so I am yet to test the 64. Thanks for the history! BTW, I am writing this in march 2020!!
There are also short vs tall versions of the VIC-20 breadbin cases in the original 2-prong / 9vAC powered variant, as well as a later version of a compact VIC-20 variant that uses the round C64 power adapter and is notably smaller than any C64 variant I've seen. They all use the same basic (interchangeable) keyboard with different keycap variations, most often the mustard vs dark gray F-keys.
My dad bought me and my brother a SX-64 in 1985 so we could play games when we went on vacations. It ended up never going with us on a vacation, but I still have it today. Sadly, the keyboard internals have broken down and it hardly works now.
Mooie video! Ik gok dat ik waarschijnlijk een van de eerste was die in Nederland een Commdore 64 had, die van mij heeft namelijk een zilver label! Gekocht bij de V&D voor 1000 gulden!
I still have my C64C and 1571 FDD from 1987 along with lots of games and a fast load cartridge. The C64C was my favorite design as it looked more modern than the C64 bread box design.
Hi. I'am retro collector from Poland (old computers and consoles). Until yesterday I had in my collection only C64 C version. After this video I just bought a C64 G version. I hope it will be for me too my favourite version of Commodore 64. Thanks for help ☺
Well done sir! Unfortunately this entire era of PC gaming is before my time, so seeing videos like these helps to give me some perspective on the past. And understanding the hardware of OG hardcore gamers is vital to my existence. So thanks for the upload! Looking forward to that update video; cheers.
Gaaf man! Ik heb de Commodore 64 als kind af aan altijd al supergaaf gevonden en heb 2 modellen gehad nadat ik de VC20 had. Maar ik heb ze nooit zo op een rij gezien.
@@RetroGameCouch Actaully when I received it, I was 12 y/o and I hated it, because I felt it spoiled it..It should have said Commodore 64 and now it said, Drean Commodore 64..Grrrrr
I do have some C64Cs that have the long board and original SID, so it wasn't all of them that switched over to the short board and new SID. Nice collection you have there! It's hard to tell from the video but they all look like they're in mint condition.
Regarding the C64c, not all C64c's came with the 8580 SID chip. It all depends on the revision of the motherboard that's inside. I have a C64c that has the 6581 SID in it. My board revision is 250466. The revision you're talking about is 250469. Besides the SID the PLA is different between the revisions too.
Believe it or not, I bought an ALDI C64 at ALDI, which was NO ALDI C64, because it had the large board BUT a 8580 with very bad sound from the beginning. I put in my 6581 from my broken C64 and it worked fine. Sounds stupid? Well, this were the last days of Commodore where they sold out the shit off their floors.
@@axemanracing6222 That can be mostly because of the voltage differences: since the 6581 needs +5 and +12v (what is probably delivered by your large board), the 8580 only needs +5 and +9v.
Actually the C64C that you show there in the first place has a longer motherboard like the breadbin, the C64c with the shorter motherboard has the keyboard like the C64G. I don't recall if that specific C64c has the newer sid chip or not.
Interesting. I own a C64G with the silver "Made in W Germany" sticker as I got it when I was living in Germany at the time, but I noticed both your models have green power lights while mine is the classic red. I wonder if this is another case of them using other parts as they ran out of green LEDs?
I wish I still had my C64 from the eighties. I'm guessing I'm not alone in this. I think I might start an online support group. "Hi. My name is Phil and I don't know where my old C64 is. I hope it's having a good life somewhere making someone else as happy as it made me."
Ha! Funny you should say that, because I've done just that. I picked up an absolute bargain on ebay a week or so ago. £26+pp! It was a bit of a gamble and in need of a good clean, but it works well. I've got 5 litres of hydrogen peroxide and a UV bulb arriving tomorrow, so it's going to get *clean*. I've got so many plans for this little beauty, I can't wait!
pp = Postage and Packaging which was an extra £10, so £36 all in. And, yeah, that was damn cheap. This was a 'no returns' sale, but it had been switched on and briefly tested. When I was looking there were untested or not working machines going for £50-£70, so I don't know how I managed to get mine so cheap. The SID chip is worth more than £26! Around about the same time as I was buying mine, there was a "new, old stock" C64B that sold for £304. I also managed to pick up a 1541 MK1 for £40, but I haven't tested it yet as it was sold without cables. I'm waiting for my new cable to arrive from China. You should check out JanBeta's channel. He's got a video about getting a MK11 working. I think GadgetUK164 and The8BitGuy probably do, too. Good luck!
Thanks for this nice overview! Just regarding the outer appearance, my personal favorite is clearly the C64c, together with the 1541-II floppy drive. I personally never understood why so many people like the breadbox design. Regarding the "inner values", I'm indecisive about a favorite version, because I can't make up my mind about what revision of the SID chip I prefer. I think it depends on the game, since their music was probably usually made for one particular version of the SID and doesn't sound as intended on another version.
+Patrick von Massow For me the 6581 has the sound I remember as a kid. So that is my favorite. It's probably also the reason why I prefer the breadbin.
I sold it in about 1992. However, I bought another one about 10 years ago since I realised what a fool I was. Yet how could I've known that my C64 was cool when my new computer had a 20 meg hard drive? All this space must have clouded my judgement. I repent.
The first C64 had the same brown function keys as the VIC20 and nearly every chip was on a socket. But I saw only two of them here in Germany. At that time the price was 1295DM for the C64 and 1495DM for the Floppy. So it was not because they run out of keys.
Hello, I'am from Argentina. I have an extra Drean Commodore but it doesn`t work, the sound is weird. If you want it it's yours, just pay for the shippin'. Great channel by the way, love the C64!
