Tag Archives: Vinyl Turntable

Fan-made LEGO Technics Turntable features rotating disc, movable tonearm, and sliding faders

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Short of actually playing music, this Technics SL-1200 MK2 turntable made from LEGO bricks is as near the real deal as it could possibly get.

With a build of over 2,000 pieces, the LEGO build pays tribute to the SL-1200 MK2, an iconic turntable from 1979 that became the club standard for all disc jockeys in the day, helping pioneer the scratching trend and even allegedly being the technical epicenter of movements like disco and house music genres. The submission comes from the mind of LEGO builder Tamás Borján, aka Tomasso Builds, who created the design from scratch, building it smaller than scale but exactly the perfect size to fit a 7-inch vinyl disc.

Designer: Tamás Borján (Tomasso Builds)

Tomasso’s SL-1200 MK2 may look undoubtedly brickish, but it’s as detailed as they come, with buttons, faders, settings, a weighted tonearm, rotating discs, and even a motor on the inside to power the entire experience. The built-in motor drives the turntable, which you can also spin manually to ‘scratch’ the disc, and Start and Stop buttons toggle the motor. The tonearm has adjustable weights and an anti-skating knob, and right under it is a pitch slider that deejays famously use to mix songs with different pitches or scales. Right beside the Start/Stop buttons is also a toggle switch to let you alternate between 33RPM and 45RPM speeds.

The movable parts and rotating turntable really make this build more than a sum of its bricks. The entire piece contains 2,215 LEGO bricks, which may sound like much, but a lot of the bricks go into building the turntable’s flat surfaces like the outer housing and the upper disc. A motor on the inside controls the disc’s rotation, and runs on a battery that also sits under the hood, giving you an overall LEGO kit that’s wireless and can be placed as a collectible anywhere around the house. We recommend keeping a few 7-inch vinyls nearby too to complete the look!

This isn’t the first LEGO turntable we’ve seen, though. Back in 2023, someone built a highly detailed version of the Pioneer CDJ 2000 that featured actual controls, a rotating disc, a dynamic display, and even a USB stick. Spiritually, however, the SL-1200 MK2 has a good 2 decades on the CDJ, given the fact that it absolutely dominated the 70s and 80s.

Tomasso’s build is currently a submission on the LEGO Ideas website – an online forum where LEGO builders and enthusiasts share their own creations and accept votes from the larger LEGO community. Entries that cross the 10,000 vote mark eventually get reviewed by LEGO’s own internal team and turned into box kits that us commonfolk can then buy. Tomasso’s submission is picking up votes at a surprising speed, having just crossed the 800-vote mark as of writing this piece. If you want to see an SL-1200 MK2 LEGO kit in the future, head down to the LEGO Ideas website and cast a vote for this fan-made build!

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Vinyl turntable concept uses industrial materials and design

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As much as I love my music streaming services, I’m also a fan of playing analog music. Well, at least in theory. I have several CDs at home already but I don’t have a CD player (still researching about what’s the best one that my wallet can afford). I also want to have a vinyl player soon although that will take more of an investment both for the player itself and the vinyls I’ll buy afterwards. So I am always interested when I see concepts or designs for turntables as it can be references for what I’ll buy in the (hopefully) near future.

Designer: Antoine Brieux / NAK Studio

This concept for a high end industrial design linear vinyl turntable will probably not fit into my budget if it ever gets made but it’s still pretty interesting to look at. It will be made up of full machined aluminum and magnesium parts but also uses glass and recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) so you get an industrial but minimalist look. The platter assembly has conical bearings shaft and actually looks like those old 35mm film projectors but placed horizontally.

In keeping with its industrial theme, you get an industrial drive belt driving system but with an air cushion linear arm to make it more interesting. The tonearm is Bluetooth embedded so you can connect it to Bluetooth speakers directly but you can also use the regular plug system if you prefer that. It also has a brushless motor and constant drive controller while it uses capacitive sensors to manage the start and end position of the arms which can use either an automatic or manual lift system.

The product render, including a video sample of what it might look like, makes it really look like a high end kind of vinyl player. But it also looks a bit heavy based on the materials that will be used so if you’re looking for something that can be portable or at least easy to move within your space, this might not be it. As for the quality when you actually play your vinyls on it, that remains to be seen.

