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BeoGram 1700

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1700

BeoGram 1700

Beogram 1700 combined ease of operation and advanced technology in a simple, matter-of-fact way. To play a record, all you had to do was press ’33’ or ’45’ and let the Beogram do the rest. At the end of play the pickup arm returned to its resting position and the motor switched off.

The anti-skating device worked automatically. Another advantage of the simple, integrated design was immunity to external shock and vibrations. The electronic servo drive system ensured correct rotary speed at all time.

The low mass, low inertia pick-up arm with its plug-in MMC 20S cartridge made it virtually impossible to scratch records.

Beogram 1700 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 1700 or Beosystem 2600, when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products.

This is quite possibly the best value Beogram made. It has excellent sound and vibration isolation, a very simple and lightweight arm, easy to use and understand controls and is elegant both in looks and operation.

Blindfold, the sound quality is quite frankly indistinguishable from the higher models and it is far more likely to work. Weak spots are few but record support would probably be the main issue. A felt mat suitably cut could well improve record support qualities.

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1700 Product Details

Type Numbers

5731 (1980 – Aug 1983)
5733 (1980 – April 1983)

Designer

Manufactured

1980 – 1983

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak, White

BeoGram 1700 Product Specification

Speeds/control range 33 – 45 rpm
Wow and flutter DIN < +/- 0.09 %
Rumble weighted > 62 dB
Rumble unweighted > 42 dB
Motor Servo controlled DC
Drive system Belt
Tonearm Radial, low mass

Pickup:
Recommended tracking force MMC 20 S/E 15 mN / 1.5 g
Tracking force range: 0 – 20 mN / 2 g
Tracking error 0.11° /cm

Power supply (50 – 60 Hz)/ 180-265 V / 8 W
Dimensions W x H x D 44 x 8.5 x 33cm
Weight 6 kg

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BeoGram 1600

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1600

BeoGram 1600

Beogram 1600 was manufactured primarily for the US and French markets; therefore in the overall scheme of things, there weren’t many of these around.  A fairly basic machine, Beogram 1600 was designed for use within the Beomaster 1600 and Beocord 1600 system when it complemented these other products nicely.  It fitted with the MMC 20E combined cartridge/stylus.

Seems to be a very uncommon model in Europe.

BeoGram 1600 Product Details

Type Numbers

5712 (US) (1978 – Jan 1986)
5713 (F) (1980 – Jan 1983)

Designer

Manufactured

1978 – 1986

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak, White

BeoGram 1600 Product Specification

Speeds / control range 33 – 45 rpm. / > +/- 3 %
Wow and flutter, DIN < +/- 0.09 %
Rumble weighted > 62 dB
Rumble unweighted > 42 dB
Motor / drive system: Servo-controlled DC / Belt

Pickup: MMC 20 E
Recommended tracking force 15 mN / 1.5 g

Power supply:
5712: 120V
5713: 220V
Power consumption 8 W
Dimensions W x H x D / Weight 44.5 x 8.9 x 33 cm / 6 kg


Type: US 5712 (1977 – Dec 1978)
Speeds / control range 33 – 45 rpm. / > +/- 3 %
Wow and flutter, DIN < +/- 0.09 %
Rumble weighted > 62 dB
Rumble unweighted > 42 dB

Motor / drive system: Servo-controlled DC / Belt

Pickups: MMC 20 E
Recommended tracking force 15 mN / 1.5 g

Power supply: 120 V
Power consumption 8 W
Dimensions: W x H x D / Weight 44.5 x 8.9 x 33 cm / 6 kg

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BeoGram 1500 (1967)

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1500

BeoGram 1500 (1967)

Beogram 1500 is the acclaimed Beogram 1000 3-speed stereo record player equipped with a built-in stereo output amplifier delivering 2 x 8 watts of audio output. The Beogram 1500 has no built-in loudspeakers but may be se with external speakers e.g. the Beovox 800 or the Beovox 1000.

The Beogram 1500 has jacks for radio and for tape-recorder – the Beocord 1500 de Luxe would be particularly suitable. If you use the Beogram 1500 in connection with an FM tuner e.g. the Beomaster 5000, you have a small but complete hi-fi system.

The Beogram 1500 has separate adjustment knobs for volume (with built-in balance adjustment), bass and treble. Pushbutton panel for control of on/off, tape recorder, radio, and gramophone. All these functions are conventionally placed on the top of the instrument. Built-in voltage selector for switching between 110, 130, 220 and 240 volts AC. The Beogram 1500 is very elegantly designed and has a transparent dust cover

In the real world, this is a Beogram 1000 with a rather nice 8W per channel amplifier attached. There are two types with the later ones using the same amplifier as the very upmarket Beocord 2400 reel to reel deck. Surprisingly good though the isolation of the deck was no better.

