Unboxing new gramophone-style record player | LuguLake review

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

Thank you for an honest review of this. We appreciate your honesty, keep the videos coming Frank we love your channel

[@Channel33RPM]

I appreciate that. Thanks my friend

[@claudec2588]

This is a novelty item for decorative purposes not for actually listening to. My brother has one. I think it was his wife's idea. I think they have a total of 20 records that sit flat in a pile on the floor under an end table. Enough said. :)

[@ericjohnson2543]

You need to do an intervention.

[@ForTheRecordaudiophileMichael]

Claude C 🤯

[@TheVinylGuru]

Hahahaha i feel heavy scolding coming on. But yes, totally.

[@ClarenceFisher]

Sitting in a pile? If they're stored horizontally, they could warp.

[@claudec2588]

@@ericjohnson2543 I actually tried. LOL But it fell on deaf ears.

[@MelindaMurphy]

It is a really beautiful turntable. It would make a beautiful home decoration. I can see people who just dip their toes in vinyl buying this and enjoying it. I wouldn't play my best records on one but I sure would enjoy the looks of it. Thank you!

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Melinda! It is a good-looking record player, with solid wood and metal (aluminum?) components. It has some heft to it. Performance wise, it is not great, but I think the tech-y stuff is probably less important to many who will buy this. My parents love it - they have a way to listen to their old record at the cottage all summer. Thanks for the comment. Frank

[@Livewire91]

This *gramophone* might actually do well in a cage against the Crosley Cruiser.

[@ThriftyAV]

I'm glad you told it how it is with this LugaLake record player, but it doesn't work either as hifi gear or a decor piece. You were quite clear on the limitations of this spec wise. But if someone is into retro decor, they would want a more authentic reproduction, with the wind up motor, steel needles, a proper soundbox, and a real amplification horn, not something with a USB input and digital display.

[@Hooksongs]

I went through 2 vintage style all in one's because I love that look but they just couldn't handle the amount of use my player gets. Also wanted to get away from belt drive, ended up with a ATLP120USB and have been very pleased. Affordable and made my records sound entirely different...in a good way. Rock on!

[@TorontoJon]

Great video as usual, Frank. I'll never understand why manufacturers of modern gramophones most often neglect assuring accurate turntable speed when, aside from the sound quality of the speakers or horn, is the most important factor to consider. I mean, is it too much to ask that any turntable sold manages to produce accurate turntable speeds (45 rpm, 33.3 rpm, and 78 rpm where applicable) in order for us to ACTUALLY ENJOY music? Wow, my turntable plays my records at the right speed; what a concept. ;)

[@WoodenHooligan90]

My neighbors dog bark all day. I'm going to buy a drum set and blast beats all day.

[@TheVinylGuru]

Epic lolol.

[@gooby1926]

Start a Powerviolence band!

[@Channel33RPM]

Seems to be a fair trade!

[@clintgolub1751]

😂

[@amanor409]

If this wasn’t so expensive I’d get it as a decoration for my office. The cost is just too high for using it as a decoration for zoom calls. It’s like how Colbert has a suitcase record player on a desk behind him on his show.

[@rocky-o]

loved that moment of truth song...reminded me of the old alice cooper band, circa 'love it to death'...keep rockin'...peace always...rocky

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Rocky-o, that's the exact vibe I was going for. I had been kicking around that moody riff for 20 years, and finally figured out what to do with it. Stay well Frank

[@arianrhod9588]

Frank, your garage is to die for. The Corona ‘n lime don’t look too shabby, neither !

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you!

[@noraalsuwais3139]

I was honestly planning to get it thinking it must have a great sound quality for that price. Can anyone recommend a perfect quality gramophone/turntable please.

[@LT-kq4uv]

I’m looking for the same recommendation. Have you had any luck yet?

[@paulkane2391]

I think the most cogent observation here is that WE (The Channel 33 RPM Family of Fans) is NOT the target audience. I have spent the better part of the last year helping a resident Masters-Candidate student get into vinyl more and more. She developed a real love for The Beatles and I encouraged that as best as I could (not the time or place for a debate on that). She arrived with a "suitcase type" player, but hopefully she will leave with a component system (As Frank can tell you, I have plenty of stuff to share). The point is, we have to let folks develop a love for records, and THEN get them into more precise and sophisticated gear. Education, not ridicule. Cheers.