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Razor-thin turntable brings an uber-futuristic touch to your retro vinyl collection

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Sleekness was never really a consideration back in the 50s and 60s when vinyl discs were still popular… which is why turntables and vinyl players never really explored thin-ness as a design aesthetic. The most any company ever did was integrate minimalism into their design language (a la Braun), but products weren’t generally designed to be razor thin. Which is why the BÖNWERK Turntable feels so visually exciting – it brings a novel design direction to an otherwise aged product category. Trends (whether fashion or tech) are always cyclical, and vinyls have been gaining popularity over the last few years… but traditional vinyl players don’t live up to the design sensibilities of today. The BÖNWERK Turntable is a gorgeous concept that boasts the same wedge-shaped design detail popularized by the MacBook Air. The rotating disc sits on a razor-thin platform, which gradually becomes thicker near the turntable’s control panel, creating an overall aesthetic that’s practically invisible, but emotionally impactful.

Designers: Mateo Rombolá & Tobias Quirici

“The primary goal of this project was to create a cutting-edge and sophisticated turntable tailored specifically for expert users in the audiophile world,” said designer-duo Mateo Rombolá and Tobias Quirici. “Our focus centered on prioritizing user semantics and experience, elevating these aspects above mere functional distinctions.”

Functionally, the BÖNWERK Turntable isn’t too different from the ones you’d otherwise find on the market. It has the tonearm with a cartridge and needle on one end, and a counterweight on the other. The tonearm sits at the center, with the rotating disc platform on one side, and a control panel on the other with a strobe light, RPM controller, volume knob, highs and lows control, and a start/stop button.

Flip the BÖNWERK Turntable over and you see its actual mass, which hides underneath a super-sleek exterior. Almost mirroring the design of the MacBook Air (or even older iPhones, which used to hide the camera bump in the side-view photos), the mass hides itself well thanks to a slick outer profile that your eyes see (instead of the volume underneath). This makes the BÖNWERK Turntable look MUCH thinner than it already is, which adds to its appeal. The appeal also extends to the minimal visual language used in the rest of the turntable’s design, from the use of plain black and metallic hues, sharp geometric shapes, knurled metal knobs, and the palpable absence of any text, giving the turntable its signature clean look.

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Korg pays tribute to classic vinyl turntable with Handytraxx Play

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I’ve never DJ-ed in my life, although I’ve touched a turntable or two in passing. But even though I don’t listen to much of their music, I’ve always found those who use that “instrument” to be fascinating since I have no idea how it really works. One of the more popular tools for DJs who wanted to be portable was the Vestax Handy Trax. Now a brand that has been producing gear for the modern DJ is paying tribute to that particular vinyl player.

Designer: Korg

Korg worked with the former president of Vestax, Toshide Nakama (who passed away before completion of the project) to come up with the Handrytraxx Play, a tribute to the original Vesta Handy Trax. It is able to bring what made the original a favorite among DJs together with Korg’s more modern features in a lightweight product that the musician can easily bring along wherever they need it.

Original Vestax Handytrax

The turntable comes with built-in 3-W speakers and you can choose to spin at either 33.3, 45, or 78 rpm. It is powered by AAA-sized batteries or if you can connect to an outlet, a USB-C cord. It also has a built-in looper that has variable playback speed, a crossfader with reverse mode, delay and scratch effects and several “unique and creative filters”. You can of course monitor playback through headphones and it also has a detachable control panel.

It looks like pretty much a normal vinyl turntable except that it is pretty portable and lightweight. A non-playable prototype of this gadget is expected to make an appearance at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show where Korg will be unveiling several other products.

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A sustainably-designed turntable that is as thoughtful as it is powerful vinyl player

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Vinyl turntables have been enjoying a resurgence over the past years. For older people, nostalgia is the main reason and a desire to listen to music in its “purest” form. For younger people who were not alive in the heyday of record listening parties and vinyl records, it may be curiosity but also there’s something really different about listening to uncompressed music not on your phones or computers. This newest turntable from the House of Marley brings elegance, sound quality, and sustainability to your listening experience.

Designer: House of Marley

The Stir It Up Lux Bluetooth Turntable is a fitting tribute to the iconic Bob Marley. It has an improved sound quality from their other turntables with its bamboo plinth, glass platter, replaceable Audio-Technica 95E elliptical stylus, and a double-sided cork slipmat to make it more fun. It also has Bluetooth connectivity so you can partner it with speakers and other devices. The tracking ability has also been improved because of the lightweight aluminum headshell and tonearm.

