electric guitar-shaped turntable spins vinyl records on frosted platter and wooden base

Clearaudio’s tribute to jazz artist Al Di Meola

Clearaudio pays homage to the jazz artist Al Di Meola with the electric guitar-shaped turntable that spins vinyl records on frosted platter and wooden base. The main body of the turntable uses high-density wood fiber, following the outline of an electric guitar. The long neck-like extension holds the tonearm, while the wider body, extended compared to the traditional turntable designs, supports the platter and motor system. 

The chassis of the electric guitar-shaped turntable by Clearaudio also includes a bottom plate made from machining steel, which holds the player’s full system. Height-adjustable feet sit under the plate to help the device stay level during use as well as keep it stable on different surfaces. The platter sits at the center, with a flat belt linking the platter to a 12V DC motor. The motor doesn’t directly touch the main body. Instead, Clearaudio uses IMS light motor suspension for the electric guitar-shaped turntable to hold the motor with O-rings. The rings act as a soft link between motor and chassis, reducing the transfer of vibration.

all images courtesy of Clearaudio

Frosted platter on electric guitar-shaped turntable

The drive system of Clearaudio’s electric guitar-shaped turntable uses Tacho Speed Control. If belt tension or temperature changes, the player’s system reacts and resets its speed each time it starts to keep the rotation at 33 ⅓ or 45 RPM. The bearing system supports the platter from below, and there’s a polished steel spindle that moves inside a sintered bronze bushing. Under this, a teflon thrust-pad carries the load for a smooth rotation.

Above the bearing sits the main frosted platter made from a synthetic material with an aluminium sub-platter inside it. A design feature of Clearaudio’s electric guitar-shaped turntable that refers to the instrument is found through the volume knob, which acts as the a system controller. Pressing the knob starts the turntable, and pressing it again switches between 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM. Another press puts the unit into standby, and during calibration mode, turning the knob adjusts speed, actions that are similar to how player tune their instruments. The player dedicated to Al Di Meola is limited to 1,000 units, with each package including a numbered album by the jazz artist and a guitar pick.

detailed view of the device

view of tonearm with Al Di Meola engraving

the material used is real rosewood veneer

Al Di Meola with the wooden turntable

a black wood finish is also available

height-adjustable feet sit under the plate to help the device stay level

the platter sits at the center with a flat belt

detailed view of the tonearm

the motor doesn’t directly touch the main body

each unit includes a numbered album and a guitar pick

project info:

name: Celebrity ‘Al Di Meola’

brand: Clearaudio | @clearaudiohifi

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