This novel range of of CD, tape and vinyl storage solutions, from UK-based Tunetables is based on a simple, but ingenious idea – taking the iconic designs of music-equipment flight-cases and sculpting them into fantastic-looking, yet practical display units. The thoughts of Rob Chappelhow, the man behind Tunetables, are bound to strike a chord (if you’ll excuse the pun) with many a music collector. “The Tunetables idea was borne,” he says, “out of a personal desire to have my music collection around me once again.”
Inspiration struck during a visit to the Joe Strummer Archive exhibition in the basement of Fred Perry’s flagship store in Covent Garden. As Rob explains: “Set out under an acrylic plinth was Strummer’s personal tape cassette collection…his musical heritage and inspiration perfectly showcased. It was totally spellbinding. I soon started to conceptualise how I could create my own version of this…a personal time capsule of life-affirming music. I wanted something that could be inherently useful, something that I would see and use every day, and that would be a talking point for like-minded music enthusiasts.”
Tunetables offers a complete set of items to choose from. Each hand-crafted case can be personalised with your own initials or branding. Products from the ‘Classic’ line come complete with their own unique number detailed on a custom badge, which is a nice touch. Storage numbers range from 100 – 500 for CDs, 30 – 60 for tapes, and 75 for vinyl. As you can see from the photos, these products are as much about display as storage, which is crucial for us musicophiles.
Those of a certain age are bound to appreciate the physicality and practicality of Tunetables, and delight in the chance to reinvigorate their horde. Let’s not be ageist, though, there are plenty of younger folk who are discovering the pleasures of adding a tactile element to their music. For many of us, digital sounds just don’t cut it. Online streaming is great for when we are out and about, and no one is going to deny the wonder of having an entire musical world at our fingertips, but clicking a mouse-button or tapping a screen can’t compare with the thrill of excitement which runs through your body when you’re on your way home with a treasured new album in its plastic bag. How many of you out there love to sit back and peruse the album sleeve and liner notes while your newly-acquired music fills the air?
If you’re seeking a stylish solution to breathe new life into your collection, Tunetables might just be the answer you are looking for.
