LEGO Icons Retro Radio 10334 review & value critique

[@charchar635]

The temptation to turn this into a real radio is intense

[@MrBadbaron]

YES 🤗 But how

[@Royvdl]

@@MrBadbaron Well, there is room for a phone, replace that with a speaker and a battery and a bluetooth receiver/amp board and you're there

[@tinyman392]

I put a really thin BT speaker in the phone slot that is built in.

[@majic61701]

@@tinyman392 That's what I was thinking.

[@ben_bennie_nie]

in Arnold's voice ''DO IT NOW!!''

[@hoss4774]

Also...I need a full length version of the "Everything is Awesome" instrumental

[@michaelyoung7261]

Five hour repeat version like they did as an ad when the Lego Movie 2 was being advertised for.

[@klaykid117]

Another one of those weird real life scale model objects were a real example is cheaper than the Lego example

[@mbrannon]

I really don't care about or think much of the "omg the real object is cheaper" sentiment you are starting to see in the comments on every set based on a real item. I agree with Jang for some people that just want a radio that is gonna matter. However, they probably weren't really looking for Lego in the first place and its being made a bigger deal than it really is. To me, a finished built Lego item put on display is a piece of art. Lego is the medium. I want Lego to display. Yes, sometimes even of real items that I could get much cheaper. But its no different to me than an oil painting on canvas of a soup can. I want to display the oil painting of the soup can - even though I could just go get a real soup can for a dollar and it has the added feature of being edible if I run out of money. Much better deal, right? The only difference is the medium of oil and canvas vs. Lego and the small building experience bonus (which I agree is just a small bonus but still something I enjoy).

[@jimwar211]

​@@mbrannon You're right, but I think most people would feel the exact same way about a painting of a soup can. People want art to represent something imaginative and creative, with a unique style or evoking a certain feeling, not just a replica of an everyday object. Lego as a medium can be used for much more creative things than this, which is less of a criticism of this set and more a criticism of their recent release choices

[@FlymanMS]

@@jimwar211 okay, so what is "good" Lego set that is imaginative, artful and accessible?

[@davidsentanu7836]

@@FlymanMS I think Lego castles and pirate ships are good examples of artful, imaginative and relatively accessible (way cheaper than the real thing.)

[@FlymanMS]

@@davidsentanu7836 that's a really specific theme that won't stick with many adults

[@michaelyoung7261]

I think that Jang is te only lego reviewer who tells us that if you want a cheaper and frankly better alternative than the lego option that the option not only exists but is far far cheaper than you might expect. Jang is more than a good reviewer, he is a Man of Culture

[@joevictor53]

This is why he's the best reviewer on KZbin. Compare him to the other LAN reviewers that act like this is the best set ever without considering the price, the build experience and alternatives you can buy for that price that aren't Lego

[@MikuJess]

If the soundbrick played soundbites from the Lego Island radio, I'd honestly be tempted just for the nostalgia. As-is, money is tight and there's better value to be had elsewhere, even within Lego itself.

[@commandercors]

For real, if I had heard ‘Brick by Brick’ the temptation to buy would have been very strong. Wish the radio element was like 5 full length Lego songs. That would have been better value for me.

[@scottie_2024]

I had this in my hands at the LEGO Store, thinking that the Soundbrick was actually a bluetooth reciever and speaker. After seeing this I'm SO GLAD I held off.

[@Moonraker_6]

I’m surprised you bought this one for review Jang. But, I am very happy that you did. Thank you as always sir.

[@nickch_80]

I think sticking in a small blue tooth speaker would make more sense than a phone 🤔

[@veronicavaes4581]

I'm frankly stunned you even bought this.

[@FluffiestWalrus]

Really? Feels like one of the most compelling recent sets and is definitely worthy of a review for customers who might be on the fence with buying it

[@harlanchinn8121]

You could tuck a small Bluetooth speaker inside and play whatever you like through the radio.

[@brokencigarette3017]

tomorrow's weather, another beautiful sunny day.

[@rndmpinkiepie64]

That "Everything is Awesome" sfx is great

[@petergoodmann9034]

Excellent, unbiased, professional review - as always. Thank you, Jang!