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1500 (1967) Product Details

Type Numbers

5208 (1967 – Dec 1973)
5230 (1967 – Dec 1973)

Designer

Please let us know

Manufactured

1967 – 1973

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak

BeoGram 1500 (1967) Product Specification

Speeds:
78 – 45 – 33,3 rpm
Rumble Better than 55 dB
Wow and flutter +/- 0.15 % peak value

Power output: 2 x 8 W continuous
Frequency Response 20 – 20,000 Hz +/- 2 dB
Distortion Lower than 1 % at 5 W
Signal-to-noise ratio 60 dB linear
Channel separation 40 dB at 1000 Hz
Tone control Bass control range: +/- 10 dB at 50 Hz
Treble control range: +/- 10 dB at 10,000 Hz Pickup arm: ST/L – 15°
Pickup: SP 14 A
Stylus pressure: 1.5 – 2.5 g
Voltage: 110 – 130 – 220 – 240 V AC
Power consumption 15 – 50 W

Dimensions W x H x D: 47.4 x 15.2 x 34.9cm
Weight 13 kg

External connection:
Inputs Radio: 150 k ohms – 4,5 mV /1000 Hz
Tape recorder: 50 ohms – 50 mV /1000 Hz
Outputs Speakers, left and right channels, 3-8 ohms
Tape recorder: 22 k ohms – 100 mV /1000 Hz

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BeoGram 1202

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1202

BeoGram 1202

The Beogram 1202, although looking very similar to the earlier Beogram 1200, was an entirely new record deck and was far more sophisticated than the earlier model. It continued with the multi-peg system of record support – possibly the decks greatest weakness – and also lacked the hinged lid of the Beogram 3000 to which it was otherwise practically identical. This is the 1200 type deck to own!

The operating system was simplified from the 1200 though the same arm and motor were used. The suspension was however far better – imagine this deck as a Beogram 3000 with a silly platter and a less useful lid and you will not be far wrong. It is however the best of the ‘peg platter’ decks. Very collectible.

________________________

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1202 Product Details

Type Numbers

5237 (1972 – Aug 1974)

Designer

Manufactured

1972 – 1974

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak,White

BeoGram 1202 Product Specification

Speeds: 33,3 and 45 rpm
Rumble Better than 60 dB (DIN B)
Wow and flutter Better than +/- 0.15 % peak value (DIN), corresponding to +/- 0.06 % rms
Vernier adjustment 6 %

Antiskating: built-in
Stylus presurre adjustment 0 – 3.5 g (ponds)
Pickup SP 14 A
Stylus pressure 2 g (p)
Voltage: 110 – 130 / 220 – 240 V AC
Power consumption 10 W

Output: 5 mV – 1000 Hz / 47 kohms

Dimensions W x H x D 44 x 12 x 33cm
Weight 9 kg

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BeoGram 1200

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1200

BeoGram 1200

Beogram 1200 – Types 5213, 5214, 5216, 5217 – was Bang & Olufsen’s first ‘designer’ system. The design ‘kinship’ which emphasised the interdependence between B&O’s various products, became a characteristic of B&O for many years. Beosystem 1200 was one of the first products selected by the Museum of Modern Art for the museum’s permanent collection (not exhibition) in 1972. The system components were designed by Jacob Jensen.

In 1969 the Danish Society of Industrial Design awarded Bang & Olufsen and Jacob Jensen the ID prize for the Beomaster 1200 radio/amplifier, Beogram 1200 turntable and Beocord 1200 cassette recorder for unusually beautiful and user friendly design. The jury emphasised in particular the Beomaster 1200 receiver which pointed in a new direction for the design of radios.

In 1972 the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA) chose seven Bang & Olufsen products designed by Jacob Jensen to be included in their Design Collection as representing excellent examples of the Museum’s criteria for quality and historical importance; design, in fact, which had influenced the twentieth century. Beogram 1200 was one of those seven products.

The 1200 series represented the logical continuation of the line of development and design which put B&O at the forefront of manufacturers of entertainment electronics.

From an audio point of view, this was an advance in some ways – isolation from vibration was slightly better though still not up to the later decks. The peg support for the records was however not so clever as the excellent mat of the 1000 and 1800 offered far better cushioning. It did however look wonderful. Close inspection of the studs reveal that the inner studs are slightly shorter than the outer ones. They do remove for cleaning so do make sure you put them in the right places!!