[@Channel33RPM]

Good job Paul. I am sure she appreciates your efforts.

[@skittles2861]

4:49 I couldnt help but notice the RPM was a little bit off and I was thinking maybe it was off by a little bit because of the weight of the phone being on the belt-driven plate. Im not sure though, but if you think about it, it certainly could be possible

[@thetubesrock]

Frank,Frank,Frank you are so Canadian (Nice). I love it! Keep up the great variety of videos you do. Never a dull moment. 😉

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks! 😃

[@gnayr1305]

Honesty seems to be your policy and we greatly appreciate that. 🤘

[@TorontoJon]

Is it too much to ask to have a gramophone player that looks cool AND plays records at the correct speed, especially when it costs $300 (one can buy reliable Audio-Technica turntables for that much or even half the price in some cases)? :)

[@AliasMrHackenbacker]

Not for me, looks tacky especially with the LCD display and CD logo. I think it’s over priced crap as you say not much better than a suitcase record player. Not for people serious about getting great sound quality from their vinyl. Top marks for honestly reviewing something like this.

[@MJagger100]

I dig it. I doubt I would hear the 33.8 RPM difference. And I want to be able to play most of my records which are 33 and 1/3. So I appreciate the review

[@marctoupin3968]

You’re probably the only person in the universe to still drink Corona beer. 😂

[@LOV2ROK2VINYL]

Eddie Vedder would beg to differ

[@claudec2588]

Corona Beer is the only beer I drink.

[@artamussumatra6286]

It’s safe as long as you cut a hole in your mask, and drink it thru a straw - a rewashable steel one of course....😉

[@thevinyltruffle]

Um...no.

[@michaeljoseph9722]

Frank don't fear no virus, he got Rock'n'Roll!

[@jameschant2740]

At first glance my impression of it was favorable but after getting the scoop on it I got to say that if a manufacturer is going to make a replica piece like this, then they ought it right. Thanks for sharing though, Frank. Cheers and keep on spinning !

[@Channel33RPM]

Totally agree, James. It look nice... the finish is very good... but it falls flat on the performance side of things. Frank

[@tinostabile3256]

Hi Frank, Always nice to spend a Sunday evening with you. Wow, unboxing a gramophone. Yes, it would definitely be a novelty and a decor piece and someone that loves good sound in their music would probably not want to invest $ 300.00 plus Canadian. Good for you for giving it to your parents. Such a nice gesture. God bless and be well, Tino

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you Tino. Stay well. Frank

[@robertavila3328]

That's something older people might enjoy.!

[@toastercat2946]

theres a little capper that you can put on there that generally stops it from wobbling so much. My biggest concern is that it won't play from the horn? and I have no idea how to get it to play from the horn? on the manual it says the horn works but the instructions on how to get it to work are very confusing, last thing I want in my room is a glorified speaker : [

[@TorontoJon]

Frank's doing pre-summer right with a nice Corona and a lime wedge. Mmmm. We Canadians know how long winter can be, so when the decent warm summer-like weather finally arrives, everybody comes to life again (although I, like many Canadians, enjoy winter and the other changes of seasons too, but summers are never quite long enough). :)

[@Channel33RPM]

I agree Jon. I try to spend as much time outdoors as I can, but it is much easier in summer (because the prairie winters are sometimes no fun at all...). Stay well, Frank

[@bobqualls257]

I have one similar to this. My wife bought it mostly for decorative purposes. I have never tried to play music on it. I have not done an RPM test on it, but doubt it is good enough. It looks good, but that's about it.

[@Channel33RPM]

It does make a nice piece of decor. The wood and aluminum appear to be of decent quality, and the fit and finish is good (I should have mentioned that last bit in the video). Thanks for watching, Bob! Frank

[@kissvinyltv9761]

Nice! My grandpa use to have one but he sold it a few years ago

[@MikeGuitarPlayer07]

Great stuff as always man! All the best!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks! You too!

[@stephenmkeer]

I see the bottle of corona,was it just a coincidence?🤔👍🍺

[@ForTheRecordaudiophileMichael]

The VTF is high 5grams ? TT spins too fast and the platter appears too small for a 33 size record

[@TheVinylGuru]

“Another suspicious use of the English language. QuestionBle language here” lololol love you frankie!

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you enjoyed the video, Guru. Stay well! Frank

[@blankpageduomusic]

Such a cool video!