Awesome collection! There were actually two different sizes of brown breadbins. The first (rainbow logo) was exactly the same size as the Vic20. Later came a slightly lower edition :-)
Naw, I got c64 with a Vic20 trade-in. It was one of the first and had orange button F-keys. All my friends who were late to catch on got the later version grey keys (also compare colour RAM, where older models can poke a character to screen and it was invisible with background colour set, and the newer models that poke a visible bg-colour onto the colour memory. Also tactile sense with keys are different). Maybe it's differnt in different places.
Which model is most suitable for modding? I have a couple of bread bins and a 128, but I can't get my hands on a C64c, at least not for a decent price.
RetroGameCouch At the very least an internal sd2iec, dual SID (switchable 6581 / 8580 setup), and possibly an internal power supply (I've got some ideas for that).
"It just feels very plasticky..." What do you mean? The old ones feel like just as much of what their cases and keys are made of as this newer one does.
Nice! If I had room (and the money) to spare I'd fill a room with old computers of all kinds. The PET's are such sweet machines, and the CBM-II successors with their lovely curves.
I am a retro collector from Greece and i own one of the early c64 models. It features orange function keys and has no labeling on the jacks. It has a 250407 board from 1983, but i do not know if it has been swapped before
You should do a video of different case mods made for the c64,like the c64C that are different colours. Do all the c64s work or do you have them for show,I only have one working C64 and its a C64 Compact thats a case mod.
Haha ja, V&D had die dingen staan inderdaad. Klein BASIC programma'tje intikken: eerst een counter van een minuut of zo, daarna sound on/sound off (ben de pokes even vergeten) en dat laten herhalen. Volumeknop helemaal open draaien, programma runnen, en dan rustig weglopen. Tegen de tijd dat je bij de uitgang was kreeg het personeel een hartverzakking van het kabaal dat dan losbarstte. Dus bij dezen dan mijn enigszins late excuses aan het personeel van de computerafdeling van de V&D te Leiden 😉
Very interesting video. A US guy, I'd rather get my hands on a European C64 due to its wider selection of games. Unfortunately, it's not easy getting your hands on a PAL standard TV over here, especially in BF Boise, Idaho. I'm usually not one to request videos, but could you do a comparison of the different SID chips? I've heard bits and pieces of one or the other, but a clear, coherent critical analysis of them is frustrating to find online. The only ones I find jump between them too much, and I can't seem to keep track of which is which.
You can modify a 64 by connecting/disconnecting the J2 bridge inside the VIC chips metal shielding, if you add a flip switch you can switch between PAL and NTSC. I looked it up and it may or may not be present on your motherboard revision, i was able to do it on a breadbox version of the C64, newer machines may require a swap of the chip itself. The jumper itself can be seen in the top right of this picture, in the top right where it says NTSC OPEN and PAL SHORT: www.vesalia.de/pic/csg8701ntsc.jpg As for the display, you can probably find an original monitor more easily than a PAL TV since most analogue TVs in Europe are being replaced by digital ones and are heading to electronics scrapyards.
Hello an argentinan here. Some models of the drean commodore 64c, has the old motherboard (c64 rev) because it came on the same year as the C64c USA, the case and the keyboard, some they were made by argentinans, and others were put a C64 keyboard a of breadbin model, also for what i read on argentinan forums, the drean keyboard sucks, but the case, is one of the nicest things of the computer. ps: i am not very good at writting in english.
The computer wasn't supposed to launch onto the market that year, commodore didn't gave drean the permission, long story short, commodore find out the fraud, and break the contract with drean
And there's the little miniaturized built-in-a-joystick model called the Commodore 64 DTV (direct-to-TV), but of course it wasn't one of Commodore's official models.
Great video. Regarding the main boards in the C64-II, in 1986 the short main board wasn't yet made. First it had the 250425.. then around christmas 250466, the last of the large mainboards. Later with the C64C the short MB was used. The keyboard stickers also changed at some time.. I also like the C64G. Got lucky the other day and bought one. It has a red LED.. I made a video and broke the warranty seal.
+bwack That totally sounds like Commodore. They'd first get rid of their old stock before inserting the new shorter mainboard. Thanks for that additional info! And breaking the seal really isn't a big deal for me personally. I just like having one with the seal in tact for informational purposes. And yeah, the 64G wins the beauty prize, for me at least.
Could have been several stepping stones in the cost reduction process. I totally respect people who want to preserve things as they were. The C64G is now taken a part. I have cleaned all the keys and keyboard chassis.. Case looks nice, has some black markings (possibly from wrapped cables). Not sure how they come off. Do you know if the C64G has a cream white color iwth a hint of yellow ? Just wondering if I'm going to retrobright it or let it be as is because it does like nice..
+bwack It really shouldn't contain any shade of yellow, that sounds like UV-damage. Mine are pretty white as is, and I don't think retrobrighting mine would gain me much color.
Might be. Might be smoke also. Now I tried the pencil eraser on it.What a difference. I had washed it with mild dishwasher soap. Not the dish washing machine soap, because I've seen a guy ruin his case that way.. I've bought hair blonde product. Will try tonight :)
Wow, had never heard of the c64cr version. And I didn't actually know the real difference between the Aldi and the G model. I think you missed at least one version, it's pretty rare namely the sx version with 2 build in diskdrives called the dx. But I think not many were made and it's basically an sx with an extra diskdrive.
Thank you! I'll do a follow on this video soon with all the input other like you have given. And I have acquired a number of new models in my collection, like a Silver Label and a Drean!
Those replacement cases that looked similar to the C64c were sold here in the UK, I remember around 1986/87 them being available mail order with adverts in magazines such as Zzap 64 and Commodore User. They were sold for existing bread bin users could have a sleeker, more modern looking C64 and were most certainly aftermarket. One omission here, not my favourite C64, although I do own one is another version of the cheaper clipped case C64c that did not have the 'C64 Personal Computer' grey sticker on it, instead the writing being engraved into the plastic instead. Cheap production but moderately rare.
