![]() For the first time, young people had the freedom to listen to music and world news amongst themselves without the threat of parental disapproval. The transistor radio wasn’t just a revolutionary piece of technology – it also revolutionized music and youth culture. Many models even had a single plug-in earphone for private listening, not unlike the headphones used with later devices such as the Walkman and the iPod. 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. ![]() Shipping just $3.95 worldwide! That’s right, shipping to anyw in the world is just $3.95.Image credit: Julia Bujalski The Regency TR-1 My Favorite Transistor Radios, Volumes One and Two (DVD videos).American Shirt-Pocket Transistor Radios.Great Little Radios from Global & Zephyr.Not available in stores, this book is offered directly from the author Eric Wrobbel whose other books include. ![]() But if you prefer the finer things in life, you will love it! Join the thousands worldwide who enjoy my books and buy them all! Remember, your satisfaction is GUARANTEED or your money back. If bulk is more important to you than content and style, this book isn’t for you. They’re packed with great pictures and info, but they’re slim, hand-made specialty books. You’ve got nothing to lose! Buy It Now! My books aren’t for everyone. And you’ll find complete reproductions of the original TR-1 color brochure and the original owner’s manual! Your satisfaction is guaranteed or your money back, including the shipping charge. Both of the original TR-1 boxes are, as well as an original Regency brand 22 1/2 volt battery, and the original Regency earphone for the TR-1.You’ll see the different leather case styles Regency used, and even the boxes the cases came in! T’s vintage advertising for the TR-1 too. And see a rare original Regency artist rendering of a pre-production TR-1 showing the prototype dial. Even the ultra-rare Mantola box is along with a juicy red Mantola!See inside one of the earliest TR-1s ever found. Lively text covers all you’d ever want to know about these very interesting radios!See big, clear, full color photos of Regency models in marbled green, mahogany, yellow, coral, turquoise, pearlescent pink, and more!See the rare Bulova in both plastic and leather–in the box! All three Mitchells are too, and the original Mitchell box. Read about all known variations, date codes (for determining date of manufacture), accessories, and rarities. ![]() Get all the info about the Regency TR-1-the world’s first commercially made transistor radio! And learn all about related models like the TR-1G, TR-4, Bulova, Mitchell, and Mantola. ![]()
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