[@anthonynegron5439]

Hey, I'm a first-time viewer. also dropped a like and suscribe. I purchased this gramophone (which came without the belt so already unhappy) and it arrived today. But now I'm wondering what your recommendations might be for someone who is interested in vintage and also wants the best sound. I'm new to vinyl and record players so I'm starting from scratch.

[@Channel33RPM]

If I was starting out, for around the same price as this (maybe a bit more) I would buy an entry level Fluance or U-Turn (just make sure you get a model with a built in preamp) and some powered speakers. Good luck!

[@MK-tj5bf]

That looks great!

[@mrPCEmilkman]

I feel ripped off, lol. Thought you were going to talk about an actual gramophone. Maybe some other time. A fine video none the less.

[@SpinMeRoundStore]

It's a very pretty player but not for me. What type of needle does it take? Also, I think your parents will love it because I know mine would.

[@vwestlife]

This uses the very common Chuo Denshi CZ-800 ceramic cartridge. The recommended stylus for it is the Pfanstiehl 793-D7M or equivalent.

[@Channel33RPM]

My parents do dig it! It suits their purposes. Nice to see your store has re-opened!

[@lolwaa.5307]

I have the same, I want to ask which replacement needle fits it; because my needle suddenly broke off

[@verkehrsteilnehmer-berlin]

The horn players are, what we imagine, but in fact, they weren't popular, people preferred a box with some doors, where the sound comes from or, when they are rich, a piece of furniture.

[@FuzzyMuzzy4]

Hi! I got the same product but am having trouble playing a record on it. Did you just take the drive belt and put it around the little gold knob and press play? I can’t get mine to spin

[@italo104thedragon5]

Does the horn speaker work only with LP mode or with all mode like Bluetooth and Radio?

[@albertsmith9261]

I see it as a massive dust collector.

[@stepheng8779]

It's nothing I'd be interested in but I don't knock such things either, my only wish is with such companies is that they'd first concentrate on substance over style (or gimmick) and not the other way round. Cheers Frank :)

[@TheVinylGuru]

Ding ding ding. You got it

[@CatDadChris]

To be fair, the speed may be off because of the weight of the measurement tool, your phone, being quite a bit heavier than a record. That motor probably isn't built sturdy enough to maintain speed with extra weight on it. But then again I am just guessing. It probably isn't much more accurate without the weight.

[@FLDawg71]

Nice review...

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@angusiha]

I'm going completely off-topic here, but that's the way to get an answer from an old video of your channel. I was browesing through 33 RPM Channel and found some really good videos that I haven't watched before. One of those was about your first 5 Vinyl records. My point is: do you have other copies (remastered ones, represses, imports and what-nots) of those first albums? And if so, do the orginal pressings sound better than the recent ones? Your first ever albums are 30 year plus old and they may sound not that great because of their condition, but regardless of this, which pressings are the best ones? I tend to believe that original pressings always sound better. What are your thoughts about it? Cheers from Brazil!!

[@Channel33RPM]

This is a good question... I will have to go back to that older video, so I remember which the 5 were (offhand, I assume Metal Health, Pyromania, Piece of Mind, British Steel, and...). I will try to do an AMA on this. With all the albums I just mentioned, I never bothered with reissues, and the old ones sound great (though some are a bit scuffed up). Thanks for going back and watching the older video. The quality of some of them is pretty poor, but it's learning process. Frank

[@angusiha]

@@Channel33RPM Thanks for the answer, Frank! Accept's Ball to the Wall was the last LP of that bunch. So... yeah, sometimes reissues might have some minor improvements. But most of the times, if someone's original copy of an LP is in good shape and with no surface noise, reissues are just a collectible thing, not necessarily an improvement. I think this topic could make a pretty good episode. BTW. your old stuff is great as well, great info, topics and very funny. Cheers.

[@PatrickHill]

This could explain the CD logo. There is another model by someone else that looks EXACTLY the same but it has a CD player. It's on Amazon

[@9mmmike642]

Nice Coro...BEER. Nice garage!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks!

[@travisdelee8647]

I was looking at picking this up to play a few 45's until I find parts for my cabinet. Glad I saw your review. This thing seems like every other cheap player I've had. They all play way too fast and it really bothers me.

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad I could help!

[@davidellis5141]

You can have a singer lay down a vocal in the garage ! A good echo chamber.