I don't have any known facts on the C64c engraved, I believe they were some of the last in production in China. Strangely though the cost saving would have required a new mould for the case housing lid manufacture, unless they used maybe a shim in the location of the logo. As for the replacement cases, I managed to find an advert for one of the UK companies at the time (Evesham Micros) that sold them. www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=021&page=122&thumbstart=113&magazine=zzap They were produced in South Australia by Micro Accessories of S.A. Adelaide Injection Moulders Peter Barker Tooling. I am guessing then exported to a number of countries in Europe, Evesham Micros being distributors here in the UK. Image of it here. www.richardlagendijk.nl/foto/cip/computer_c64_australian_01.jpg
Must admit, I didn't know about the Cost Reduced (CR) version of the C64C model. You missed mentioning one version of the C64, the Japanese release with the dual English/katakana character ROMs. NOT the MAX, the Japanese C64 is a normal breadbin shape.
+Mayhemers I love how you submit me with new info, and in return you got something from the video as well. Great addition, thank you! Didn't know about that Japanese breadbin.
lol it was nothing special honestly. I think the cases cost like 30 dollars in the 80s. I don't even know why I bought one? I think the same people were selling Jiffy dos and that case came with a couple of extra holes in it for a reset button and jiffy dos?. I'll look for it today, has anyone seen pictures of the box? I know where that is
Me too, I still have mine as well. I had the breadbin C64 with the orange function keys. It was 1988 when I bought the aftermarket case one of my mates had bought one before and I thought it looked so cool because it looked a bit more modern like the new C64Cs that were on sale at the time. As far as I can remember the plastic cases were injection moulded in South Australia and distributed around the country.
Ah, so there is a cheap flat version. I guess I had it in my hands, and I thought, this feels crap compared to the C128, so lets stick to that, but I most probably ran into a 1988 model.
De concept van de comodore GS was opzich geen slecht idee,maar het stomme was,het kwam 5 jaar te laat in de 8bit game console race en er zat NIET eens 'n ingang voor 'n keyboard en ook niet eens 'n cursor systeem in als alternatief voor 'n keyboard,het probleem was namelijk dat voor het spelen van C64 spellen was dat je voor het opstarten ervan 'n keyboard nodig had voor commando invoer,wat de GS versie niet heeft,schande.
i have 2-3 c64's, being i am in australia and they are ex school computers i acquired cheaply many years ago, i am sure they are australian versions, they aren't in the best shape and may need some repair (at least one has broken keys) and came with no PSU's or cables e.c.t. I'll have to have a look at them when i can pick them up as i have them in storage at my mums house. i could be convinced to let one go. my first computer was a VIC 20.
if you hear it pop up again let me know i would love to own it if its genuine also would like any advice to spot if its fake. I live in oz so if in victoria i could drive there to check it out
ik had een v20 indertijd maar helaas is die weg nu heb ik nog 2x c64 1 uit 1983 en 1 uit 84 die heb ik indertijd zelf gekocht. ik heb een a500 en a2000 en dat is slechts een greep uit mijn verzameling.
Heb nooit een Commodore 64 slimline breadbin gezien in 1982. Heb de slimline pas in 1984 gezien. Er zijn heel veel varianten van de Fat en Slimline en de kleuren ervan. De mooiste blijft toch de Fat Silverline qua breadbin. Is leuk om al die verschillende varianten te verzamelen. Qua boards minder, vind alleen de 250425 de beste. Daarnaast heb ik een mooie originele C64C case met de C64 Reloaded MK2.
RetroGameCouch Vind de Fat breadbin variant meer een Commodore 64, dan de Slimline variant. Moet toegeven de C64G heeft een mooiere uiterlijk qua kleur en pas meer in deze tijd. Dan de grijze of de bruin-grijs achtige breadbin. Leuk, dat je bijna je Commodore 64 verzameling compleet hebt.
Na 4 jaar komt deze week de C64 Aldi naar me toe. Ben benieuwd hoe, dat mij bevalt. Sinds dit jaar koop ik me suf van ZX Spectrum 48K’s en de Toastrack’s. Zelfs ZX Spectrum clone moederborden koop ik volop. Van de Vampire V4 Standalone word het bij mij minder leuk. Steeds, die Beta updates en kleine stapjes vooruit. Mij zwarte AMIGA 500 met de zwarte keycaps is eindelijk klaar. En moet mij AMIGA 1200 nog afronden voordat ik verder gaat met de Commodore 128. Af en toe koop ik C64 clone moederborden zoals de C64 Reloaded MK/MK2, Ultimate 64 Elite en pas de unieke EVO64. En heb behoorlijk veel uitbreidingen ervoor.
I love the white one (G version, Aldi is too grey), but with the keyboard from the Aldi (or Gold) version, since I don't like the graphics on the top of the keys. I have a CR version now (started in the 80's with the breadbin), but I put it in a red replacement case with an original styled keyboard with grey function keys that I got in a VIC20 strangely enough ;)
I didn't really play around with it back in the day. My first computer was a C64. I always considered the Vic20 the weaker predecessor (without hardware sprites etc), but again, I never really used it.
wow thats awesome mate! I wish i had my first commodore 64 that i ever owned but unfortunately motorbikes at that age i sold it. Ever since i have always wanted that c64 .I have 4 banged up and i think from memory one of them still works but heavily modded (reset switch etc) amazing looking back how the turn off and on again procedure didnt appeal to us! LETS START AGAIN! BRING BACK THE 64 :) oh, and had to edit coz really curious has anyone seen a gold edition 64 go up for auction and if so how much did it go for?
"When there still was a West Germany..." * "When there still was the _state_ of West Germany..." (since west Germany as just an area of Germany in general still exists, of course).
