LEGO Record Player: Is It Real? And Why It’s Blowing Up

The truth is, all of our feeds over the past two years or so have been inundated with pictures and videos of LEGO record players.

Whenever one of these super aesthetic shorts hit my feed, I wonder, what am I actually looking at? Does this LEGO record player actually play music?

Most of the time, the LEGO record player going viral is a fan-made MOC, short for “My Own Creation,” which means a custom build designed by someone in the LEGO community. That is where a lot of the confusion starts, because some look polished enough to feel official, and a few go far enough mechanically that people assume they must really work.

Let us get one thing out of the way: *almost all* LEGO record players do not play. They do have moving parts and can function very much like the real thing, but if you are expecting to play an actual vinyl record on them, you are out of luck.

Still, it can be (and is for many collectors) the perfect addition to your desk, especially beside a real record player or turntable. And a fun, easy way to get in on this viral trend.

Table of Contents

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about LEGO record players.

1. Wait. Is the LEGO Record Player Actually Real?
2. LEGO record player MOCs 
3. Why the LEGO Record Player Is Blowing Up
4. The Best LEGO Record Player Options 
5. Conclusion: A Viral Build – Not a Real Turntable

Affiliate Disclosure: We’re a small team of vinyl enthusiasts – if you get value from our insights, using our affiliate links (including Amazon Associates) helps us earn a commission and keep the lights on at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Recordbuilds.com!

Wait. Is the LEGO Record Player Actually Real?

Alright, so we all know the first question you might ask is, is a LEGO record player even real? It sounds too good to be true. Combining the nostalgia of LEGO with the vintage and trendy vibe of a record player, can such a thing exist?

Image source: Yahoo

Well, yes, it does. However, there are a few caveats…

Official or MOC (My Own Creation), both versions are primarily decorative and cannot be used to play vinyl records, unless there is a special mechanism added, like a battery and Bluetooth connectivity system.

Even if it is for aesthetics and vibes, a LEGO record player is a great addition to any setup.

The Complicated Mystery of Purchasing a LEGO Record Player

Now, back to whether these are “real”, even if they do not play record players in the normal sense, you may still want one from a legit source.

You can get a LEGO record player through the official channels, that is, from an official LEGO store. LEGO record players generally cannot be purchased individually, as they are part of larger sets. They belong to the ‘retro’ category, and you can own them as long as you are willing to spend a little extra. 

A more affordable option is also available, and this involves making your own LEGO record player by getting fan-made My Own Creations (MOCs) and we will touch on that in the next section.

LEGO record player MOCs 

So let’s forget the official sets for a second. Because the fans built something better.

MOCs or My Own Creations are special LEGO designs created by individuals. These designs make use of LEGO bricks that you can easily buy. What makes them so special is that the design is not a generic one developed by the company; it is made by an artist, and this makes the MOC rare. There are very few official options available if you are looking for a LEGO record player. This is where MOCs shine, as there is a wide variety of designs available online. 

Make sure to consider the following when looking to buy MOC instructions online: 

Difficulty level

Some MOCs are more difficult than others. It all depends upon the level of challenge you are willing to take. In most cases, there will be a difficulty level rating available for you to determine if an MOC is suitable for you or not. 

Parts list complexity

Since you will be sourcing all the parts yourself, you need to make sure it is not too difficult to get your hands on all the parts. Learn what some of the rarest LEGO pieces are and be sure to avoid them. 

Whether it has moving parts

Having moving parts is always a plus. It adds realism to the experience and is a fun addition to an already interesting looking item.

Where to get instructions

Best go for well-known and genuine websites. You do not want to get scammed or be frustrated by an impossible build that is featured on some shady websites. 

Here is reddit’s guide to building MOCs

• Use bricklink.com to buy individual bricks for MOCs
• Use Bricklink Studio if you want to design MOCs digitally on a PC
• Use Flikr/Instagram to follow other Lego MOC creators to learn techniques (and photography. A bad picture of a MOC doesn’t do your build the justice it deserves if you want to share them!)
• Use THIS to learn SNOT building techniques
• Tips and Bricks is also a another good catch-all for learning Lego building skills

How to “Gift” a MOC

Since these aren’t official sets, you can’t just send a link to Amazon. To gift a viral MOC, follow this workflow:

• Purchase the Instructions: Buy the PDF manual from the designer on Rebrickable.
• Export the “Wanted List”: These sites allow you to export a file of every single brick needed.
• Order via BrickLink: Upload that list to BrickLink to buy all the parts from various vendors in one go.
• The Presentation: Gift the recipient the “bag of bricks” along with a printed copy of the digital manual.

Why the LEGO Record Player Is Blowing Up

That still leaves the bigger question: why has this trend taken off so hard?

Well before we get to that, it is important to think about why you would even get one. Take a moment to breathe and not get swept up in the rage behind the trend? Here are all the actual reasons to get your hands on a record player made out of LEGO:

Beyond the Sound

A record player is not just a functional device that one has, like a television or a computer; it has become an integral part of vintage aesthetics. It is retro and cool. 

LEGO Therapy 

It isn’t just fun to own and display a LEGO record player; the building process is just as entertaining, if not more. It is the perfect form of adult therapy, a great way to spend an evening or two. You can even invite friends or a significant other to bond over building the set. 

Here is an article from LEGO themselves, describing the benefits of the mindfullness of LEGOs. Link

An Affordable Collectible

Unlike most other collectibles, a LEGO record player does not cost much. This is very true for vintage items that are rare and notoriously expensive. LEGO sets are collectibles, and a record player made out of LEGO is a collectible that does not break the bank and gives vintage vibes. 

Music, Design, and Nostalgia Combined

It is one item that covers a lot of bases. Music lovers, vintage enthusiasts, and design fiends, a LEGO record player keeps all of them happy. It is a versatile item that the majority can appreciate and admire. 

The Best LEGO Record Player Options 

So you want one. Fair enough. The hard part is figuring out which one is actually worth your time and money, because not all LEGO record players are created equal.

Some are official sets you can grab right now, some are limited edition hunts, and some require sourcing dozens of individual bricks from across the internet.

Here is a breakdown of the best options depending on what you are actually after.

Conclusion: A Viral Build – Not a Real Turntable

That is really the whole story.

LEGO record players are real. They are just usually not real turntables. Some are official. Most of the viral ones are MOCs. A few go way further than the average display build. And all of that is why they are so easy to get obsessed with in the first place.

If one has been living in your camera roll or sitting in your saved folder for weeks, now you at least know what you are actually looking at.

But this trend probably works best as a side piece next to the real thing. Because the actual magic is not in the LEGO version. It is in what a real turntable can do with those plastic discs once the setup is right.

That is the part we care about here.

So whether you are looking for a better accessory, a better setup, or your first real turntable at all, start by browsing around at all of our setups, then use the Builder to figure out what actually fits your room, budget, and taste.

Fun on the Shelf. Real Sound Next.