Transistor radio 1950s11/30/2023 In addition to lower prices, the first half of the decade also saw the addition of FM capabilities to the previously AM-only transistor radio. These Japanese models brought prices down significantly, and by the 1960s, transistor radios cost around $15 (about $117 today), making them affordable birthday and Christmas presents during the prosperous 1960s. Sony’s TR-55 and TR-63 were particularly notable, but Sharp and Toshiba also sold transistor radios. Shortly after the TR-1 went out of production, Japanese manufacturers began selling cheaper and smaller transistor radios to the American public. Image source: Stocksy United New Models & Further Improvements Instead of a family affair, teenagers began listening to the radio alone or with groups of friends. It was also highly portable and changed the way that Americans enjoyed radio. In contrast to these older models, the TR-1 was small and much less easy to break. In most cases, families would huddle around a single large wooden radio in their home and listen to programs together. Because these radios used breakable vacuum tubes, they were also very delicate. Previous models were large and mostly stationary. Signaling a Changeĭespite its short life, the TR-1 changed the face of consumer radio forever. Around 150,000 units were sold, but the TR-1 wasn’t produced for very long. However, it was quite expensive – the TR-1 retailed for around $50, which translates to nearly $400 today. It was able to receive AM radio stations and had an impressive 20-hour lifespan due to its 22.5v battery. It was easily portable, measuring just five inches high, and used four transistors. It featured a gold dial and was available in a variety of colors. On October 18, 1954, they released the Regency TR-1 just in time for the Christmas shopping season. Texas Instruments built the transistors and the Regency division of I.D.E.A. (Industrial Development Engineering Associates) and Texas Instruments. The first transistor radio was created as a joint project between I.D.E.A. S.Image credit: Julia Bujalski The Regency TR-1 1959 - Finished up a great decade as an industry leader in the U.1958 - Transistors were again spotlighted and tube portables were being phased out.included in this year's sets are its most collectible and sought after transistor sets. 1957 - Arvin greatly expanded it transistor offerings in 1957.Additionally, 1956 provided us with some cool colors and mid-century modern cabinet designs. 1956 - Arvin made its entry into the transistor radio business in late 1956.1955 was a banner year for radios, but by now automotive sales had finally overtaken radio sales for Arvin.1954 was another year of interesting degigns and colorful sets.1953 provided us with a nice mix of sets, generally smaller table top and portable sets.1952 followed up 1951 with a even larger release of models from our perspective of locating actual radios and documentation.Annual report said 37 different radio, and we're still searching! 1951 was a year that offered many different sets.While not the most valuable from a collector's perspective, it is certainly one of the most collectible Arvin sets. This is also the year that Arvin introduced their first (and only?) "novelty" radio, the Hopalong Cassidy Radio, often just referred to as "The Hoppy". 1950 - Arvin radio production was in full swing in 1950 with a full line-up of models.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |