Do you like to pop over to Spain on a whim to listen to a lyrical guitar? Or head to Europe, the home of old-world music masters, to enjoy the genius of a symphony orchestra first hand? Did you win the lottery so you can afford all these excursions?
No?
Not a problem. You can still be a globe trotter, aka of the armchair traveler variety. Here in the 21st-century it’s easy. With the Internet we can experience music and see video from all corners of the world, all upon our demand.
Earlier generations had this ability too, even without the presence of a mouse or computer screen. For them the world was brought into their home through a different type of technology. One called short wave.
They called these excursions Radio Tours.
I’ve already escorted you through one such trip across the continental United States. Now let’s travel around the world via short wave too! It’s easy, as long as you have the right equipment and a little radio know how.
A Radio and Phonograph in One!
In this RCA brochure the hot gadget for sale in 1937 is a phonograph/radio combo set. You can actually get both for the price of a radio alone!
France! Mexico! Europe! The Music of the World is Yours!
Spanish guitar, Cuba Rumba rhythms, European opera, it’s all right here!
Any Kind of Music can be Captured on an RCA Record!
Discover thrills galore by randomly turning your dial!
Exciting Adventures in Short Wave!
You may be on the ground, sitting in your comfy chair, but all of a sudden you take flight, following vicariously airplanes that crisscross the skies above. Their communications, broadcast via short wave, as air traffic control keeps track of their journey. How exciting!
News Headlines from the 1930s at Your Fingertips!
Breaking news, circa mid-1930s. Aviator Charles Kingford Smith vanishes on a flight to break the speed record between England and Australia.
Also, in the headlines, England will crown a new king. The coronation ceremony of the Empire’s King— Eighth of the Edwards— is set for Westminster Abby in May 1937! Be sure to tune in, via short wave!
Radio brings the World Closer
Want to visit someplace you’ve never heard of? What are the frequencies of the best stations?
Country hopping is easy. Let your fingers do the walking, or more accurately, the tuning— of your radio dial. You can look up any of these worldwide stations by either location, call letters, megacycles, meters and broadcasting hours.
Short Wave stations from Khabarovsk to Rome.Short Wave stations from London to CaracasCountries with Short Wave Stations, Listed in Alphabetical OrderPage Two of Countries with Short Wave Stations, Listed in Alphabetical OrderPage Two of Countries with Short Wave Stations, Listed in Alphabetical OrderCall Letters of North American StationsMore Call Letters of North American Stations
It’s critical to keep track of the time. Here’s a beautiful painting/chart of the different zones found around the world. Everyone below is in native dress and are holding hands. They are an invitation for you to enjoy their culture, even for a little while.
Thanks to Radio, Time Zones Can’t Keep People Apart!
And you can have a night on the town, at home. Be sure to dress up in your exquisite evening gown, circa 1930s. Then stand next to your full-size RCA Victor Globe Trotter set, complete with Magic Voice.
The World of Entertainment in a Voice of Thrilling Realism!
Remember, “Through the magic of RCA, the world is brought to your easy chair. Globe Trot with RCA Victor!”
And armchair travel with GVS, Glorious Vintage Stuff!
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