Because it is made from solid bamboo plinth and there is a glass platter, the denser turntable is able to give a cleaner and more accurate sound since it is able to absorb motor and bearing noise. What’s also important is that the Stir It Up turntable has a focus on sustainability. It uses bamboo which is one of the fastest growing plants and aluminum and glass are “infinitely recyclable”. It also uses cork made from stripped-down bark.

Another unique thing for this turntable is that it has a double sided slipmat. One side is just a simple black cork but the other is a zoetrope side with vibrant color and mesmerizing graphics, reminiscent of Mr. Marley himself. It is priced at $399.99 but there are also bundles available that can include Bluetooth speakers. Every time someone buys one, the company will donate something to Project Marley which supports global reforestation with the One Tree Planted campaign.

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This sleek, sustainable, and modern turntable will convert millennials into vinylheads as well!

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I love a good old turntable design! They’re a memorable trip down the retro lane, and something about them simply takes me to another time. However, Lucydreams created this highly detailed and precise 3D model of House Of Marley’s Stir It Up Turntable, and it is as modern as it can get! It’s a far cry from the conventional turntable designs we are so accustomed to. They’ve given the nostalgic turntable a very millennial makeover, for audiophiles everywhere!

The original record player was created from bamboo! Lucydreams have retained the initial eco-friendly design, but they have visualized it in different colors and materials. These new and improved turntables cater to diverse tastes and preferences, from a sleek all-black turntable to a bright magenta one. However, the remaining components of the turntable are still pretty eco-friendly! Recycled plastic, recyclable aluminum, House Of Marley’s special REGRIND™ silicone, and REWIND™ fabric were used to build the product. Besides being sustainable and insanely good-looking, the turntable is high on functionality and quality as well! An exquisite belt drive, switchable speed options, and built-in preamp make it an innovative and easy-to-use turntable.

House Of Marley created the ideal turntable that provides premium sound quality and is effortless to operate. Lucydreams took this perfection to another level by amping up the Stir It Up Turntable with sleek and killer aesthetics. This combination makes it a turntable design that is unmatched and will be loved by everyone – baby boomers and millennials alike! House Of Marley really should bring Lucydreams’ version of Stir It Up to life!

Designer: Lucydreams and House Of Marley

This modern millennial-friendly turntable removes the fear of analog devices!

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There’s something about vinyl that never really goes out of style, and everyone LOVES a quintessential vinyl turntable. They are classic collectibles that have reached iconic status. Any vinyl record owner or audiophile loves to showcase their beloved turntable. After all, they seem to wash everyone over with a wave of nostalgia. But, as much as vinyl turntables are loved, they’re also feared! I mean place a turntable in front of me, and I might be afraid to even touch it, given how delicate it seems to look! And this is the case with most millennials.

Hence, designer Juwon Kim wanted to create a turntable that abolishes the fear of analog within us! A turntable that is not only modern but approachable! And honestly, I would feel comfortable operating Flip O Flip. It aims to provide the same comfort and familiarity you feel while listening to digital media. Oh, and did I mention, this is a turntable that literally turns! Yes, you heard that right, named Flip O Flip, Kim’s quirky turntable actually turns! Instead of a typical platter, Kim’s turntable features an almost pin-shaped axis to slide the vinyl record into. This intriguing axis actually turns! It rotates the record and switches from its A side to B side. There is an ‘auto flip button’ that lets you switch the sides whenever you feel like it! A controller helps you control the speed of rotation and a dial lets you place or remove the tonearm from the record. Kim also paid a lot of attention to the ‘visual element’ of Flip O Flip. He cast aside classical aesthetics and focused on adding intriguing splashes of color to his design. Though the main body of the vinyl is a simple white, the pin-shaped axis and the tonearm are a bright orange! By doing this, Kim wanted to “focus on the visual satisfaction of the user”.

Not only is Kim’s Flip O Flip visually satisfying, but it is also a design that breaks the typical conventions of a turntable. It’s a turntable that moves more towards the digital rather than the analog! This is a turntable I could see being widely used by all age groups – from the millennials to the baby boomers!

Designer: Juwon Kim

This architecture-inspired turntable puts a modern spin on the retro-aesthetic

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Over the past several years, there has been a resurgence in retro products – particularly with vinyl records. Even though music streaming services are far more convenient and less expensive than record players and turntables, the nostalgia-factor has brought them back in style. In the year 2020, few turntables have captured the essence of that time the way that the Old Future Turntable and Speaker has.