[@RocketRacer2142]

man I really want to get this and mod it to tune into a real radio now. Not that I'd actually use it for that because I don't listen to radio, but would be such a nice novelty thing to show off to guests :D

[@DJToneZone]

LOVE the prints and functionality. Thanks again, Jang.

[@DavidCase-s5h]

I am still holding out for the lego Salad Spinner...

[@hoss4774]

I quite enjoyed the build and the look of this set. Only thing that annoys me a little is that when turning the knob, the needle moves the opposite direction it would on a normal radio (clockwise moves it left and vice versa) Otherwise I kinda love it

[@jeffreyfritz5866]

The tuning knob and pointer turn in a reverse manner. Normally a clockwise of the tuning knob increases the frequency (moves the dial to the right.) This is the reverse.

[@dimi727]

Thank you Jang, too many KZbinrs are hyping that thing and telling people its worth the money.. when they got it for free. OFc its fun to build and it looks good and the feature is nice. But its 100$!!!

[@MrHumbuck]

Great review Jang, and very practical advice! I feel like Lego should have worked out how to get a fully functional basic radio into this, it would have at least made it a little more interesting, even if it did increase the price slightly

[@prokesuk]

By the late seventies color schemes were going towards black with silver trimming. You might see something like this in the 90s as a "retro" item that would also have a cheap cassette player hidden on the side. As far as the repetitive sounds on this, it's a good representation of radio today, which is unlistenable.

[@exposwin]

No idea if this would have been possible, but I'd find this more appealing if it was a bit deeper and could accommodate a small Bluetooth speaker inside, rather than just a phone.

[@TheIronWaffle]

Pretty cool set. I love that they’re doing these “objects” and the audio aspect is cool. The tinny audio actually suits period charm. I like it. It’s swell. Nifty. Peachy. Perfect for some AM listening while washing my Speed Champions in the driveway. Good call on the vintage. Strikes me as mid-60s or earlier. That streamlined, sunny Camelot/space age futuristic look. Similar lines and colors to cars of that era. I could see buying it down the line if on sale. Otherwise, for me - like the Polaroid - it’s well experienced on KZbin

[@paconelious]

Honestly, I would get it just because I love the color. It'll likely live on my work desk, where I'll put a BT speaker into it. But I'll wait until I can get it open box or heavily discounted, which is bound to happen. I just know 'collectors' are going to buy it, and snatch the sound brick out and sell the rest for what it's actually worth, or maybe for even less.

[@Jackster8484]

great review. was not really interested in the product, but the points you bring up and the thought and research that went into it is appreciated. Stay you Jang.

[@Kai_fire_master]

I like your REAL retro radio in the background

[@njacksonkc]

I’m curious on the logic inside the sound box. It would be nice if they could “weight” sounds, so for example the static sound would have a higher chance of being chosen.

[@Benjamin0119]

This is indeed pretty cool. I like the look and features, and the sound brick. I agree with you, that you can get a real old radio, or new, retro style radio for cheaper. If I was really into this sort of thing, I might get the old radio and this thing and set them side by side. For a $100 though, it's a hard ask for something I'm not super into. Thanks for the review and info about alternatives.

[@migatron1]

This set seems to be creating a lot of static!

[@N-MCMXCIX]

Honestly, a more worthwhile set would be an antique cathedral-style radio from 100 years ago, with vacuum tubes and all! That sort of radio is at least more expensive than a vintage transistor radio, often costing hundreds of dollars, and would therefore be justified on that account. Or alternatively, at least included an optional build for a circuit board and batteries.

[@SO-ym3zs]

Pantasy makes sets like that: old-time gramophones, film projectors, as well as replicas of modern tech, like desktop computers with the various internal components..

[@stephanwildemann8177]

50 Dollars would be ok. A little Bluetooth speaker and I would consider 75 an ok price.

[@mrpiggyjelly]

Love the breakdown comparisons you made between this and the other options for non-Lego alternatives.

[@lady_macbrick]

Thank you very much, Jang. That is great advice and a very balanced review. I was fascinated when I saw the pictures and read the description. But you are right. These 13 sound bites get old fast. I will leave the set for a while. Let's see if the general fascination lasts and how I feel about it in 6 months.