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1200 Product Details

Type Numbers

5214 ( 1969 – Dec 1973)
5213
5216
5217

Designer

Manufactured

1969 – 1973

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak, White

BeoGram 1200 Product Specification

Speeds: 45 and 33 rpm
Rumble Better than 55 dB (DIN B)
Wow and flutter +/- 0.15 % peak value (DIN)

Amplifier / Output voltage:
250 mV at 1000 Hz, 4 mV input voltage

Pickup arm: Special type
Pickup: SP 14 A
Stylus pressure 2g
Dimensions W x H x D 44 x 11.65 x 33cm
Weight 6.55 kg
Voltage:
110 – 220 V AC
Power consumption Max. 14 W

Output:
5 mV – 1000 Hz / 47 kohms

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BeoGram 1102

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1102

BeoGram 1102

Beogram 1102 was a fully automatic, hi-fi stereo record player with electronic servo-drive and high specification level. Operation was easy and straightforward. All functions were controlled by pressing the rectangular operating panel and if dissatisfied with the pitch of the record, speed could be adjusted by depressing the panel and rotating the little thumbwheel.

The pickup was an MMC 3000 with a spherical diamond. It tracked records at a stylus pressure of 1,2 grams. In order to fully exploit the pickup’s outstanding qualities, B&O constructed an extremely light magnesium pickup arm which, together with its unique suspension, ensured low inertia and thereby good conditions for correct contact between stylus and both walls of the record groove – at all times. Even warped records could be played satisfactorily.

Despite high specification levels, Beogram 1102 and 1902 automatic record-players are extremely easy to operate. All the technicalities are hidden under the surface.

Bang & Olufsen’s Electronic Servo Drive ensures that the rotatory speed of the Beogram 1102 and 1902 was always correct despite variations in the mains current supply. This is so because the system has a special feedback circuit which effects automatic corrections to compensate for these inherent variations

Beogram 1102 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 1100, together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products

Beogram 1102 UK price in 1978: £97.00

These decks are beautifully made and offer super sound quality for almost no money. Much easier to maintain than the tangential decks simply because they are very simple! Excellent isolation from external vibrations – strongly recommended – and they were when new by Hi-Fi Choice! Simpler than the earlier 1100 – and better for that! A DC motor replaced the AC motor fitted to the 1100 and was electronically regulated with speed adjustment done through a potentiometer as opposed to the complicated measures used in earlier decks. This method would roll out across the range of Beograms.

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1102 Product Details

Type Numbers

5715 (1977 – Jan 1979)
5717 (1977 – Sept 1978)

Designer

Manufactured

1974 – 1979

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak,White

BeoGram 1102 Product Specification

Wall bracket motorized: With movement from wall.
60 degrees for 55” and 19 degrees for 75” and 85”
Wall bracket fixed against the wall
Table stand for 55” only: Lifts TV to upright position
Floor stand: Motorized movement of screen up to 90 degrees from wall in both directions

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BeoGram 1102 User Guide

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BeoGram 1102 Service Manual

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BeoGram 1100

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1100

BeoGram 1100

The most basic of a new range of beograms, this model was amongst the first to use the new MMC range of cartridges.

In the case it used the bottom of the range MMC3000 and was designed to be partnered by systems such as the Beomaster 1100.

Much more slim and elegant than the 2000 that it replaced, it featured the triple leaf spring suspension that was a feature of all Beograms from that point onwards. As one of the earlier models in this range, the 1100 used a belt and idler wheel drive mechanism. This would be replaced in the later 02 models with a simple belt drive.

These decks are beautifully made and offer super sound quality for almost no money. Much easier to maintain than the tangential decks simply because they are very simple! Excellent isolation from external vibrations – strongly recommended – and they were when new by Hi-Fi Choice!

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1100 Product Details

Type Numbers

5705 (1976 – July 1977)

Designer

Manufactured

1976 – 1977

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak, White

BeoGram 1100 Product Specification

Sound system Stereo, matrix
Output DIN 2 x 0.6 mV
Speeds 33 – 45 rpm

Tonearm: radial
Stylus pressure range 0 – 2.5 g
Pickup MMC 3000, Stylus spherical diamond
Radius of curvature 15 µm
Recommended stylus pressure 1.2 g
Automatic pickup movement Yes
Automatic speed selection Yes

Wow and flutter, DIN: < +/- 0.1 %
Rumble DIN unweighted > 40 dB
Rumble DIN weighted > 60 dB
Speed deviation < 0.1 %
Speed control range > 3 %
Dial for speed Stroboscope 120mm

Tracking error
0.126° / cm
Lift system Mechanical
Antiskating: inclined channelling inside bearing

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BeoGram 1000

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1000

BeoGram 1000

superbly designed, tastefully styled

The turntable and overall design was by Jacob Jensen; the tonearm and MMC cartridge principle was by Erik Rørbæk Madsen. Beogram 1000 was the recommended turntable for Beomaster 1000.

