Some bad ideas refuse to die - console phonographs

[MattHooper]

Absolutely. She was awesome in the original Voyage To the Bottom of the Sea movie too.

But my favourites were Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) and Marta Kristen (Lost in Space).

View attachment 396495

As I am a fan of TV show themes, by coincidence I was just listening to the opening theme of lost in space, some of my favourite early work by John Williams:

 

[restorer-john]

As I am a fan of TV show themes, by coincidence I was just listening to the opening theme of lost in space, some of my favourite early work by John Williams:

Those themes were imprinted in my young brain many decades ago.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Actually, I would let pass some two more decades first, before commenting about any mid-century phenomenons

I like Mid-century modern decor, but then again, I used to be partial to girls in vinyl raincoats.,

 

[DSJR]

Some relatives had a very little used 'HMV Stereomaster' record player from around 1965 or so. Garrard 3000 deck with Sonotone 9TA-HC pickup, solid state amp (controls along the front) and two way speakers, the second driver on the side to spread the sound out. Twenty years ago they were worth nothing and they offered it to me for nothing - I couldn't take it - (got to say the Garrard 3000 deck is an 'Autoslim' favourite of mine). They're climbing hugely in value now and the 'tone' wasn't at all bad, if not 'HiFi' as we know it to be. I can't remember if this sample had the 'step' on top as this one below has. They made a gooid few models in the 60s it seems, some with radios and others not.

 

[Timmy]

I like Mid-century modern decor, but then again, I used to be partial to girls in vinyl raincoats.,

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Well – that confuses me quite a bit ... Wouldn’t you agree to my assumption that the mid-century era won’t be around before the year 2040 or so?

 

[Petrushka]

So they could hang the TV on the wall behind the console.

Speaking of TVs over a fireplace: it gives me a severe neck ache. I don't know how anyone can tolerate it.

I watch TV lying down in bed. What other way is there?

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

No mention of Barzilay consoles? They were the best, and still command high prices.

Barzilay Mid Century Walnut Tambour Door Modular Stereo Console | Mid Century Modern Furniture | Modern Hill

Barzilay Mid Century Walnut Tambour Door Modular Stereo Console This console measures: 95.25 wide x 18 deep x 33 inches high

midcenturywarehouse.com

 

[Mart68]

Well – that confuses me quite a bit ... Wouldn’t you agree to my assumption that the mid-century era won’t be around before the year 2040 or so?

Mid twentieth century. About 1945 to 1970 give or take.

 

[Timmy]

Mid twentieth century.

So the twentieth century is the century, normally? While we’re in the twenty-first one for almost 25 years now?

 

[Mart68]

So the twentieth century is the century, normally? While we’re in the twenty-first one for almost 25 years now?

Yes, but the term 'mid-century' for design/fashion was already coined and defined before we got into this century. And as you say it can't refer to this century as we're nowhere near the middle yet.

 

[Timmy]

Yes, but the term 'mid-century' for design/fashion was already coined and defined before we got into this century.

So how long will this »coined« meaning be valid, denoting the era around 1950 – as a functioning term used in contemporary conversations in the future?

 

[Mart68]

So how long will this »coined« meaning be valid, denoting the era around 1950 – as a functioning term used in contemporary conversations in the future?

I don't know. Art Nouveau is still called that even though it's over a hundred years old, because everyone knows what it means. So maybe never.

 

[MaxBuck]

It just doesn't seem like putting a turntable in the same cabinet as speakers can ever be a good idea. It might be a nostalgic concept, but not a good one.

So, pretty much like vinyl more generally.

Honestly, these seem pretty sweet, especially for a well-off family with a hipster husband, two kids and a "tradwife." Would love to see the measurements. (Possibly both audio and tradwife measurements.)

 

[Timmy]

So maybe never.

Guess you mean for ever?

 

[Mart68]

Guess you mean for ever?

I think so.

I mean we have 'Georgian' furniture and houses, if we get another King George (not impossible as even if not named George they can take any name they fancy on becoming king) will they change the name for those old styles in order to avoid confusion? Probably not.

If the mid 21st century develops a distinct 'style' (seems unlikely but you never know) it won't be called 'mid-century.' That name's taken.

Of course you're on safer ground with 'Louis XIV' furniture as there can't be another one with the 'XIV' as the numbers only go up. Plus France no longer has a monarchy

 

[Purité Audio]

No France had an emperor.( at least thinks he is).
Keith

 

[Mart68]

No France had an emperor.( at least thinks he is).
Keith

Kings up to Napoleon though, and afterwards for a while too.

Spain got rid then brought it back so never say never

 

[Timmy]

That name's taken.

Maybe. Nevertheless, I’d fear the company of people which, when being asked about the greatest achievements of the century, would baffle me with proposals like the transistor or penicillin

 

[Mr. Widget]

I don't know. Art Nouveau is still called that even though it's over a hundred years old, because everyone knows what it means. So maybe never.

Or at least as long as everyone alive today is still around...

 

[Mart68]

Or at least as long as everyone alive today is still around...

It's the youngsters who are into mid-century.

I got some stashed away. Left by the people I bought the house off. Back in the '90s no-one wanted it. I've still got it because it just seemed a shame to take perfectly serviceable furniture to the dump. I've never used it.