@@RetroGameCouch a cbm is a 64 basic! But always a 64. And the 128 was more a 64 than 128, the customers used the the 128 in 64 mode almost all the time, here we consider those machine all 64 in different version, but exist more version of classic 64, you have not all of it! (Sorry for my english)
Commodore 64 Models that as I know such:
- C64
- SX-64 (portable computer based from Commodore 64)
- Educator 64 (School-use computer that based from PET and Commodore 64)
- C64C
If the Commodore Max is a version of the Commodore 64, then it can't be a predecessor of the Commodore 64; that would make it a "predecessor of itself."
It was a predecessor to 64, but the first to use the VIC-II and the SID.
@@wisteela: Maybe so, but that doesn't address what I'm talking about.
Exactly 30 years ago as of today, Aprir 29th 1994 Commodore International filed for bankruptcy. C64 is the all time highest selling computer model and some estimates states that it was sold all the way to 17 million units.
64KB of memory, so little of it, but never forgotten
I thought I had a pretty knowledgeable handle on the Commodore 64 line. You have filled a gap I never knew existed. Thank you! :)
The 1. C64 ist the 2. One. The first has other label with other colour f keys. I forget: nice Video
I loved my C64c so much, I slept with it...
^.^
Very nice overview of the Commodore 64. Very nice examples. I never knew about the cost reduced 64c with the clips holding it together. Thought I'd seen it all... Nice to see that I got to see a 64 that I never knew existed! Thanks for doing it!
Thomas
+Thomas Christoph Thank you Thomas. Although the existance of a 64CR seems to be debated by various people.
+RetroGameCouch Looks like you had a pretty real machine to me! I would believe it, as building "cost reduced versions" was always an objective for Commodore to maximize profits. No reason why they wouldn't have further built the 64CR that you showed. The 64c was after all a "cost reduced" version as well when they made the short board for it. The 64c creation was in fact two fold. One was to bring the styling up to date to help build sales, and cost reduction was the second implementation in that. That they went one step further I could completely see that!
Love the work you have done to explain all the models. My older brother got a vic 20 when I was 5. I just got a 64 with 1802 monitor and a disk drive. Monitor doesn't work so I am yet to test the 64. Thanks for the history! BTW, I am writing this in march 2020!!
Compared to the C64, the VIC20 "breadbin" case was slightly higher though the keyboard was identical...
I can confirm this.
There are also short vs tall versions of the VIC-20 breadbin cases in the original 2-prong / 9vAC powered variant, as well as a later version of a compact VIC-20 variant that uses the round C64 power adapter and is notably smaller than any C64 variant I've seen. They all use the same basic (interchangeable) keyboard with different keycap variations, most often the mustard vs dark gray F-keys.
My dad bought me and my brother a SX-64 in 1985 so we could play games when we went on vacations. It ended up never going with us on a vacation, but I still have it today. Sadly, the keyboard internals have broken down and it hardly works now.
Mooie video! Ik gok dat ik waarschijnlijk een van de eerste was die in Nederland een Commdore 64 had, die van mij heeft namelijk een zilver label! Gekocht bij de V&D voor 1000 gulden!
Die zijn het mooiste!
I still have my C64C and 1571 FDD from 1987 along with lots of games and a fast load cartridge. The C64C was my favorite design as it looked more modern than the C64 bread box design.
+Trajan Augustus that's awesome!
The most rare C64 is the one labeled Dream with the Commodore 64C case.
Hi. I'am retro collector from Poland (old computers and consoles). Until yesterday I had in my collection only C64 C version. After this video I just bought a C64 G version. I hope it will be for me too my favourite version of Commodore 64. Thanks for help ☺
+Krzysztof Zamorski the 64g is awesome!
Well done sir! Unfortunately this entire era of PC gaming is before my time, so seeing videos like these helps to give me some perspective on the past. And understanding the hardware of OG hardcore gamers is vital to my existence. So thanks for the upload! Looking forward to that update video; cheers.
Coming very soon!
Gaaf man! Ik heb de Commodore 64 als kind af aan altijd al supergaaf gevonden en heb 2 modellen gehad nadat ik de VC20 had. Maar ik heb ze nooit zo op een rij gezien.
Ik moet snel weer een video-update doen, want ik heb ondertussen een hoop mooie nieuwe modellen verworven :)
RetroGameCouch Gaaaaaaf!!!
I used to have a Drean C64C ... I miss it.
I have one in my collection now. It's cool. 👌🏼
@@RetroGameCouch Actaully when I received it, I was 12 y/o and I hated it, because I felt it spoiled it..It should have said Commodore 64 and now it said, Drean Commodore 64..Grrrrr
I have the german version. Bought it at Sears, Long Island.. New York. Brand new... totally weird. I guess Sears U.S. scored a batch. I feel lucky
I used to own the 1987 Model with a nice 1571 Floppy disk drive
I do have some C64Cs that have the long board and original SID, so it wasn't all of them that switched over to the short board and new SID.
Nice collection you have there! It's hard to tell from the video but they all look like they're in mint condition.
They first got rid of old stock.
So many versions of the Commodore 64 :)
Nice collection brings back good memories.
Thanks. I have since this video acquired a Silver Label, A Drean and a C64 DTV. I'll make a new video soon.
Oh I forgot: I love your show. Thank you.
+Ruud Terzijde thank you
Regarding the C64c, not all C64c's came with the 8580 SID chip. It all depends on the revision of the motherboard that's inside. I have a C64c that has the 6581 SID in it. My board revision is 250466. The revision you're talking about is 250469. Besides the SID the PLA is different between the revisions too.
Yes, you are absolutely right.
Believe it or not, I bought an ALDI C64 at ALDI, which was NO ALDI C64, because it had the large board BUT a 8580 with very bad sound from the beginning. I put in my 6581 from my broken C64 and it worked fine. Sounds stupid? Well, this were the last days of Commodore where they sold out the shit off their floors.
+AxemaN Racing sounds like Commodore for sure.
