Gold Note Pianosa Turntable, Black

The Gold Note Pianosa is a high-quality turntable from Italy – a deck that tracks your records with the calm and precision the Tuscan house is known for. It arrives ready to play, with a 9-inch tonearm already fitted.

Within the Italian Turntables Series, the Pianosa sits right in the middle – above the Valore models, below Giglio and Mediterraneo. Here in elegant black lacquer, which suits any system timelessly.

Why the Pianosa?

Because a lot of flagship technology sits inside an affordable deck here. The electronics driving the 12-volt synchronous motor come directly from Gold Note's top models: the “Quadral-Core” microcontroller reshapes the AC voltage, suppresses vibrations and delivers the torque for clean dynamics. The motor sits decoupled in its own housing; you choose the speed (33⅓ and 45) electronically at the push of a button, with fine adjustment – and the setting stays saved.

What you get

A completely ready-to-play deck: the gimbal-mounted 9-inch B-5.1 tonearm is already fitted and wired, and a transparent dust cover with removable hinges is included – neither is a given in this class. The curved “Catenary” plinth in Italian walnut or lacquered MDF is reinforced with a stainless-steel plate and provides the necessary calm beneath the stylus. You choose a cartridge to match – or simply take our pre-matched set with the Vasari Shibata.

Who it's for

For anyone who wants a serious, long-lasting turntable that sounds good and looks good – without reaching for a five-figure flagship shelf. Bottom line: if you just want to hear records quickly and cheaply, you're better served by an entry-level deck. The Pianosa pays off once you give it a good cartridge and a decent phono stage.

Is a cartridge included?

Not with the Pianosa on its own – the tonearm and dust cover are included, the cartridge comes separately. If you want it simple: our “Pianosa Walnut + Vasari Shibata” set comes with a pre-matched cartridge already fitted and ready to go.

Our verdict

The Pianosa is a grown-up Italian turntable that keeps pace with far more expensive decks while looking like a piece of furniture you're happy to show off. Come by in Wädenswil, bring your favourite record along – we'll set up the deck and cartridge correctly for you.

Technical data

• Type: turntable (belt drive) with fitted tonearm, without cartridge
• Tonearm: Gold Note B-5.1, 9 inches, gimbal-mounted, cable included
• Motor: 12-volt synchronous motor with high torque, decoupled
• Drive: Quadral-Core microcontroller power supply (external), rectified NBR belt (70 Shore)
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm, electronic, ±0.1%, with fine adjustment
• Platter: 23 mm damped poly-vinyl platter
• Bearing/spindle: split-spindle clamping system, hardened chrome-steel spindle, 5 mm chrome-steel ball bearing
• Plinth: curved Catenary construction, Italian walnut or lacquered MDF, 20 mm MDF + 3 mm stainless-steel plate
• Wow & flutter: 0.1%
• Rumble: –77 dB
• Scope of delivery: tonearm fitted, dust cover (transparent, removable hinges), record clamp, belt, counterweight
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 425 × 200 × 360 mm
• Weight: 13.5 kg
• Finish: Black (lacquered MDF, black metal parts)

Frequently asked questions

Which cartridge suits the Pianosa?

The B-5.1 tonearm pairs well with many good MM and MC cartridges. Gold Note's own Vasari is an obvious, sonically coherent choice – but we're happy to advise you on alternatives too, matched to your music and your budget.

Do I need a separate phono stage?

Yes. The Pianosa delivers the pure cartridge signal; for the amplifier you need a phono preamplifier such as the Gold Note PH-10. Many integrated amplifiers, though, already have a phono input built in – just ask us.

Why buy the Gold Note Pianosa at HD Zürisee?

Because a turntable needs to be set up correctly to sound good: tracking force, anti-skate, azimuth, VTA. We do this for you, advise you on the right chain, and are there for you in Wädenswil – even after the purchase. From CHF 190 we ship free of charge throughout Switzerland.

Goes well with: cartridges, tonearms and further turntables.