Retro Tech Aesthetics

[brentw]

There's a lot of beautifully designed old tech out there, lets bask in their aesthetics.

I'll start with this awesome portable SHARP VCR:

What have you got to share?

 

[Deleted member 3578]

I really like the look of Sega SG-1000 models. Especially the MK-II. If they weren't so expensive, I'd definitely add them to my on going Sega collection. At least I have a nice looking Master System, which is the sexiest 80's console I know of.

 

[infamous witness]

some old nintendo stuff
,

 

[brentw]

Got a couple more things to share.
In the 80's my grandfather seemed to be a big fan of the SHARP brand.

This VCR has an awesome slide out tray which conceals buttons for scheduling recordings AND a pop-out remote control. Unfortunately I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet so I can't show it off.

And this is a very cool turntable from 83' that could skip tracks like a CD player! I'm hoping to repair this and use it in a retro hi-fi setup.

If you're curious to see it in action, Techmoan did a video on this particular turntable:

View: https://youtu.be/GgAUxJmh5uE
It's got some pretty wild features for a record player from 1983.

 

[Jessica3cho雪血⊜青意]

Look at this beautiful thing. Modern record players cannot compare.

 

[Decades0Fsegregation]

Akai MPC60 II drum machine

 

[elia925-6]

View: https://www.amazon.com/70S-80s-High-Tech-Century-Design/dp/0836827090

Good stuff.

 

[jdnt]

Look at this beautiful thing. Modern record players cannot compare.

What is the name of this gorgeous product and where did you find it?

 

[illautomatic]

Here's one of my favorite yt channels: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeovElJP0n0i8ADaPsRSd8g
He's an electronic musician who uses all kinds of retro/outdated recording equipment to write music. Not only is the equipment really cool, the music is pretty good too.

 

[brentw]

View: https://www.amazon.com/70S-80s-High-Tech-Century-Design/dp/0836827090

Good stuff.

Under $10 ... that's impulse buy territory. I'm actually pretty tempted to check it out.

---

Edit:
Forgot I had a couple propane tank adapters I need sitting in my amazon cart, so I ended up adding this and checking out.
I'll be sure to post a few scans when I get it.

 

[Jessica3cho雪血⊜青意]

What is the name of this gorgeous product and where did you find it?

Unfortunately, its not mine, I just found this online. Its a Sony HP-211A and I believe they're actually quite rare now.

 

[Deleted member 2362]

Sega Wondermega looks like it belongs in some sci-fi film

 

[Deleted member 2362]

The add-ons for the Famicom were cooler than the thing itself.

Spoiler

And as for the system, don't you miss having colors in tech products?

 

[calico_jack]

 

[DruidVibes]

I have a strange liking towards those old mp3 players from the early 2000s. Some of those had a unique vibe we don't get with modern cell phones. Know it's not as old as other things here, but I just love stuff like this.

 

[Richthofen]

Maybe not as old as most of the gadgets and techs here but ive recently found out my Late fathers Mercury MS440 speakers that still work. they were untouched for almost 2 decades (he died in 2002). sounds not as good as it is by todays standard but one of the best things that happened to me in years.


View: https://youtu.be/1rpXMWN9D-0

 

[Kolph]

 

[elia925-6]

View attachment 19957

My dad had a simular!

 

[NW_Cryptid]

Not to sound "fake deep" or some shit, but has anyone else realized that older tech tried to look futuristic, or at least; attempted to go for an aesthetic that at the time was perceived as futuristic. While modern tech believes itself already futuristic and thus doesn't bother to put any real personality behind itself leaving modern aesthetics to be boxy and lifeless. All the while still older technology despite its boxy appearance has more personality and aesthetic choice built into itself through the sheer concept that it was designed to be functional AND look nice?

I miss old design so much, something about the way it fit the time while also trying to make itself fit a time far beyond itself is something that can't be replicated because so much of retro futurism came from the limitations of the times. Now everything is about being smaller, more functional, and completely substance over style. Sure I appreciate that I can fit my phone in my pocket and that it basically functions as a portable small computer but damn I miss having a phone that had more personality than merely a case and lock screen to share a personality aspect of myself. I find myself going to thrift stores and buying up old tech like VHS players and old CD players for the aesthetics alone.

 

[Jill Stingray]

View: https://www.amazon.com/70S-80s-High-Tech-Century-Design/dp/0836827090

Good stuff.

Bookmarked, would make a unique coffee table read. You got a copy?