Also I believe the redesigned shorter motherboard was only used in PAL regions. NTSC C64s always used the larger motherboard.
@@axemanracing6222 That can be mostly because of the voltage differences: since the 6581 needs +5 and +12v (what is probably delivered by your large board), the 8580 only needs +5 and +9v.
Actually the C64C that you show there in the first place has a longer motherboard like the breadbin, the C64c with the shorter motherboard has the keyboard like the C64G.
I don't recall if that specific C64c has the newer sid chip or not.
Interesting. I own a C64G with the silver "Made in W Germany" sticker as I got it when I was living in Germany at the time, but I noticed both your models have green power lights while mine is the classic red. I wonder if this is another case of them using other parts as they ran out of green LEDs?
Probably, yeah. Or it was switched when it got a repair or something.
I had a c64 with orange keys back in 1984. I got it sealed in box brand new.
You no longer have it?
Thanks for sharing the info,very informative,nice collection 👍🏻
Thanks. I will do a new video soon, as I have acquired a lot of new models.
RetroGameCouch that's great...👍🏻
I wish I still had my C64 from the eighties. I'm guessing I'm not alone in this. I think I might start an online support group. "Hi. My name is Phil and I don't know where my old C64 is. I hope it's having a good life somewhere making someone else as happy as it made me."
+Phil Rodgers let me join your club.
Of course! All are welcome. To my shame I got an Atari ST in the early 90s and the C64 was forgotten. I often think about it ...
Ha! Funny you should say that, because I've done just that. I picked up an absolute bargain on ebay a week or so ago. £26+pp! It was a bit of a gamble and in need of a good clean, but it works well. I've got 5 litres of hydrogen peroxide and a UV bulb arriving tomorrow, so it's going to get *clean*. I've got so many plans for this little beauty, I can't wait!
pp = Postage and Packaging which was an extra £10, so £36 all in. And, yeah, that was damn cheap. This was a 'no returns' sale, but it had been switched on and briefly tested. When I was looking there were untested or not working machines going for £50-£70, so I don't know how I managed to get mine so cheap. The SID chip is worth more than £26! Around about the same time as I was buying mine, there was a "new, old stock" C64B that sold for £304. I also managed to pick up a 1541 MK1 for £40, but I haven't tested it yet as it was sold without cables. I'm waiting for my new cable to arrive from China. You should check out JanBeta's channel. He's got a video about getting a MK11 working. I think GadgetUK164 and The8BitGuy probably do, too. Good luck!
+R Moocher2 I see muliple C64s being offered for sale every single day where I live. I end up buying too much of them because of that.
Great video mate loved it, I need a gold c64 in my life !!!!
+The Fun Bros thanks :-)
Thanks for this nice overview! Just regarding the outer appearance, my personal favorite is clearly the C64c, together with the 1541-II floppy drive. I personally never understood why so many people like the breadbox design.
Regarding the "inner values", I'm indecisive about a favorite version, because I can't make up my mind about what revision of the SID chip I prefer. I think it depends on the game, since their music was probably usually made for one particular version of the SID and doesn't sound as intended on another version.
+Patrick von Massow For me the 6581 has the sound I remember as a kid. So that is my favorite. It's probably also the reason why I prefer the breadbin.
I got my C64c in 1986 when I was 7. So that's the one closest to my heart. I also think it looks awesome! ;)
You still have it?
I sold it in about 1992. However, I bought another one about 10 years ago since I realised what a fool I was. Yet how could I've known that my C64 was cool when my new computer had a 20 meg hard drive? All this space must have clouded my judgement. I repent.
My story is almost identical
The first C64 had the same brown function keys as the VIC20 and nearly every chip was on a socket.
But I saw only two of them here in Germany.
At that time the price was 1295DM for the C64 and 1495DM for the Floppy.
So it was not because they run out of keys.
Some models there I didn't know about.
Hello, I'am from Argentina. I have an extra Drean Commodore but it doesn`t work, the sound is weird. If you want it it's yours, just pay for the shippin'. Great channel by the way, love the C64!
That would be amazing! Send me an email at info@retrogamecouch.com
Awesome collection! There were actually two different sizes of brown breadbins. The first (rainbow logo) was exactly the same size as the Vic20. Later came a slightly lower edition :-)
What do you mean? A c64 in a Vic-20 coloured case? I have never seen one of those ever.
RetroGameCouch No, not the colour, just the size. I can post some pictures on Google+ :-)
+Arrayzable yes please
All links you supplied give a 404-error :(
RetroGameCouch OK. I'll try to post tonight via my own G+.I will sent a link. :-)
Naw, I got c64 with a Vic20 trade-in. It was one of the first and had orange button F-keys. All my friends who were late to catch on got the later version grey keys (also compare colour RAM, where older models can poke a character to screen and it was invisible with background colour set, and the newer models that poke a visible bg-colour onto the colour memory. Also tactile sense with keys are different). Maybe it's differnt in different places.
Which model is most suitable for modding?
I have a couple of bread bins and a 128, but I can't get my hands on a C64c, at least not for a decent price.
What kind of mods?
RetroGameCouch At the very least an internal sd2iec, dual SID (switchable 6581 / 8580 setup), and possibly an internal power supply (I've got some ideas for that).
The newer C64's have the shorter board leaving you with more room for stuff like an internal psu.
There is my childhood with even the Vic-20, wauw
"It just feels very plasticky..."
What do you mean? The old ones feel like just as much of what their cases and keys are made of as this newer one does.
I think it's lighter weight
@@wisteela: That's different from meaning that it feels like it's made of plastic.
There was also the Educator 64, which was a '64 in a PET style case with a green monochrome monitor.
+Quessir yes, true. I have a Pet noe. Not an educator64 though
Nice! If I had room (and the money) to spare I'd fill a room with old computers of all kinds. The PET's are such sweet machines, and the CBM-II successors with their lovely curves.
