Bang & Olufsen Revives Classics

Bang & Olufsen's Beogram 4000 series turntable, designed by Jacob Jensen, is not only unmistakable but also such a design icon it is part of MOMA's permanent collection in New York. Also, it is here where Bang & Olufsen's new pilot project dubbed 'Classics' begins.

'Classics' aims to refurbish, restore and recreate some of the brand's most iconic heritage products. Product Manager Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, who heads up the Classics pilot at Bang & Olufsen explained:

In our Classics pilot, we are exploring Design for Longevity, which is one principle of the circular economy framework, aiming to preserve the heritage and value of some of our most iconic products from previous decades. We know that people are still using and displaying Bang & Olufsen products in their homes 25, 35 and even 45 years after they were created, which is quite unique in our industry.

Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000 series

The first product to re-launch under the Classics initiative is the Beogram 4000 series turntable. The turntable was designed in 1972 by Jacob Jensen who wanted to create a record player that was equal parts timeless and progressive in its technical performance whilst still maintaining Bang & Olufsen aesthetic. Not only was it easy to use, but the Beogram 4000 also featured advanced tech such as an electronic tangential pick-up arm. This design not only plays the record at the correct angle, but it also made it more “dance proof” than any other turntable on the market at the time, so we are told.

Bang & Olufsen has already started to look into how best to refurbish, restore and reimagine the Beogram 4000 series turntables. The original products have been sent to the company's laboratory in Struer, where they are carefully disassembled and manually inspected. What then follows is a thorough refurbishment and restoration of moving mechanics and electronic parts to ensure that the product can integrate with current technology in a contemporary home.

Additionally, the new turntables will have additional design elements that did not feature on the original Beogram 4000 series.

Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, told StereoNET:

Every single part of the refurbishing process is done by hand, so you can only imagine the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every single turntable. During this process, our engineers and designers came up with brilliant ideas that reimagine some elements of the turntable, while staying true to the original design intent. We cannot wait to share these details when the turntable is ready for re-launch later this year.

Pricing and availability of the refurbished, restored and recreated Beogram 4000 series turntables will be confirmed during an official announcement later in the year. The turntables are expected to launch in limited quantities during 2020.

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