Retrograms
I present my modern day Radiograms, the 'Retrogram'. If you're not old enough to be familiar with these or know what a 'RADIOGRAM' was, then please read my blog post here
To make these Retrograms I source pre-loved speakers from various online/local locations. This is a very green option as in recent years people have been funelled towards the more 'portable' units, mainly triggered by the spread of bluetooth in phones and streaming services, digital media in short. Battery life has also played a big part in music going 'mobile'
Whilst portable bluetooth speakers are great in a lot of circumstances they are not suited for all locations! Its nice to have a decent music player, capable of filling a room with sound not strained from a pocket-sized box!
I've had a reasonably steep learning curve regarding the amplifiers/electronics and re-learning how to use a wood lathe to turn legs so they are made entirely in-house.
All of my speakers will be bluetooth capable and in the future I intend to offer Airplay and Spotify options. They will be compatible with smart home devices like Google home and Alexa via a 3.5mm input jack.
All Retrograms will come with a suitable power supply, in most cases a laptop power supply 'brick'. If this ever fails they are easy to source and is another great recycling idea.
My newest Retrogram is the first make entirely out of birch plywood That lovely muilt-layered scandi-esque timber. I love the stuff.
Its particularly hard to get hold of at the moment due to the consequences of the pandemic.. Its no longer reasonably priced so this ply was a lucky find.
Its kidney shaped for no special reason, just what I came up with one day whilst chewing on a pencil in the workshop....
It is powered by a 50watt bluetooth amplifier and the speakers are , as is usual for my units, JBL Control 1's, proving their reputation since they started production in 1987! Anyway I digress...
The unit has a led strip inside which back lights the red cloth behind the front panel which gives a great look.
The controlls are on the rear to prevent ruining the front aesthetic. Controls for Volume (and on-off), Bass, Treble and the led's. There is also a jack in for aux input. The unit is powered by a pre-loved laptop power supply.
Postage...this has to be worked out depending on your location. Carriage can consist of a custom box/crate and fully insured can be upwards of £50.. Contact me about this. Carriage to UK only.
Price £650+delivery
My first completed RetroGram, a bluetooth connected modern day radiogram.
As much a piece of furniture this lovely item will play all your tunes via bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack.
Its powered by a 50watt per channel stereo amplifier and technics speakers. The sound from this unit is outstanding, much more than your average 'bluetooth' boombox.
The unit has hand turned legs in mahogany with oak accents which will need to be screwed in by the purchaser.
There are volume and tone controls on the rear as well as a power switch and light switch.
The price is £395, postage/devivery to be arranged, please contact me about this.
This Retrogram, or maybe it's a Tablegram is a smaller version. Built for living on a tabletop/worktop or (substantial) shelf it is again powered by JBL Control 1's speakers, powerful enough to fill a room and provide decent Bass if thats you're thing. It comes with a 50 watt stereo amplifier, bass and treble controls a 3.5mm AUX in and a lovely aesthetic. I have never wanted controls visible as I think it takes away from the design so this time the split front walnut panel is secured with magnets and the controls live behind this panel. Volume will be controlled from the bluetooth source so once the bass/treble are set then the unit can just sit looking pretty!
The case is plywood base but is wrapped in a real walnut veneer. The front panel is solid walnut, made originally from 2 bookmatched pieces glued together, see pic below.
The price is £285, postage included, UK only.
Click the center box for video, sound on!
My second completed RetroGram, another bluetooth connected modern day radiogram.
Again, like a piece or furniture albeit not as deep, this lovely item will play all your tunes via bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack.
Its powered by a 50 watt per channel stereo amplifier and JBL Control 1 speakers - these are renowned industry speakers used worldwide. The sound from this unit is outstanding, testament to this is how many recording studios will have a pair!
The unit has hand turned legs in Ash which will need to be screwed in by the purchaser.
There are volume/on-off, bass and treble controls on the rear as well as a backlight light switch.
The price is £445, postage/delivery to be arranged, please contact me about this. this is now SOLD
This RetroGram is made from 3 time-recycled mahogany. The first use of this lovely wood was in science labs in a Cardiff high school, the 2nd use was as a shed floor in Penarth and then it was donated to me, this will be, I'm sure, it's last creation!
As much a piece of furniture this lovely item will play all your tunes via bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack.
Its powered by a 50 watt per channel stereo amplifier and technics speakers. The sound from this unit is outstanding, much more than your average 'bluetooth' boombox.
The unit has hand turned legs in mahogany which will need to be screwed in by the purchaser.
The volume and tone controls on the front of the unit hidden behind a Purple Heart wood split removable door. I have yet to fit a grip/handle to remove the door but this will be done in keeping with the aesthetic. The door is held in place by magnets.
The price is £395, postage/devivery to be arranged, please contact me about this.This has now been SOLD