The First Beogram?

Beogram 1000 was the very first Bang & Olufsen turntable to be designated with the suffix ‘Beogram’. Before its introduction, earlier decks did not, strictly speaking, hold this product name.

This player has extremely low vibration and rumble – a decisive feature for playback of stereo gramophone records, due to the fact that the stylus must be sensitive to vibrations in all directions.

The Beogram 1000 has antimicrophonic suspension that takes up acoustic and mechanical vibrations from the support and prevents the stylus from leaving the groove. In practice, this means that mechanical vibrations from the support or from persons walking or dancing in front of the Beogram 1000 cannot make the stylus jump in the groove. Such vibrations will be absorbed in the antimicrophonic suspension and will not reach the turntable or the pickup.

Equipped with the world-famous B&O ST/L-15 pickup unit; heavy turntable designed as a stroboscope disc; built-in hydraulically damped pickup lift operating y means of a rocker button. Specially engineered speed selector (78, 45 and 33.3 rpm); built-in special centre insert for 45 rpm records. The Beogram 1000 is available in two versions: Beogram 1000V (for 240/110 volts AC) and Beogram 1000VF (for 240/110 volts AC with built-in preamplifier.

Choice of teak or Brazilian rosewood finish and with a practical transparent acrylic dust cover.

And so ends the brochure speak! The Beogram 1000 was heavily based on earlier decks and, despite what B&O said, was not that resistant to external forces. It also was not able to be played with the lid on and indeed the lid had a cut out at the back to allow the pick arm to protrude. It allowed reasonable play back and was reliable but performance led to B&O looking elsewhere for a turntable for the Beolab 5000 system.

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1000 Product Details

Type Numbers

5202 (1965 – Dec 1971)
5203 (1965 – Dec 1973)
5229 (1965 – Dec 1973)
5212 (GB) (1965 – Dec 1973)
5223 (V) (1965 – Dec 1972)

Designer

Please let us know

Manufactured

1965 – 1973

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak

BeoGram 1000 Product Specification

Voltage: 110 – 220 V AC
Power consumption 10 W

Speeds: 45 and 33 rpm
Rumble Better than 55 dB (DIN B)
Wow and flutter +/- 0.15 % peak value Pickup arm: ST/L 15°
Cueing device: built-in
Pickup SP 14A
Recommended tracking force 1.5 – 2.5 kg
Specifications: Dimensions W x H x D: 35.8 x 13.5cm (approx. 16cm with dust cover) x 30.8cm
Weight 6 kg

RIAA amplifier could be built-in

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BeoGram 1001

Bang & Olufsen BeoGram 1001

BeoGram 1001

The Beogram 1001 was a slightly updated Beogram 1000. The major change which you may notice is the lack of the name on the front of the cabinet. You may then notice the lack of a 78 rpm setting and finally the cartridge changed to the SP14 rather than the SP6/7. Performance was however just the same – surprisingly good but poor isolation from external vibration. The lid was just as useless as before and did not allow it to be left on during playback.

Mounting Options

Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a wall mount solution as a general option for Bang & Olufsen Turntables. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB option adds to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.

»Wall Mounting Bracket

Wall Bracket / Shelf for BeoGram

A universal shelf that will support all Bang & Olufsen turntables from the past 30 years. Including three cable entry points to allow you to bring cables from below the shelf or through the wall.

BeoGram 1001 Product Details

Type Numbers

5101 (1973 – Dec 1974)

Designer

Please let us know

Manufactured

1973 – 1974

Colour Options

Rosewood, Teak, White

BeoGram 1001 Product Specification

Speeds: 45 and 33 rpm., with provision for vernier adjustment of speed
Rumble Better than 55 dB (DIN B)
Wow and flutter +/- 0.15 % peak value

Pickup arm: ST/L 15°
Pickup SP 14 A
Recommended tracking force 1.5 – 2.5g

Voltage: 220 volts AC
Power consumption 10 W

Dimensions W x H x D 36 x 11.5 (approx. 12.5cm with dust cover) x 31cm
Weight 6 kg

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Designer – Henrik Sørig Thomsen

Designer – Henrik Sørig Thomsen

Bang & Olufsen does not need to engage high profile international design studios to create its designs. Even large, internationally recognised companies like the Danish hi-fi and video manufacturer can work with young and almost unknown Danish designers such as Henrik Sørig Thomsen MDD. As long as the talent is there, there is no limit or boundaries to what can be done. The association between the company and the designer started when Henrik Thomsen, who was then studying at the Danish School of Design went to Bang & Olufsen for a period of practical training. He has continued to work with them ever since.

