The vintage portable record player has seen a resurgence in popularity recently which makes me wonder why. Retro I suppose is what has driven the popularity. Today we love the return of the past eras and the imaginary glamor associated with it. For myself I do remember very well the fun we had with a friends portable in the late 1950’s.
It was after his first trip in the navy he arrived home with this jazzy looking box of tricks. Come summer we would take it down to the local beach where many kids our age hung around. It wasn’t long before we had a lot of them join us when we set this turntable in motion. The music itself was exiting as you will know if from this era. But the amazing thing was that this run on batteries.
Any previous forms of music being playing outdoors from a machine would need to be wound up. Transistor radios were also coming on stream at this time using new technology. Although never had we seen a facility to play our new 45 vinyl’s.
Just let me mention here. Being portable doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to play it on the beach. In my situation above the equipment was powered by battery. It still surprises me how well the battery lasted in those days. Portable seems to be used today if the item can be played in different rooms. Providing there is an electrical power point. So they are really plug-and-play.
Limitations
Once again I must stress “You get what you pay for”. My friend above must have paid a pretty penny for that truly portable player mentioned above. He would have been able to afford it easily from his pay check for 6 months at sea say.
If you need the ability to play your vinyl on the beach as an example, ensure its battery powered. Perhaps I should add a separate post featuring these battery models. The Crosley CR6234A-BT Dansette Junior in my list is probably the nearest look-a- like. Perhaps it’s a bit shallower. But that’s where the similarity ends.
The models on my list are not near the same quality as the older original versions. They look similar and will probably give a lot of fun to the kids. Those kids who might never have used vinyl before. Giving them some of your less precious LP’s and 45’s will keep them amused for long periods.
So basically, something for the young ones who like the look and are not really into true Hi-Fi. Portable only in as, how far is the nearest power point.
If you can see your young ones enjoying this equipment, take a look at my top five list below. You never know, it might even bring a nostalgic smile to your face.
Vintage Styled Portable Vinyl Record Player
Vintage Old Time Portable Bluetooth 3 Speed Record Player
Suitcase Record Player Vintage Portable Old Style With Built-in Speakers
Belt Driven 2 Speed Vintage Portable Record Player
Record Player with Matching Portable Stand in Vintage Retro Style
