(Written by William)
I am not sure what it is about retro items made of LEGO bricks, but I try to pick up every one of them! Sets like the #10334 LEGO Retro Radio, the #21327 LEGO Typewriter, and the #21345 LEGO Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera are of course amazing, but I also like the small gift-with-purchase (GWP) retro sets like the #6471612 LEGO Tape Player and the #40699 LEGO Retro Record Player.
Each time I build one of the small GWP sets, I think, “Why doesn’t LEGO sell smaller retro sets like this?” It looks like LEGO is listening because last year, they released the #31147 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Retro Camera, and this year, we got the #31172 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Record Player with Flowers and the #31169 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Typewriter with Flowers.
I actually didn’t think they could up the GWP version of the record player. That set even had a mechanism to rotate the record! But since not everyone could get the GWP set, it did make sense to release a record player as a regular set. So let’s take a look and see how they compare!
In the early 20th century, as products were getting mass-produced, manufacturers realized rounded edges helped protect consumers from being hurt by bumping into a corner. Radios, telephones, refrigerators, and many other objects all featured softer curves. The #31172 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Record Player replicates this nicely with its rounded corners.
As for functional elements, there is a crank at the back to rotate the record on top. It’s a simple gearbox connection that uses two gears to form a 90-degree connection. This will not be hard for anyone to grasp, build, and replicate in their own projects.
And as for play functionality, there is a switch on the front right. It uses a locking finger-hinge that gives the switch a nice solid click in two positions. This is probably meant to be the on/off switch for the machine. Next to this switch is a series of tiles that help form a faux speaker for the player.
Moving to the top of the player, there is a droid head brick that can rotate to work as the volume control. The arm with the needle has two points of articulation. The arm can be lifted and lowered, and the arm can rotate to reach different spots on the record.
At the back of the model, you will find the aforementioned crank as well as a red and white audio RCA connection (in case you have some LEGO speakers to add to your fancy sound system). There are also a couple of connection points to mount the flowers so they remain stable.
Speaking of the flower decorations, it does feel like an odd choice for the model. However, the flowers do add a nice splash of color. Additionally, those who are fans of the LEGO Botanical collection might find these random flowers appealing. I’ve built quite a number of the LEGO Botanical sets and can say that these flowers are built differently, which was a bit of a surprise.
And while we’re talking about features that add color, the set actually comes with two records; one with an orange label, and the other with lime-green. The two records are built the same and have a concave space under to help lining them up on the turntable.
The set also surprised me with a number of interesting elements. Each record has four modified curved bricks that form the outer edge. The modified portion fits around a rounded 4×4 curve. This means each record is held together by attaching to an 8×8 round plate.
Another great piece is the four feet under the model. These are modified 2×2 round plates with a wheel-hub mounted under the plate. The hub is not designed to move. Rather, it is meant to hold a rubber tire and form a non-stick footing for the player.
Yet another notable part is a modified curved top slope. For years, I called parts like these bed slopes since I was first introduced to them back in the original LEGO Medieval Market set where they were used to make a bed. The original piece was a curved top slope that stands four plates tall. It has a 1×1 plate on the flat side right at the third plate level. This new part takes the older element and shortens everything by one plate. Now it only stands three plates tall with a 1×1 plate sticking out at the second plate level. It seems fairly useful for more intricate design work.
At $29.99, the #31172 LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Record Player is a decently priced set, and I did not even mention the two alternate builds; a radio and microphone. These alternate models come with their own instruction booklets.
Style-wise, I still prefer the GWP version of the record player over this one. A major difference is that the GWP version had a cover that’s missing here. And I found adding the flowers an odd choice. I would have preferred a small musical instrument or a storage case for the records instead of the greenery.
However, when it comes to play, this model is hands-down better. The arm and needle work better and are a major plus. I also enjoy having two records so that I can pretend I’m switching albums. I also found turning the crank easier than operating the gear-plates in the GWP set.
Overall, I like the set and would recommend it, but I don’t know how appealing a retro record player is to younger generations. However, it could form a bridge between older builders who had a real-life connection with such players and younger builders who just love building anything LEGO. Thus this would be a great set to build together in a family setting, and of course, it’s also great for people like me, who just can’t have enough retro stuff! If you want to check it out, the set is available at the LEGO Creator section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? Do you have any retro-styled LEGO set? How do you like them? And which one is your favorite? Feel free to share your thoughts and own reviews in the comment section below!
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