The innovative turntable melds design and functionality in one striking product. The Pro-Ject x Harley-Davidson Turntable captures attention immediately with its unique shape and design tailored for true enthusiasts. This collaboration by Pro-Ject Audio, renowned for notable partnerships with legends like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, showcases a deep integration of design rather than mere branding.
How the Turntable Combines Design and Functionality
The turntable’s chassis mimics the Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo. Crucially, this form demands engineering ingenuity, as Pro-Ject crafted it from solid MDF to ensure optimal resonance damping. Topped with precision-milled aluminum, the offering melds style with substance, resulting in a piece as fitting for a design museum as it is for a sophisticated garage.
Materials further elevate the experience: polished aluminum, stainless steel, and a leather platter mat recall the rich texture of a Harley saddle. A 300mm glass platter and hefty 2.75-kilogram moving drive mass underline the uncompromising quality, with a substantial 915-gram record puck enhancing the narrative. This isn’t mere function—it’s a statement. The creation fuses elements in such a way that they create a sensory delight.
The tonearm stands out: a hand-polished, 8.6-inch S-shaped aluminum arm with SME-style removable headshell for easy cartridge swaps. Its high-purity copper wiring and TPE-damped counterweight support future upgrades beyond the included Pick it PRO cartridge, ensuring it melds quality and customization for a lasting investment.
If turntables with nostalgic charm catch your attention, LEGO’s retro clock radio mixes play with realism, offering another treat for design enthusiasts.
Handmade in Europe and costing $3,299, this isn’t entry-level gear. Its presence in Harley-Davidson showrooms alongside pricey motorcycles could entice new audiences into the hi-fi world, bridging two cultures. This strategic placement enriches the listening community.
For a peek into another fusion of iconic brand and design, Lamborghini’s Revuelto Miura blends classic and modern, much like this Harley-infused creation does.
Success in this collaboration lies in both brands preserving their integrity. Harley-Davidson’s iconic image demands substantial execution, while Pro-Ject’s engineering prowess ensures performance excellence. This model melds distinct cultural identities into a single product. Limited production without guaranteeing another run invites immediate action for those resonating with its craft and distinct sound culture.
This turntable symbolizes a meeting of iconic design and acoustic prowess, offering an object that feels made for those who appreciate intricate craftsmanship and a robust audio experience. It combines tradition and technological innovation—ideal for the audiophile with a love for the open road.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What collaborations has Pro-Ject Audio undertaken before?
Pro-Ject Audio has notable partnerships with legends like The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
What materials are used in the Pro-Ject x Harley-Davidson Turntable?
The turntable is crafted from solid MDF, topped with precision-milled aluminum, and includes polished aluminum, stainless steel, and a leather platter mat. It also features a 300mm glass platter and a hefty moving drive mass.
What is distinctive about the turntable’s tonearm?
The tonearm is a hand-polished, 8.6-inch S-shaped aluminum arm with an SME-style removable headshell. It includes high-purity copper wiring and a TPE-damped counterweight, supporting future upgrades.