I love my PET. The shape is fantastic. The rounder ones are amazing as well. Here is a video I did on my PET.
th-cam.com/video/DXPHcH6TE7Y/w-d-xo.html
Will give it a watch, thanks!
Collezione fantastica
I am a retro collector from Greece and i own one of the early c64 models. It features orange function keys and has no labeling on the jacks. It has a 250407 board from 1983, but i do not know if it has been swapped before
+Darkson Dap very nice!
Didn't the VIC 20 have a more clicky, different keyboard than the C64?
I am pretty sure it's the exact same keyboard.
great video mate, nice collection :)
I have acquired a bunch of new ones. I should really do a follow up video!
+RetroGameCouch yes you should!
Yes you should. I made a video of my C64 collection if you'd like to take a look on my channel. I love wierd and interesting C64 variants...
You should do a video of different case mods made for the c64,like the c64C that are different colours.
Do all the c64s work or do you have them for show,I only have one working C64 and its a C64 Compact thats a case mod.
Can you show me a picture of that C64 Compact? Not sure if I have that model :)
Ik heb de mijne ook nog van eind 83, koste toen 899 gulden bij V&D!, van MCN heb ook nog steeds het zeer fiine toetsenbord hoesje :-)
Koester dat ding! Ik heb mijn oude C64 ooit weggedaan, samen met mijn zelfgeprogrammeerde eerste BASIC programma's. Nog steeds spijt van.
+RetroGameCouch ik moet toch echt eens testen of de bandjes het nog doen!, misschien morgen eens proberen? 😎
+1walkgirl let me know
Haha ja, V&D had die dingen staan inderdaad.
Klein BASIC programma'tje intikken: eerst een counter van een minuut of zo, daarna sound on/sound off (ben de pokes even vergeten) en dat laten herhalen.
Volumeknop helemaal open draaien, programma runnen, en dan rustig weglopen.
Tegen de tijd dat je bij de uitgang was kreeg het personeel een hartverzakking van het kabaal dat dan losbarstte.
Dus bij dezen dan mijn enigszins late excuses aan het personeel van de computerafdeling van de V&D te Leiden 😉
Epic! Hahahaha
Very interesting video. A US guy, I'd rather get my hands on a European C64 due to its wider selection of games. Unfortunately, it's not easy getting your hands on a PAL standard TV over here, especially in BF Boise, Idaho.
I'm usually not one to request videos, but could you do a comparison of the different SID chips? I've heard bits and pieces of one or the other, but a clear, coherent critical analysis of them is frustrating to find online. The only ones I find jump between them too much, and I can't seem to keep track of which is which.
+David Wilson I can do that for sure!
You can modify a 64 by connecting/disconnecting the J2 bridge inside the VIC chips metal shielding, if you add a flip switch you can switch between PAL and NTSC. I looked it up and it may or may not be present on your motherboard revision, i was able to do it on a breadbox version of the C64, newer machines may require a swap of the chip itself.
The jumper itself can be seen in the top right of this picture, in the top right where it says NTSC OPEN and PAL SHORT:
www.vesalia.de/pic/csg8701ntsc.jpg
As for the display, you can probably find an original monitor more easily than a PAL TV since most analogue TVs in Europe are being replaced by digital ones and are heading to electronics scrapyards.
My all time favorite is the C64-C.
Hello an argentinan here.
Some models of the drean commodore 64c, has the old motherboard (c64 rev) because it came on the same year as the C64c USA, the case and the keyboard, some they were made by argentinans, and others were put a C64 keyboard a of breadbin model, also for what i read on argentinan forums, the drean keyboard sucks, but the case, is one of the nicest things of the computer.
ps: i am not very good at writting in english.
The computer wasn't supposed to launch onto the market that year, commodore didn't gave drean the permission, long story short, commodore find out the fraud, and break the contract with drean
Very interesting, thank you!!!
4:36 actually that's most likely a 250466 with SID 6581
C64c with 8580 my fav, had a softer less harsh sounding SID
And there's the little miniaturized built-in-a-joystick model called the Commodore 64 DTV (direct-to-TV), but of course it wasn't one of Commodore's official models.
True, I have that too!
Yeah, I have one, and it's pretty interesting! I haven't hacked it yet, though. One of these years, maybe.... :-)
On my to do list as well, yeah
The argentinian is DREAN (not dream), originally (still is) an appliance brand. And you miss the c64C by Drean...
I have acquired both long after filming this video. :)
When the supermarket C64 is only sold in Germany, why doesn't it have an QWERTZ keyboard?
Great video. Regarding the main boards in the C64-II, in 1986 the short main board wasn't yet made. First it had the 250425.. then around christmas 250466, the last of the large mainboards. Later with the C64C the short MB was used. The keyboard stickers also changed at some time.. I also like the C64G. Got lucky the other day and bought one. It has a red LED.. I made a video and broke the warranty seal.
+bwack That totally sounds like Commodore. They'd first get rid of their old stock before inserting the new shorter mainboard. Thanks for that additional info!
And breaking the seal really isn't a big deal for me personally. I just like having one with the seal in tact for informational purposes. And yeah, the 64G wins the beauty prize, for me at least.
Could have been several stepping stones in the cost reduction process. I totally respect people who want to preserve things as they were. The C64G is now taken a part. I have cleaned all the keys and keyboard chassis.. Case looks nice, has some black markings (possibly from wrapped cables). Not sure how they come off. Do you know if the C64G has a cream white color iwth a hint of yellow ? Just wondering if I'm going to retrobright it or let it be as is because it does like nice..
+bwack It really shouldn't contain any shade of yellow, that sounds like UV-damage. Mine are pretty white as is, and I don't think retrobrighting mine would gain me much color.