Sørig Thomsen Design has produced a wide range of telephone products for Bang & Olufsen. BeoTalk 1100 is just one of them – an answering machine of the highest quality, in contrast to many of the cheap models imported from the Far East. It can be placed on a table or desk, or mounted on the wall. Like so many other Bang & Olufsen products, its functions are divided up into primary functions, which are visible all the time, and secondary functions, which are concealed behind a panel, and are only for ‘special occasions’.

Thomsen studied social sciences, built houses and looked after the gardens on the roof of the Danish central bank before becoming a designer at Bang & Olufsen.

“I suppose I’m an unusually typical example of the generation that was young at the start of the 1980s” he says. “We didn’t really know what it was we wanted to do so we ended up dabbling in all sorts of things. As I see it, that mix of the practical and the intellectual made us more rounded people.”

Thomsen himself swapped a place at Aalborg University for a carpenter’s workbench. After a few years building furniture and houses, he hung up his hammer and did a brief stint as a gardener on the roof of the Danish central bank before coming back down to earth to spend the money he’d earned on a cycling trip from Lisbon to Denmark. In 1990 he headed instead for the Danish School of Design in Copenhagen and it was while he was studying there that he convinced Telecom to take him on for work experience.

“We went to Bang & Olufsen on a study visit” says the 37 year-old from Northern Jutland. “We had a look round Telecom too and that’s where I got the idea of asking for a work placement.” A blessing in disguise.

Today Thomsen has his own Design Studio in Århus, Denmark’s second city, but most of his time and energy is devoted to projects for Bang & Olufsen Telecom and Bang & Olufsen Technology.

The fact that there was no computer available for the placement student when he arrived may well have been fortuitous. It meant that Thomsen spent most of his time working with physical models in the model workshop, converting pencil strokes into three-dimensional solutions. He now works in wood, foam and ‘Cibatool’: a professional modelling material.

“I like working with models” he says, “which could be because I have a practical approach to the subject.”

Even during his three-month placement he tried his hand at various projects, his first being the BeoCharger for the BeoCom 9500, created in the Telecom workshop. Apart from the materials, it ended up looking almost exactly like Thomsen’s first sketch. During his placement he also designed various telephone accessories. Completely afresh.

When his five-year course at design college came to an end, Thomsen was contacted by Bang & Olufsen design and concept manager Ole Mølbjerg who was keen to take him on to work on a new project. Mølbjerg has been Thomsen’s mentor for every Bang & Olufsen project he has worked on since. The first was the BeoTalk 1100, which, to begin with, wasn’t even a clearly-defined product.

“It was exciting because with this product there were no preconceptions,” says Thomsen. “There was no archetype which you could put in front of you and say ‘This is what an advanced answering machine should look like’. It left the field wide open to invent a whole new language of design.For me it’s important that the design illustrates what the product can do. It’s about using design as a language, which also makes the product easier to use.”

Development projects are run by groups of audio experts, designers and software developers:

“It’s an exciting process which is all about daring to be honest with each other – taking constructive criticism on board is the key to obtaining the best results.As I see it, products should have a kind of poetry to them,” continues Thomsen, “but I know full well that it’s not something a designer can just decide. It’s up to the owner to see the product as something poetic – all I can do is hope that it happens.”

Ideally, poetry is expressed by the products being able to speak for themselves, conveying in a simple way what they contain and what they do.

“I think that my generation, which has now grown up into potential purchasers, is making greater demands in terms of the real content of products. They have to be environmentally friendly and speak to our aesthetic sense and our intellect.”

Thomsen thinks it’s important for Bang & Olufsen’s products to retain the universal values inherent in the marriage of functionality and design – a marriage which is both ahead of its time and rooted in history.

“So it’s important to me that the products which are created are made well, and are beautiful and functional.” At the same time, the quality of Bang & Olufsen products is also part of thinking green, because a long product life helps to limit the consumption of resources – a factor which Thomsen believes consumers will continue to demand in the future.

Thomsen has also worked on the BeoCom 6000, BeoCom 9800 and BeoCom 4. Besides telephones, he has also had projects for Technology and designed kitchen equipment, furniture and speakers for another manufacturer. Not bad for someone who became an internationally recognised, prize-winning designer almost completely by accident