miniature crane drives the needle in love vinyl player by hultén
Love Hulten redefines the turntable as a deliberately over-engineered, semi-absurd machine where sound is no longer simply played but actively performed. Commissioned for Rabin Shah, o piece replaces the conventional tonearm with a bright red crane that naturally navigates the surface of the vinyl, turning the act of listening into a tactile, almost theatrical operation.
A slanted aluminum control panel introduces a set of chunky, color-coded buttons and rotary dials that feel closer to a control console than a hi-fi deck. In crane mode, the user manually steers the needle left, right, up and down, effectively ‘driving’ playback across the recording. The interface slows down the process, resists automation in favor of purposeful interaction.
all images courtesy of Love Hultén
exposed mechanics turn listening into spectacle
Internal components, exposed wiring and a glass dome that reveals part of the internal mechanism highlight Hultén’s continuing interest in visible mechanics. The logic of the system is staged, inviting users to read how movement translates into sound. The crane itself becomes part of the spectacle, hovering over the turntable like a construction tool that has been repurposed for precision listening. The base houses a 2.1 stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity, while a ferrofluid visualizer brings the sound to life in real time. Below the surface, Arduino stepper motors, sensors, and limit switches coordinate the crane’s movement, ensuring the stylus remains balanced during playback.
Housed in a monolithic speaker stand with bold red and blue accents, the item balances functional audio equipment with collectible design. He knowingly leans towards exaggeration, described by Swedish artist and craftsman as “over-engineered and too stupid”, But this exaggeration underscores a serious point: in an age of frictionless streaming, reintroducing effort, error, and control can make listening feel strangely new again.
the crane replaces the traditional arm
in crane mode, the needle moves laterally and vertically, turning listening into a manual act
A slanted aluminum control panel allows users to direct playback with buttons and rotary dials
Arduino powered motors and sensors coordinate the precise movement of the crane
project information:
name: Turntable controlled by crane
artist: Love Hulten | @loveulten
commissioner: Rabin Shah | @vintage.rebstar
