brionvega ‘musical pet’ designer record player is just like bowie’s

david bowie’s custom brionvega record player fetched over £250,000.00 ($320,000.00) during an auction at the fine and decorative art broker, sotheby’s, event last year. if that iconic hi-fi’s eye-watering price tag didn’t quite fit your bracket, another pristine example of the original brionvega has appeared on ebay for a fraction of the cost.

pier giacomo (left) + achille castiglioni (right)

created by italian designers pier giamcomo and achille castiglioni in 1966, the brionvega console’s shape can be altered by stacking the speakers on top to create a cube, protecting the record player beneath. the ‘musical pet‘ can also be adjusted, bringing the 1214 half automatic turntable towards the center of the arrangement, or in an L-shaped form. central to the retro italian hi-fi’s design are the playfully arranged dials and knobs, which form a friendly face. the speakers can be easily hung from the sides of the body, or the wiring allows them to be placed elsewhere on the floor to best suit listening environments. 

bowie’s ‘musical pet’

unlike david bowie’s white example, the body is finished in a retro high-quality-plastic chic laminated-wood. there are built in dual 1214 half automatic turntable / record player and a radio device. the speakers can be folded up when not in use, plus the whole unit is on a aluminium base with wheels, so it can be positioned with ease. the seller promises the owner has only had ‘marginal use’ and it is in ‘very good condition’, you may wish to ask for a preview with your favourite bowie record before buying.