Might be. Might be smoke also. Now I tried the pencil eraser on it.What a difference. I had washed it with mild dishwasher soap. Not the dish washing machine soap, because I've seen a guy ruin his case that way.. I've bought hair blonde product. Will try tonight :)
Nice collection. Im trying to find Aldi for mine also Silver Label :-) I do have Australian Case which I like alot.
I have found an Australian and a Silver label too. And an SX-64. Even a GS. I should really do an update video. :)
Oh wow. Nice collection indeed :-)
SX is my dream some day will come true :-D
Wow, had never heard of the c64cr version. And I didn't actually know the real difference between the Aldi and the G model. I think you missed at least one version, it's pretty rare namely the sx version with 2 build in diskdrives called the dx. But I think not many were made and it's basically an sx with an extra diskdrive.
Thank you! I'll do a follow on this video soon with all the input other like you have given. And I have acquired a number of new models in my collection, like a Silver Label and a Drean!
Those replacement cases that looked similar to the C64c were sold here in the UK, I remember around 1986/87 them being available mail order with adverts in magazines such as Zzap 64 and Commodore User. They were sold for existing bread bin users could have a sleeker, more modern looking C64 and were most certainly aftermarket.
One omission here, not my favourite C64, although I do own one is another version of the cheaper clipped case C64c that did not have the 'C64 Personal Computer' grey sticker on it, instead the writing being engraved into the plastic instead. Cheap production but moderately rare.
I have since the video acquired one. Thanks for this info. Any more info on this?
I don't have any known facts on the C64c engraved, I believe they were some of the last in production in China. Strangely though the cost saving would have required a new mould for the case housing lid manufacture, unless they used maybe a shim in the location of the logo.
As for the replacement cases, I managed to find an advert for one of the UK companies at the time (Evesham Micros) that sold them.
www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=021&page=122&thumbstart=113&magazine=zzap
They were produced in South Australia by Micro Accessories of S.A. Adelaide Injection Moulders Peter Barker Tooling.
I am guessing then exported to a number of countries in Europe, Evesham Micros being distributors here in the UK.
Image of it here.
www.richardlagendijk.nl/foto/cip/computer_c64_australian_01.jpg
+figurehead1971 i have one of those units in my collection. Thanks for all the info. Will use that in my next c64 video.
Great cases the Australian replacements. I have a few
Also the rare engraved 'C' model.
+freddy astairs awesome!
you need the new c64-II case in SX color styling. it looks stunning
Yes, that thing looks stunning!!
Must admit, I didn't know about the Cost Reduced (CR) version of the C64C model. You missed mentioning one version of the C64, the Japanese release with the dual English/katakana character ROMs. NOT the MAX, the Japanese C64 is a normal breadbin shape.
+Mayhemers I love how you submit me with new info, and in return you got something from the video as well. Great addition, thank you! Didn't know about that Japanese breadbin.
The Australian version is just an aftermarket case. I have the case and the original box and I think even the catalogue!
+Thomas smith so cool!!!
lol it was nothing special honestly. I think the cases cost like 30 dollars in the 80s. I don't even know why I bought one? I think the same people were selling Jiffy dos and that case came with a couple of extra holes in it for a reset button and jiffy dos?. I'll look for it today, has anyone seen pictures of the box? I know where that is
+Thomas smith keep me posted!
Me too, I still have mine as well. I had the breadbin C64 with the orange function keys. It was 1988 when I bought the aftermarket case one of my mates had bought one before and I thought it looked so cool because it looked a bit more modern like the new C64Cs that were on sale at the time. As far as I can remember the plastic cases were injection moulded in South Australia and distributed around the country.
My personal favorite is the 64c
wasnt there a darkish brown one as well ?
it was in the breadbox shape
They all turn brown when exposed to too much UV light. :)
You mentioned the VIC 20 but what about the others?
- Commodore 128
- Commodore 16
- Commodore plus 4
Ah, so there is a cheap flat version. I guess I had it in my hands, and I thought, this feels crap compared to the C128, so lets stick to that, but I most probably ran into a 1988 model.
The gold one looks great compared to my yellowed C64!
(Greetings from Langedijk:) )
Hahahaha, greets from the edge of the IJselmeer (we live very closeby)
RetroGameCouch yes we do! Hey you should do a game room tour video sometime!
+Ian Noah I always figured nobody would care.
Why use a RetroGameCouch when you can get a RetroGameChair?
+Weird Dude because a couch allows friends and family to join the fun!
9:52 and the golden edition one
+ChickenBG 7 I do cover that model in the video
I have original c64 from 1982. comes with the original function tan keys(Vic20)
De concept van de comodore GS was opzich geen slecht idee,maar het stomme was,het kwam 5 jaar te laat in de 8bit game console race en er zat NIET eens 'n ingang voor 'n keyboard en ook niet eens 'n cursor systeem in als alternatief voor 'n keyboard,het probleem was namelijk dat voor het spelen van C64 spellen was dat je voor het opstarten ervan 'n keyboard nodig had voor commando invoer,wat de GS versie niet heeft,schande.
great video thanks
Where is version: "Embossed logo" ?
That is the CR version of the C64C I show.
Just saw this video! There was also a DX-64, with two drives!
Do you mean the Compucase?
RetroGameCouch It was the SX "portable" with a second drive mounted in the empty compartment.
i have 2-3 c64's, being i am in australia and they are ex school computers i acquired cheaply many years ago, i am sure they are australian versions, they aren't in the best shape and may need some repair (at least one has broken keys) and came with no PSU's or cables e.c.t. I'll have to have a look at them when i can pick them up as i have them in storage at my mums house. i could be convinced to let one go.
my first computer was a VIC 20.
Send me a message!
I believe the C64 G was made for the Aldi supermarket chain exclusively.
+Finn Renard no, that is the C64 Aldi. Different machine
Ok, thanks.