[@justinhanna9152]

Are you planning on reviewing the new 3 in 1 modern house? I'm thinking about getting it, but it seems a bit expensive.

[@sirw7630]

As cool as the sound brick is with the tuning knob, the repetitive track gets old quick. Any one with a modest collection could build their own radio or stereo. It's a box after all. You said it Jang, the value killer of this model is the ability to go out and buy a real retro radio product.

[@empatheticrambo4890]

The only lego opinion I check before buying!

[@kekchanbiggestfan]

Thanks for reviewing this!

[@azarishiba2559]

Heeey, isn't that at 4:30 a "retrofied" version of "Everything is Awesome" from The LEGO Movie? :o

[@pcc404]

it would be so cool if you could link the sound brick to a phone with bluetooth and use this as a bluetooth speaker

[@DargoDog]

Cool set. I don't know if I will pick it up though. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@saber-of-red2017]

The Lego movie everything is awesome references in the sound bring is so cool

[@DeVirumEtMachina]

Haha they had to do an Everything is Awesome sound bite, I like that. I'm not a big build just to display type of guy save for a few choice sets eg. Batmobile, Ecto-1, etc. I dunno if I'll buy this set, I would like the prints though. Perhaps I can find it on sale.

[@DeVirumEtMachina]

Thanks for the review Jang.

[@joevictor53]

I feel a similar way. I don't really like these sets that are real world ordinary items

[@SO-ym3zs]

It's a clever use of Lego, but a) you're right about it not matching the actual 70's home electronics aesthetic, and b) it would be more fun to hunt down a real vintage radio and then listen to it. Regarding the build experience, I'm quite surprised you dismissed it as "two hours and then you're done." You could say that about innumerable Lego sets. Is the build experience novel or interesting or captivating in some way? That's the real question. I build fast and crank out any Lego set I build. They are all quick and easy, no matter the subject, price, or age rating. But does the build in some way make me pause and admire a technique or part usage? That's a different story. Either way, I'll keep listening to real music and real news on my real stereos :)

[@JANGsLEGOreviews]

The reference to the build experience is in response to the common retort of "but the build experience..." whenever I dare to question the price of any LEGO set. A portion of people buying these collector models are deeply into LEGO build techniques, part usage, Rebrickable/MOC potential, etc. Most, though, are literally going to build the thing and then put it on a shelf. Folks from the minority first group tend to dismiss the existence of the majority second. I try to offer recognition of both. Too frequently I see people automatically insist any LEGO set is worth every penny, no matter what the price, just because it's from LEGO, and made of LEGO pieces that you assemble. I like to propose that there can be more facets to a consideration of value, and a more grounded & honest evaluation of _why_ we feel compelled to spend thousands of dollars on 3 or 4 boxes of mass-produced plastic. If that evaluation leads a given person to affirm confidence in their choice, fantastic! I just want to encourage the thought process, as opposed to the modern default of telling everyone to buy every product because all products are awesome (else why would they exist?).

[@SO-ym3zs]

​@@JANGsLEGOreviews I'm with you there. The question of value is complex and nuanced--and problematic with Lego. So many Lego reviews ask in the title if set X is worth $400. I know that's to feed the KZbin algorithm and put money in the KZbinr's pocket, but how does one truly answer that question? Price per part? The Lego experience isn't just parts, and how and why did the baseline of $.10/part become acceptable or unquestioned? (Especially when companies like Pantasy are releasing sets of Lego-like quality for $.03/part.) Some reviewers talk about price per pound/kilo, but Lego isn't a raw commodity like iron. And the build experience, like you say, is subjective and will vary dramatically from person to person, based on interest and experience and focus. I wish more Lego reviews were like intelligent book or movie reviews, discussing strengths and flaws and focusing more on encouraging thought and discussion than trying to tell someone whether or not to spend their money. Value in Lego-land is its own big, thorny issue. And your'e right about fanboys and/or sponsored channels acting as uncritical cheerleaders/advertisers/apologists for Lego. The latter group is a big blight on the Lego community, shaping discourse in a really lopsided and ethically dubious way. When you watch a brick-building channel like Held der Steine, the tone and discussion points and criticisms are absolutely shocking in comparison to most of the big English-language channels who are in Lego's pocket. It's like two different worlds.

