Design Stories: Exploring Everyday Things

CGE RM110 Phonograph—Physical Properties

The physical design of the RM110 reflects these shifts in consumer priorities. Standing at approximately 6 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, and weighing around 10 pounds, it was constructed primarily from plastic, a defining material of the post-WWII era. Designed with portability and ease of use in mind, its form is symmetrical and boxy, with a bumpy, matte cream-coloured outer shell and rounded edges–contributing to its’ comfortability when transporting via its built-in handle. The inside plastic components, primarily orange and white, featured a smoother and seemingly more brittle texture than the durable, textured plastic exterior. While most parts of the device were plastic, key components such as the stylus and internal mechanisms were made of metal. To operate, the record player required a power source, utilizing a corded plug-in design, rather than battery operation. While it was considered “portable” for its time, its reliance on an electrical outlet limited its true mobility, making it fit for bedrooms and social gatherings rather than fully on-the-go use.


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Contents

  1. CGE RM110 Phonograph
  2. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Physical Properties
  3. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Canadian General Electric (CGE) and Its Role in Manufacturing
  4. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Understanding The Role of Plastics
  5. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Appearances in Print Advertisements
  6. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Understanding the Consumer
  7. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Providing Socioeconomic Context
  8. CGE RM110 Phonograph—Bibliography

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