They don't make them like they used to
A look at a true design icon - the Sony Flamingo Turntable from 1983.
I've managed to get this video finished a couple of days ahead of schedule, so that means there may be a longer than average break before the next one, I hope that's OK. I could do with a couple of days off to recharge.
Comments (36)
These were excellent for recitd collectors back in the day for going round markets and previewing the sounds.
How is the gramovox floating turntable working? I'm worried that it's a design-first product that will give out after a year
I haven’t used it al all...it’s just sitting on a shelf. I can’t think there’s much that could go wrong with it though, it’s all off-the-shelf components.
UPDATE: After uploading the video, it occurred to to that Sony have revisited their back catalogue recently with the re-launch of the Aibo robotic dog, so perhaps there is a slim chance of seeing more old Sony products re-appearing. Omission: I forgot to mention that I pulled out any remnants of the old felt washer clutch wheel that were protruding from between the cogs before installing the replacement cloth tape. Also perhaps I should have mentioned that this gears unit was welded on at both ends, there were no retaining washers or e-clips that could be removed to disassemble it.
LOL! You filed the clutch!
I so love your persistence to get this (and everything else) working. It's the most satisfying bits in your videos when, after hours or days of trying to get a mechanism to function properly ... you do!
It's nice to see you've finally got one of these
I felt slightly obligated to buy one. The prices now are definitely more than they are worth. You can see from the internals that it's not too complicated a machine. If you'd bought a container of these in 1983, you could probably retire on the profits now.
Splendid video as ever, Mr Moan. But I had to especially commend you on the innovative repair and excellent photography to allow visualisation of the initial fault. You really are the best in the business for bringing these extinct formats back to life for us to enjoy. I offer heartfelt thanks for your hard work.
I was pretty happy how clearly some of the close up shots came out too and I’m glad I got there in the end. If that cog had snapped when I inserted the file, this video definitely wouldn’t exist, because I wouldn’t want to have a permanent reminder of that time I killed a Flamingo.
Brilliant. This has always been a lusted after but never obtained item. Again, sony's engineers back then were fantastic. And in absolute agreement, Sony should do some re-issues, some of their stuff is legendary.
Hopefully someone somewhere is listening - people from Sony have watched some of my videos in the past and got in touch, and while I know these things aren't simple, perhaps this video will help to plant the seed of an idea. They are a company in need of a few wins and they've got a back catalogue second to none that they could mine for inspiration if they so desired.
Ah you've done it again Matt. Transported me back to flicking through the Laskys catalogue, and lusting after things that the then me could only imagine owning. If i was really luck, George Henry Lee in Liverpool would said item in stock, on display and i might actually get to see one in the flesh. This thing, eluded me, until now. Thanks Matt!
You’re one up on me as I don’t recall seeing this one at all first time around. I only got to visit Laskys later in the 80s. I do remember seeing a Sound burger once in a local Rumbelows window though. I think I would have been disappointed if I’d known that a traditional tone arm hinged out of the side of it...at the time I thought it just clamped on a record and played it internally somehow.
I could save you some time if you're wanting to review the Crosley Revolution turntable. IT'S AWFUL! There. Done. And yes...I owned one. The Sony is in a totally different league. Another great video!
I would guess as much. It’s a shame because as a company Crosley did once know how to make things...they just seem to have forgotten. Not that it matters much, they’re still doing very well for themselves selling rubbish.
Where can we buy the little single with your techmoan character on it?
That was a custom disc I had made up a while ago - there’s more about it in this video. <a href="https://youtu.be/VVZwPLzjqeI" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/VVZwPLzjqeI</a> Unfortunately while I’d love to sell something like this, I could land myself in some very hot water as that music doesn’t belong to me.
This may be an urban myth, but many years ago I heard that the Sony marketers wanted to call this the "Peacock" (because the vinyl resembled the bird's fan tail when the unit was in operation) - but there was a Japanese to English mis-translation, and by the time it was noticed, it was too late - and it remained the Flamingo. Anyway - another great video. Glad you got hold of one in the end (and I'm liking the new CAD style graphics to illustrate the gear mechanism)
That would make more sense than a Flamingo. The graphics were about the limit of my capabilities when it comes to illustrative on screen graphics....video capture of a paint package.
We sincerely hope someone at Sony hears your appeal for a reissue of some of Sony's great designs. Sony may go down in history as the company that backed the wrong technological horse ... repeatedly ... but they cannot be faulted for the innovation and consistently handsome styling that goes into their products. Can you explain how a vertical linear tracking turntable controls stylus side forces (the vertical version of anti-skating)? Thank you!
Unfortunately I cannot. I guess that anti-skating isn’t a thing for linear turntables, but as with anything, I’d have to say I’m really no expert. Perhaps someone else can chip in here and fill in the gaps.
I love the vintage hi-fi tech videos! I think you've earned a well deserved break/rest!
That is one cool-looking machine. For regular music listening and especially for prized records, I wouldn't want to use this machine (I am very happy with my old Technics direct drive turntables). It looks ultra-cool with picture discs of course :-) Out of interest, I looked up the stylus options. At first I thought it looked like a "P-Mount" or T4-P cartridge (the "plug and play" cartridges some Japanese manufacturers introduced in the 80s), but that's not the case. There was, however, a selection of Audio Technica styli for this machine that included a 0.3 mil nude stylus, which is a surprisingly high-quality option. The recommended tracking forces are also significantly below 2 grams, so if everything works well, you could reasonably expect pretty high quality reproduction and long record life from a "novelty" machine like this. This certainly sets it apart from today's "hipster" products like most Crosleys that may look cool but contain horrible components and will likely damage your records.
Thanks for the information, that is good to know. Perhaps I’ll upgrade the stylus one day, I’ve no idea how worn this one is.
Hmm.. maybe I should think about making a proper 12" vinyl for you to play then, so you don't have to worry about copyright strikes. ^_^
Hopefully the snippets in this video are short enough so that the content match computers can’t recognise them but the people can...it’s the audible equivalent of a Captcha. I do have plans to use your disc in a future video (or two) and it did come in very handy here as a prop to illustrate a point.
There is a definitely one Techmoan effect and its silky delivery normally leads to wanting hitherto forgotten or unknown tech
That might provide an explanation for any price increases...when you get a few people bidding against each other for the same item. A few had suggested that sellers were increasing their prices after the videos went out, but it’s unlikely that they’d be aware of them.
Oh, just to clarify....I’m not taking a long break, it’s just that the next video might be more like nine or ten days away rather than the usual six or seven...but we’ll see.
Ah, Cato, the old "felt washer" problem. :) Man, I am so glad I grew up in the pre-digital age to appreciate all the analogue repairs and tweaks you go through to get this old gear working. Also, as the others have already said quite well, have a rest. We'll all still be here.
Mat, by all means take a little time for recharging. I've truly enjoyed watching your channel grow as your production values get better and better. Having turned my hobby into a career myself, I understand full well that it can sometimes get to be a grind. So take a bit of time for you, get yourself some perspective and come back re-energized to do more of what you love.
Nice timing for some recharging.....it`s the weekend :) will have to watch some “re-runs” on the techmoan channel until you return
I'm a totally low maintenance Patreon supporter, and always support creators taking time off for themselves. I only become a patron once I'm a fan of a body of work, pretty much, and you've created so much that I've enjoyed so much, you never need to apologize for taking some downtime. :)
Thank you. I always hoped it would work that way, but you can never be too sure.
Recharge away -as long as your Li-Ion cells are overcharge protected :)