Remarkable !! Guys get 15 dollar radios tuned for 30.00 all the time ,but then again I haven't seen to many 15.00 dollar radios ? Ebay ? Flea Market ?....even folks on Ebay have raised there prices over the years, and as far as getting a ballpark reading for modulation ,LOL ? A well calobrated Dosy or PDC on a dummy load should give you at least something go on after you have had one tuned properley. It ain't rocket science. And as far as there being some radios that not much can be done to them ? ...this is very true !! I've seen some of them barely even reach the 100% modualtion mark after the diode or resistor was clipped. I was kidding with you here Butcher , no offence meant. How about this Hardhead ,hook it up and leave it be ,use it for awhile and then clip D-14 or use your resistors in line , let others be the judge for you if that should be the case , but then again there's a saying i've heard a few times around here ,that most folks wouldn't no a good sounding radio if they heard one ? Hmmm ....Good Luck and have fun .....if it really doesn't mean that much to you ? I really wouldn't run out and buy a O-Scope to fast. (-: