Resonating Across Eras: The Spirit of Danish Minimalism

DesignProductLinear Icons: The Art of 1972 and 2020

Products - 2024 - Three Philosophers

“If we had compromised, Bang & Olufsen wouldn’t exist,” said Jacob Jensen. True to this philosophy, this record player features a polished, futuristic design that remains timeless.

Before his legendary tenure at Bang & Olufsen, Jensen worked at the Danish design firm Bernadotte & Bjørn from 1952 to 1958. There, he designed the Margrethe Bowl for Rosti, a major success that brought him his first significant financial gain.
By 1964, he began his journey with Bang & Olufsen, eventually serving as Chief Designer around 1972, the year the Beogram 4000 was born.

Product Overview: Beogram 4000

The Beogram 4000 is defined by its linear tracking arm and intuitive control buttons, which bear a striking resemblance to a modern laptop’s touchpad.

Beogram 4000 - 1972 - Jacob Jensen

Another hallmark of Jensen’s design is the beautifully integrated meters—they are simply cool.

The logo at the tip of the arm glows red, adding to its sophisticated edge. When in operation, the arm glides horizontally with effortless precision.

The Revival: Beogram 4000c

In 2020, the company announced the Beogram 4000c—a revival model with the subtle addition of a "c" to its name. These are Refurbished units, meticulously restored and priced at 10,000 euros. Shimmering in gold, this exclusive edition was limited to just 100 units.

Beogram 4000c - 2020 - Bang & Olufsen

Just like the original, it incorporates solid oak wood. Each piece has been beautifully reborn through the painstaking craftsmanship of skilled artisans.

Danish Design and Craftsmanship

While limited editions and revivals have their charm, one might wonder: "What is available today that carries that same spirit?" Look no further than Bergmann Audio. Much like the iconic Beogram 4000, their turntables utilize a linear tracking (tangential) tonearm, characterized by a minimal and elegant design rooted in Scandinavian tradition.

Galder & Odin Gold Edition - 2017-2020 - Johnnie Bergmann

Founder and designer Johnnie Bergmann draws upon his background as a mechanical engineer to champion a philosophy of "simplicity." To eliminate resonance and technical clutter, he insists on constructing each piece with the fewest parts possible. Every product is designed, manufactured, and hand-assembled in their private workshop in Denmark. Their clean, functional aesthetic—where beauty follows form—continues to captivate audiophiles worldwide.

The centerpiece featured here, the Galder & Odin Gold Edition, is a lavish masterpiece finished in 24-carat gold. Its prestige even surpasses the high-end Beogram 4000c, pushing the boundaries of luxury. Given that Bergmann Audio names its creations after deities from Norse mythology, these instruments may seem, to the average user, like artifacts from a world of myths.