Vintage Audio Sighting: GE Console Record Player

When I was growing up, my parents had a Hi-Fi console with record player inside.  It wasn't particularly fancy.  It didn't have a radio and it was tall and narrow.  In the mid-1970s, my grandparent's bought themselves a large stereo console for their living room.  My grandfather was tone deaf and played very little music, but he liked gadgets and was proud to have the latest greatest.  It was a beautiful and substantial piece of living room furniture that could be covered with magazines, fancy plates, and grandma's little porcelain statues of birds.

Today, whenever I run across a console stereo, I have to take a picture of it.  As my current stereo with big black speakers is banished to the guest room, I can also see the practicality of a living room stereo console.  In the 1960s and 1970s, men got their gadgets and women got their beautiful furniture.  I recently spotted this console stereo in a local consignment store priced at $150.

Hi Fi Record Player Console

The turn table and arm appear to be made of steel or aluminum and have a sturdy 1950s or 1960s look to them.  One reader comment suggest that it may date back to the 1940s.  I have no idea if this system works, but it looks really cool.

Someone's grandfather was proud to know that their stereo console came equipment with the latest and greatest General Electric sound technology.

The controls are metal and exude class for sure.  They look like they've been waiting to entertain someone for a long time.

Is that felt or moss on the turntable?

Will you be playing a 10-inch or 12-inch vinyl record today?

I think someone did a good job refinishing this piece before consigning it.  It will be a great addition to a hipster home somewhere.