Pro-Ject’s new turntable is based on the audio specialist’s Essential III model. The commemorative release honors Beatle George Harrison the late artist, who would have turned 78 years old last week.
The following written content by Robert Ross
Though George Harrison was called “the quiet Beatle,” his influence on the foursome—and 20th-century popular music—was inestimable. As a member of the most famous rock band in history, and as an independent artist, Harrison forged new trails that affected music, pop culture, even fashion and haircuts. The musician, who passed away in 2001, would have turned 78 years old last week. To mark the occasion, Pro-Ject Audio Systems revealed a turntable in his honor.
A total of 2,500 examples of the turntable will be made, each priced at $500.
Photo: Courtesy of Pro-Ject Audio Systems.
The commemorative component features a plinth with the pop star’s likeness, embellished with a decidedly psychedelic-retro design. Pro-Ject worked with Bravado, Apple Corps and Studio Number One to create graphics based on the 2014 art-print lithograph designed for the Harrisons by Shepard Fairey—the artist responsible for the iconic Hope poster—and George Harrison’s personal analog recording console, visible underneath the acrylic platter.
Particularly detailed observers of Harrison history will recognize that the portrait is derived from a black and white image by photographer Astrid Kirchherr, which was included as the insert to the Wonderwall Music LP, Harrison’s first independent album. (For the latter, Kirchherr was credited as Kemp.) Recorded in 1967 and released in 1968, it was the soundtrack to Joe Massot’s film Wonderwall (of the same year) and features Ravi Shankar-inspired themes, with Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton performing without credit, so as not to run afoul with the record label management. Read more from Robb Report.
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