First, let’s look at the shape. The silhouette of the player itself pays homage to 70’s architecture in Seoul. Slanted roofs were common during that era, and when you place the turntable and speaker side-by-side, they look like part of a 70’s city skyline. Some vinyl-lovers may not like this product initially because a flat, horizontal turntable would be preferred for sound-quality. For those who care about audio quality over aesthetics, the turntable’s legs are adjustable, so you can make the table more even.

Of course, this is only half of the story – after all, it’s called the Old Future Turntable. Its reflective surface creates a brilliant gradient that is hard to miss. The neon colors also add a futuristic touch to this nostalgic piece. These two elements – the 70’s inspired shape and the modern colors – come together in perfect harmony. The turntable honors the past while ushering in the future, and would be a lovely statement piece in any trend-setter’s apartment.

Designer: Keonwoo Lee

This linen and wood record player is perfect for hyping yourself up at home!

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Quarantine means a lot of dance parties at home for yourself. It definitely feels like time has turned back – we are calling our friends and family more, eating more home-cooked meals, we can hear the birds clearly and the sky is a lot bluer. So when we put on some music, why not do it on a classic Victrola record player made with woven linen and wood!

This record player features a 3-speed belt driven turntable – choose between 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM settings to choose between a relaxing tune or speed it up for an errand party around the house. The built-in Bluetooth allows you to stream your favorite music from up to 33 feet away and that is a reminder that we are living in 2020. The beautiful audio system is built from real wood and wrapped in woven linen to give it a timeless aesthetic that will fit in any interior space.

The Victrola record player has an output of 50 Watts so you can turn it up, if you want to get more lit then use the line-out RCA or the external speaker jacks to truly turn it into a quarantine dance party. I love the organic and earthy design of this record player. Anyone else singing ‘Girl put your records on…’?

Designer: Victrola

This luxurious turntable was made for music lovers of all generations!

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The all-American luxury brand, Shinola, has created its first audio product and it is a beautiful turntable! Right now as we all practice social distancing, it reminds us of the things we did a decade ago when we had free time – reading, dancing to music (or jazzercise?), experimenting in the kitchen and even starting blogs just to express. Having a vinyl turntable reminds me of simpler times and classic products that one must have at some point in their life. Turntables appeal to staunch audiophiles and also to music enthusiasts of all generations. Just as having a Nintendo Gameboy is to a video game lover, vinyl players are to music lovers – it is almost like a rite of passage for your interests and we can all agree having a turntable makes us look like we have our life together with a background score.

Designers: Brett Lovelady, Shinola, Astro Studios, and VPI.

For this Runwell Turntable, Shinola teamed up with Astro and VPI to design a luxurious turntable fit for the revival of the vinyl era. An official press release describes Shinola’s turntable as a “two-speed, belt-driven turntable with an integrated phono preamplifier and will be equipped with an Ortofon 2M blue phono cartridge.” The belt-driven pulley has speeds of 33 1/3 rpm and 45rpm. The turntable also features heavyweight platter and aluminum tonearm that are custom variations of VPI staples that are universally loved.

The Runwell Turntable is crafted to elevate your interiors while upgrading your music collection from just a folder of audio apps on your phone. The turntable is priced at USD 2,500 and will be available at select brick and mortar locations as well as online. Personally, I love the experience of going to an actual store if I can and experience the product myself as we do in Apple stores.

Runwell turntable’s sleek build has all the classics that make for an eternal statement home accessory – aluminum, white oak, and natural leather. Each element and material used is known for its sonic capabilities which are a priority over aesthetics. It looks simple yet polished and fits in almost any decor style. The oak and leather have a warm essence, which adds to the emotion that classic record albums bring much unlike the visuals of steely, robotic products of today.

What makes it a perfect blend of classic and modern is that it can be plugged in and played, this let’s many more enjoy having a turntable without doing a deep-dive into its complexities and hoarding records. Sometimes all you want is a beautiful turntable and play your favorite album without the worry of technicalities and maintenance. The Runwell turntable is made for everyone who enjoys music without forcing them to adapt to old methods. Even the VTF (vertical tracking force) is pre-set so just plug and play!

It arrives in a protective heavyweight box with simplified instructions, so all you need to do is remove the stylus guard, attach the flat drive belt, plug your RCA cables into a line input on your amplifier, plug in the power, and play. You can choose between a rose gold model or the silver and black model, both will be a great addition to your space. Be right back, making a Pinterest board of vinyl turntables right now.