[@JANGsLEGOreviews]

To be fair, The Hero has stated in the past that he intentionally goes over the top with comedic criticism for the sake of entertainment -- because he happened upon a niche that that started bringing in a lot of KZbin dollars and he ran with it because it worked so well for him. Many fandoms have negativity- or criticism-focused creators who, off screen, are *much* less passionate and far more forgiving. This is to say, success on KZbin today always involves a focus on entertainment value over all else (hence the reason my own popularity falls & falls). Never blindly trust everything anyone says. Never assume someone is being "genuine" just because they appear happy, or angry, or criticize a lot, or are supportive & positive about topics others approach with negativity, etc. Very little content sources that see regular success due to algorithmic amplification are really "real." Viewers must be critical (and not just contrarian).

[@SO-ym3zs]

@@JANGsLEGOreviews Quite right: one needs to approach all of KZbin and social media with an extremely wary, critical eye. KZbinrs by and large will say or do anything for a buck--honesty, integrity, fairness, and maturity be damned. Der Held is a mix of legit criticism, tough love, and totally over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek snark. More to my taste is Merlins Steine/Merlin's Bricks, very much in the vein of what you do. And fwiw, your approach to Lego coverage is deeply appreciated by many. Whatever views you get or don't get, you should be proud of what you've given to Lego fans. Keep it up!

[@scottjackson3446]

A great philosophical question: What do I want from a thing?

[@snakeysboi5353]

Idk about anyone else, but the fact the knob turns the opposite direction the needle moves is really odd, almost dissapointing to me, ive never used an old radio/tuner that worked that way

[@DerHoschi]

But Jang... 364 more parts for the same price? I love it.

[@MakeItPerfectlyWrong]

Oh wow I expected the sound brick to be a Bluetooth module to play your phone through it

[@twentythreeforlife]

Will get on discount (or pay partially with Insider points) and put it with my Retro Camera (31147) and Tropical Ukulele (31156) sets.

[@peterbrandt7911]

Well, the soundbrick is retro. I remember getting terrible cheap plastic toys from fast food chains with chips like these.

[@Shylock0031]

In my top 5 Jang reviews for sure!!

[@SineN0mine3]

It's disappointing that it doesn't come with a Bluetooth input for the speaker. The phone holder is a nice thought but it seems like most people would not bother with it. It already has a speaker in it, the bluetooth adapter would cost a couple dollars at most.

[@joshmagnani]

This set excites me more than almost every other because I'm hoping to put a Bluetooth speaker in it.

[@legomattie3295]

You had a real radio on your shelf behind you.

[@cyanimation1605]

sound brick should've just been static and Everything Is Awesome.

[@starpencil]

10:56 I wonder if you could rip the guts out of one of those and put into the lego radio

[@empatheticrambo4890]

I do wonder if some mindstorms style tech is possible to program your own songs

[@poockoo]

Everything is awesome:-)

[@monkeyulizebricks]

They should absolutely have had like 100 sounds. 13 is an insult and would make the experience much more enjoyable if you never have a repeat in a "session" of messing with it. It's not like there's a digital storage issue.

[@EvanMoon]

DJ Jang

[@craigbikes8831]

HAM SALAD

[@chriscummings4206]

Looks like the radio from Gilligan's Island.

[@hiltwo]

Hope you bought the Batman Animated Series Batmobile, would love to see you review it :)

[@Chokun-Gaming]

🎶In your home or in your car, you are are never really far, from L-E-G-O radio🎶

[@daxbashir6232]

Seems like an amazing set.

[@adamadams6740]

If you had an extra phone or way to build in a small Bluetooth speaker instead,that could be cool.

[@pseudoty]

Can you fit an Alexa inside of it? That would make it next level.

[@seanprawn42]

Haha did you put that real radio in the bottom left of your studio jang?

[@davidmducc]

Now i see why people wanted this set lol

[@thrillhouse4151]

Someone’s gonna but this for their 18 year old that’s into lego for Xmas and they’re gonna be so disappointed.

[@josefnitervol6415]

couldn't agree more with you!

