WPLY Microphone

Object/Artifact

-

anonymous...

The image showcases a vintage RCA ribbon microphone with a perforated metal grille, prominently mounted on a stand with the call letters "WPLY" emblazoned in bold black lettering on a curved metal plate at the front, atop a textured, slightly worn base, and accompanied by a coiled black cable.

The image showcases a vintage RCA ribbon microphone with a perforated metal grille, prominently mounted on a stand with the call letters "WPLY" emblazoned in bold black lettering on a curved metal plate at the front, atop a textured, slightly worn base, and accompanied by a coiled black cable.

Name/Title

WPLY Microphone

Description

RCA 74-B Junior Velocity Ribbon Microphone with a WPLY sign attached with chain. Original cord is wrapped around base. The microphone features a distinctive rectangular head with a perforated metal grille, designed to protect the delicate ribbon element inside. The RCA logo is displayed on the microphone body.   Attached to the microphone stand is a curved banner displaying the call letters "WPLY" based out of Plymouth, Wisconsin in the 1950s

Context

WPLY was the first radio station purchased by Mr. Maltz and business partner Bob Wright in 1956. This station primarily broadcasted programming that invited dairy farmers to speak on air, and called themselves the "Dairy Farmer Station." Maltz & Wright later sold this station so they could move to Michigan, and named their company Malrite Broadcasting.

Collection

MMJH

Made/Created

Manufacturer

RCA

Date made

circa 1950

Time Period

20th Century

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Transcription

RCA WPLY

Dimensions

Height

11-3/4 in

Width

7-1/2 in

Material

metal, various

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

[header] Empire of Sound [body] Milton Maltz was already a veteran on-air radio personality when in 1956 he bought a tiny station in a small Wisconsin farm community. From that first step he went on to build Malrite Communications, on elf the top broadcast groups in the country, with radio and television outlets from New York to Los Angeles.