Actually made for the German market, hence the G at the end to mark C64 German
if you hear it pop up again let me know i would love to own it if its genuine also would like any advice to spot if its fake. I live in oz so if in victoria i could drive there to check it out
+Ray Pope i will!
@RetroGameCouch i'm sure there is an education model with a built in screen like a Pet.
Yes, the Educator 64. I don't have that.
In Italy, when I was a child, my father bought my a Commodore 64 with orange function keys. Bye
Awesome!
I have one with a vic20 keyboard I guess it’s cool
ik had een v20 indertijd maar helaas is die weg nu heb ik nog 2x c64 1 uit 1983 en 1 uit 84 die heb ik indertijd zelf gekocht. ik heb een a500 en a2000 en dat is slechts een greep uit mijn verzameling.
Heb nooit een Commodore 64 slimline breadbin gezien in 1982. Heb de slimline pas in 1984 gezien. Er zijn heel veel varianten van de Fat en Slimline en de kleuren ervan.
De mooiste blijft toch de Fat Silverline qua breadbin. Is leuk om al die verschillende varianten te verzamelen. Qua boards minder, vind alleen de 250425 de beste. Daarnaast heb ik een mooie originele C64C case met de C64 Reloaded MK2.
Zeker, de silver label is prachtig. Ik heb inmiddels (bijna) alle modellen.
RetroGameCouch Vind de Fat breadbin variant meer een Commodore 64, dan de Slimline variant. Moet toegeven de C64G heeft een mooiere uiterlijk qua kleur en pas meer in deze tijd. Dan de grijze of de bruin-grijs achtige breadbin. Leuk, dat je bijna je Commodore 64 verzameling compleet hebt.
Na 4 jaar komt deze week de C64 Aldi naar me toe. Ben benieuwd hoe, dat mij bevalt. Sinds dit jaar koop ik me suf van ZX Spectrum 48K’s en de Toastrack’s. Zelfs ZX Spectrum clone moederborden koop ik volop. Van de Vampire V4 Standalone word het bij mij minder leuk. Steeds, die Beta updates en kleine stapjes vooruit. Mij zwarte AMIGA 500 met de zwarte keycaps is eindelijk klaar. En moet mij AMIGA 1200 nog afronden voordat ik verder gaat met de Commodore 128. Af en toe koop ik C64 clone moederborden zoals de C64 Reloaded MK/MK2, Ultimate 64 Elite en pas de unieke EVO64. En heb behoorlijk veel uitbreidingen ervoor.
Je hebt een flinke verzameling inmiddels!
Ja, het word een grote verzameling vooral met de originele dozen erbij.
You have the cutest smiling power sockets. You are in Denmark, aren't you?
+dandapanda no, The Netherlands :)
anyone know what the ball controller is with
I love the white one (G version, Aldi is too grey), but with the keyboard from the Aldi (or Gold) version, since I don't like the graphics on the top of the keys. I have a CR version now (started in the 80's with the breadbin), but I put it in a red replacement case with an original styled keyboard with grey function keys that I got in a VIC20 strangely enough ;)
The G is probably my favorite too. How did you acquire the red replacement case? Sounds awesome.
RetroGameCouch The red casing was from a Kickstarter using the original moulds of the C64C. They had different color choices.
I've read about these. Sadly I haven't been able to get one.
There is another version.... c64c with embosed logo.
You are correct. I need to make a new video as I have almost all models now.
Par contre le placoplatre on fait pas les bandes
You forgot to mention that there is a Commodore 64 inside the Commodore 128!
+unebonnevie hmm yeah
We need a retro mini VIC-20.
I didn't really play around with it back in the day. My first computer was a C64. I always considered the Vic20 the weaker predecessor (without hardware sprites etc), but again, I never really used it.
Love this
Does the C128 count as a C64?
+RRW not to me, though it can run in c64 mode
yes type go 64
wow thats awesome mate! I wish i had my first commodore 64 that i ever owned but unfortunately motorbikes at that age i sold it. Ever since i have always wanted that c64 .I have 4 banged up and i think from memory one of them still works but heavily modded (reset switch etc) amazing looking back how the turn off and on again procedure didnt appeal to us! LETS START AGAIN! BRING BACK THE 64 :) oh, and had to edit coz really curious has anyone seen a gold edition 64 go up for auction and if so how much did it go for?
+Ray Pope yeah, I sold my original breadbin too at some point. Including my first programming stuff. :(
any history on a commodore 64 gold going to auction that you know of?
yup a computer that came with a manual that taught you how to program it! unheard of these days!
i remember a simple loop program and my neighbour knocking on my door asking how i did that :)
I know of one that occasionally pops up on ebay that is located in Australia, although many doubt it's the real thing. It looks pretty genuine.
"When there still was a West Germany..."
* "When there still was the _state_ of West Germany..." (since west Germany as just an area of Germany in general still exists, of course).
You forgot a lot of c64...'as 128, cbm64 and many more!
A 128 has a 64 mode, but is not a model of the c64. And CBM just means commodore business machines. There is no CBM64
@@RetroGameCouch a cbm is a 64 basic! But always a 64. And the 128 was more a 64 than 128, the customers used the the 128 in 64 mode almost all the time, here we consider those machine all 64 in different version, but exist more version of classic 64, you have not all of it! (Sorry for my english)
You left out this model Commodore Plus4. I think I still have one in my basement: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_Plus/4
+AltheOrphan a plus4 is not a 64. Do you still have it?
Forgot the Pet.
You mean the Educator 64? Yes.
"Commodore 64 SX"
* Commodore SX-64
The C64G was actually made out of recycled parts from the failed GS console. Since they never sold well, they just reused the parts
One more you are missing: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_Educator_64
Where you from ?
The Netherlands!
RetroGameCouch Aii ik ook ik heb alle nintendo consoles. Eindelijk een retro kanaal met een nederlander !!!
Baska Biceps Hee top! Keep in touch!