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah... the echo was out of hand. That's why I switched to the music room for the last half. It is a good room for jamming in though! Frank

[@Djerique]

Is this a portable gramophone? SO without electricity?

[@bobby666666]

Good review. Far too expensive for what performance it gives. You can get a decent Audio Technica Turntable and Bluetooth Speakers for around the same price.

[@retronostalgiafan8635]

That is a cool record player man! Also does that record player play actual LPs? Because it kind of looks like it fits 45s

[@Channel33RPM]

It has a 6-inch platter, but it does play LPs at both 33 and 45. Thanks! Frank

[@harshilmalhan1649]

Sir this is very nice can I buy this in India please confirm thanks 🙏

[@mattieuleveille]

It looks like a repackaged Crosley record player. Some of the Crosleys have built-in CD drives.

[@Channel33RPM]

That's what I am thinking... It looks like they took the guts of an all-in-one type record player, and put it in what is actually a very nice body (the wood and aluminum components look good, and the fit and finish is nice). Too bad the performance wasn't better.

[@PrankZabba]

Sure looks like a nice decoration. Makes me wonder if they used parts from other "styles" like this. At least it didn't have the tape player hole on the side, and no "tape" function on the knob.

[@Channel33RPM]

Yes, the whole CD thing was very odd, and actually took away from the whole aesthetic of it as well. Frank

[@never2late454]

Back in the early days they use to refer to albums as Discs. I know on some of my Excelsior record's it has Disc printed on them. I believe the manufacturer in India got a little confused and maybe printed Disc thinking it's referring to a record. I believe they might only refer to compact Disc as CD's

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Hi Frank. It's a good looking unit but not practical for me. The CD logo might be related to the USB port. Does it play USB stick too? I used to work on color printers with the Chinese translation instructions - that's a trip! Cheers

[@Channel33RPM]

Yes, it does have a USB input. I think an MP3 logo would make more sense. Thanks for the comment, Greg. Frank

[@Jacqueline-b]

Does anyone know how to connect this gramophone via Bluetooth to a MacBook? I'm not having any luck. It doesn't show up on the list of devices.

[@Albee213]

When doing speed test try a bowl or something to center the phone. The weight can throw it off more if it's lop sided.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks for the tip

[@ericjohnson2543]

Does it have an auxiliary where you can plug in other components?

[@Channel33RPM]

It does not

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

Loogylake nice name - that horn could be used as a hearing aid. The wobble is an antique wobble reproduction

[@Channel33RPM]

:)

[@GilyBeck]

Hahaha!! That was fun! It's a fun piece. But not for the price point. Perfect for.the cottage though. I prob just buy 78s from value village for the hell of it for the full effect.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks Gil! Funny enough, it doesn't play 78s.

[@AROD-oz6xp]

A toy for grownups...great video.Frank....🤘

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks 👍

[@zeram01]

From the instruction manual grammar, sounds like the horn used to be a wok

[@stephenmkeer]

It looks like it should play 78’s. I don’t know who this product is suited to.🤔

[@eladiocofresi5202]

At one point, I considered buying either a gramophone style or wood based all in one to replace my Crosley, but admittedly, seeing the quality of material (or lack thereof) from the images turned me off a bit. Maybe some time after I grow tired of collecting, cleaning, and modding Gameboys, the inspiration will come to refurbish a vintage record player.

[@Channel33RPM]

That would be fun (refurbishing a vintage record player). I have my grandparents old, record player/radio from the 1950s. It was one of the first time they purchased when they immigrated here. I need to re-tube it. I did not know you modded Gameboys. Very cool!

[@eladiocofresi5202]

Channel 33 RPM I got into it some time during this quarantine and watching videos of Spawn Wave taking systems apart, The Retro Future refurbishing and modding them, and splurging on the Singer Izek. I also feel it goes back to my roots of home improvement.

[@Lyrici17]

I think it's a aesthetically pleasing novelty piece. However, it is a little too pricey for me to consider buying one for only that purpose..... Thanks!

[@Channel33RPM]

I agree with your assessment. Thanks for watching and commenting. Frank

[@henrys3629]

Gramma phone is what I used to call it. Real wood. So are pallets.

