Thursday, April 10, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 41


This maxi postcard, proudly issued by Australia Post, offers a nostalgic glimpse into the sounds of Australian youth in the 1960s. Sent by Maryam Hess from the land Down Under, the card beautifully showcases a commemorative stamp alongside a corresponding image – the iconic 1963 pale-pink AWA B28 portable record player.


The stamp and the postcard illustration perfectly complement each other, creating a "maxi card" that celebrates a piece of Australian audio history. The featured AWA B28 was more than just a record player; it was an affordable gateway to music for a generation. Battery-operated and easily portable, it allowed teenagers to take their favourite tunes wherever they went, providing the soundtrack to countless gatherings and personal moments.


While perhaps not lauded for its high-fidelity sound, the AWA B28 held a significant technological achievement within its pastel-hued casing. It boasted AWA's revolutionary, locally-produced transistor amplifier. This was a noteworthy feat, as Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Ltd (AWA) had already established itself as a pioneer in the Australian electronics industry by being the first to manufacture a transistor radio in the country.


This maxi postcard serves as a delightful reminder of a time when music became more accessible and portable, thanks in part to innovations like the AWA B28. It's a tangible piece of social and technological history, connecting us to the youthful exuberance and burgeoning music scene of 1960s Australia, thoughtfully shared by Maryam Hess.


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