Angelo's GE World Monitor Radio Is a Survivor

 

I'm amazed by the shear number of different radio models General Electric released over the years.  The period I'm most familiar with is probably 1965 through 1985 and it's mind boggling how many radios they came out with----pocket transistors, portables, shortwaves, boomboxes----different shapes, sizes and colors.  They even seemed to make multiple models of radios that were at or near the same price point, seemingly serving the same purpose.  Maybe like Coke and Pepsi, GE just decided that the more radios they offered, the more store shelf space they would get and more importantly, the less space their competitors would have.

 

This was an E-Bay find a couple years ago.  It's the GE World Monitor.  It arrived in decent condition, a little dirty----but cleaned up nicely.  I added the linen American flag, which doesn't seem to affect sound, even though it's taped to the speaker grill.  I keep this radio in my office at work and listen to it often.  It sounds fine on AM and FM----haven't really played with the SW bands.  In my office, I also have a large Grundig receiver with shortwave, so at the times when I work here at night and want to listen to some shortwave, I usually turn to the Grundig.

 

I haven't seen this GE too often.  I would say it dates to around 1970-----just based on the looks.  It's typical GE:  Decent performer, respectable build quality and materials (I like the sturdy carry handle.), conservative styling.  GE broke that mold a few times, but this model follows that basic formula.   

 

I like the radio.  It's survived an office move and it's seen other radios come and go.  It's a survivor!   

Comments

[Harry]

Angelo - good observation. I was browsing Ebay a few weeks ago and picked up a 1966 GE P1910. Same basic shape as your radio, 17 transistor, AM/FM/SW. Decent amount of chrome, like a Buick of that vintage. Great looks, heavy as a tool box with 6 D batteries, and decent performance.

[Angelo]

Harry: I'll have to look up the P1910 to see what that one looks like.
If it's from 1966, I'm sure it's a tank. As they moved to the early and mid 70s, they found less expensive ways to produce---including thinner plastics and "metallic" plastic instead of chrome. Still decent radios, but not as good as the older ones.

[Harry]

Angelo - you can look up the P1910 at this site, as well as, many other GE radios. Your model is likely there somewhere.
http://www.radiomuseum.org/m/general-el_usa_en_19~year.html