[@TheDigitalAura]

With todays tech, there's no reason a real radio couldn't have been incorporated.

[@FlymanMS]

Or you can just buy a vintage radio?

[@kommodore6691]

What do you mean todays tech, radio is 100+ years old and you can get one for $10.

[@TheDigitalAura]

@@kommodore6691 a radio could be incorporated into a sound brick. Miniaturization.

[@EvanMoon]

Yes, it could but it would add some cost to the set

[@AWOLbriks47]

Except for the reason that Lego restrict sets to a certain price point. It wouldn't bother me if they started matching the price to the set not the set to the price. Would it work idk. But I think it would give better builds than when they throw a lamp post in randomly to meet the set price. Imo

[@patrickthehedgehog]

Ham salad!!!

[@spoonsrattling]

heres the thing, with repeating radio you need alot of stuff going on, not just 13 sound clips, think fallout radio where theres only 20 or 30 instances of dialogue, and even that can feel repetitive, only 13 and one is static is very lame

[@warrennewman5325]

Looks EPIC quite clever with the sound brick great review jang 👍

[@andreasrefe6209]

13 sounds is far to little.. why not 30 or 40?

[@corbysloan7934]

Sure, you could put your phone in there, but you could also fit a bluetooth speaker in there.

[@zin360]

if i want a decoration, i would rather buy a vintage radio not a 100 bucks chunk of non working plastic lol

[@DalleDC]

It really is Fallout the parts pack :)

[@martianmaggot6687]

I didn’t know it had a sound brick

[@RaechelSykes]

This is cool. Everything is awesome 😎. But I'm not buying it. I can't really play with it for more than 15 mins. Don't personally want my phone in it. But really clever. Great review ❤

[@Zenlore6499]

Dang, this really is about as cool as it seems… pretty neat for a bit, then it’s basically over

[@MrHangman56]

I saw this in the store and went "thats pretty neat" and thats about it. Good for someone else, but im not too into it

[@RandomJoeseph]

Bought it. Couldn’t be happier.

[@TheGW923]

This set is a glorified phone holder. I’d love to know who at LEGO thought this was good at $100.

[@rogerhalt3991]

Who would this appeal to? The old consoles were borderline as one can buy a fully functioning one..

[@kurczaczak]

6:50 I honestly think that you misunderstood the design. You see that most people who buy Icons sets just build them once and then have on display, which is a valid way of "playing" with Lego as long as it comes from genuine appreciation. It's role for those people is reversed compared to, for example, children. Children don't really care what something looks like, they just want to play with it. Adults prefer straightforward build experience of minimal difficulty so that they can put their trophy on the shelf. It is specifically designed not to be functional. Having actually working functions that actually perform like crap would be a dangerous exploration into the territory of "wait, maybe this isn't an ornament, it's an actual device, and it's crap" which goes exactly against the expectations of the target audience. I think that would be a huge mistake, especially considering how highly functional this set already is, although I'm not sure whether this particular step is in the right direction. The fact that you see a potential group of customers who might later regret their purchase in the future says a lot about the answer to the question "okay, who is this set actually targeting?"

[@allonewordcaps]

😊

[@greenhill004]

I $60 like it. I $100 hate it.

[@karlthrash3549]

even at half the price, it would be overpriced to me, not talking about piece count obviously here i just dont get the point about such lego "product"

[@johnmickey5017]

That doesn’t make it overpriced, it just doesn’t appeal to you.

[@likecrazyhorse]

I like it because it's one of those things most people wouldn't think was made of LEGO. That 2-hour build will turn into years of "Whoa, that's LEGO?" from other folks. That works for me

[@dinosaurgods]

This looks fantastic... but I don't know who its for. Retro aesthetic collectors I guess?

[@FlymanMS]

People who just like it?

[@migatron1]

Dust collectors

[@FlymanMS]

@@migatron1 so, all Lego fans

[@moonshoes11]

The music sounds familiar, like a more current song…but I can’t place it.

[@moonshoes11]

Everything is awesome. Took me almost an hour. Wow, I feel silly.

[@dantecampanaro4731]

I would have LOVED THIS as an 11 or 12 year old

[@Brick-Life]

Not a worthy set. Just listen to your device as is