[@GeetGramophone]

I have so many gramophone

[@peterrech2307]

As a piece of audio equipment, it is an obnoxious piece of junk, as a novelty piece, it looks nice, I would never put a record on it. enjoy the music

[@lilltegman8108]

It's like buying a Crosley casette player, it would probertly eat my Judas tapes ):

[@TheMaxx111]

Does it play 78s?

[@Channel33RPM]

Surprisingly, it does not

[@jobarrios]

Just for decoration purposes if you ask me, I rather spend that money on records, thanks for the video.

[@michaelackley5773]

What arcade game is that in back?

[@Channel33RPM]

Capcom Bowling

[@toneyisaiah408]

Sir, don't let looks deceive you.

[@anubhav4242]

Sir is this electronic or mechanical

[@digidoridvideos3672]

Electric

[@neilforbes416]

The version(?) of English you tried to decipher is "Japlish", a badly-corrupted version of English, even worse than that done by America to our language. These tech companies should have their instruction manuals written by British speakers of our language(after all, that's where English originates!).

[@annemurrayfan80]

hey frank Its not for me the gramophone. id be passing on it. its weird compact disc logo and no disc player. and its a novelty. nice look but not for me. have a great week keep on spinnin brother your friend and fellow canadian eh mike m

[@Channel33RPM]

I tend to agree, that it is a novelty item. Aside from performance (and the odd CD thing), it does look good... It is basically a decor item. Stay well! Frank

[@jhonwask]

An expensive novelty item. Touts the phonograph but plays records poorly. How are the radio and BT working? What about the CD? (LOL)

[@RonTheDon-30]

Why doesn't it have 78 rpm speed ?? After all, it's a Gramophone!! 😉😊

[@Channel33RPM]

Good question

[@7JANEWAY]

Not intending to make a stupid comment, but, based on what’s behind you, I didn’t know you played drums.

[@Channel33RPM]

Not a stupid comment. I don't play drums, I play guitar. My friends and I jam in the garage sometimes, so that is why the kit is there. Thanks for watching. Frank

[@danielphillips7537]

What I don't understand is, if a company is trying to make a product that looks like it's a hundred years old, why would they put the CD logo on it? Especially when it doesn't have one! Rhetorical question, Frank. Probably no one except the powers that be at Luka Lake knows the answer to that.

[@Channel33RPM]

The whole CD thing was odd...

[@williambruce9207]

Then you could give a report back on it in fall on it's performance.

[@Channel33RPM]

I am sure my parents will enjoy it through the summer. Is you send me a reminder, I can report back. Thanks! Frank

[@williambruce9207]

I will try to remember

[@BadEnglishRecs]

Well at least it looks good. Good that it found home. mr. Finglish (Bäd English Recs)

[@troybrannelly5554]

alway judge a product by how good the english is written on instructions

[@Channel33RPM]

Wise words to live by. Frank

[@frankolen4137]

Hi frs

[@VinylRescue]

Bad spelling only tells me it's made in CHINA! Yep, I wouldn't waste my money nor would I risk my vinyl being played on it!

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah... Despite country of origin, I would suggest it's a good idea to have the manual written by someone with more proficiency of the English language (or whatever the principle language is of the country where the item is sold). Frank

[@Cherry-bq4oh]

Where was the device you used to type that comment made, may I ask?

[@Giondenver]

I am not sure why anyone would want this pile of crap. I can see perhaps having an antique looking item in your home would be a nice addition ???????? But not this... its ugly AF and cheap looking...... Im sure another quality product of China. 300.00 is not worth it. I would rather throw 300.00 in the wind and watch it go than own this piece of garbage. This makes me Love my JVC and ONKYO stereos even more.

[@QoraxAudio]

Way too expensive for a novelty item.

[@kissvinyltv9761]

Record players these days have to much form not enough focus

[@peterrech2307]

so true

[@tuileriesantiques9057]

That thing damages records, not realistic. I would invest in a real antique phonograph

[@daveduffy2823]

It’s a gimmick. Return it. Yuck!

[@neilforbes416]

Basically this "gramophone" is just a silly, stupid little gimmick, nothing more. It carries no merit at all as a record player and seems to be fixed at one speed(33.3rpm) which is out of adjustment as it rotates at slightly above that speed, and not smoothly either. The price quoted is extortionate as the real value would be $0.20.

[@rogerw9840]

What a horrible thing. :D

[@dustingilbert9991]

Definitely a hard pass for me.

[@ssks1979]

Total junk!