Tim
29-03-2014, 20:12
Garrard Model 401 Transcription Turntable - #17XXX
This was supposed to be my 6,000th post, but I missed it posting something curmudgeonly elsewhere! Anyway, hopefully a little more interesting than my usual album cover in Spinning Today? I'm not entirely sure what I'm letting myself in for and this isn't intended as a replacement for my file based audio system, more an addition to allow me to play the few records I have retained from the 70's and give me access to new vinyl which frequently pops up at gigs these days and the yearly RSD . . . a TT needs to be a good performer to live next to my music server so hopefully this won't disappoint . . . anyway, here goes ;)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020805_zpsd7fbd576.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020805_zpsd7fbd576.jpg.html)
I recently stumbled across this and some might say it had my name on it? I'm still contemplating where to steer the project, but my current favoured option is a full restoration by Audio Grail, possibly a custom designed plinth and a service/upgrade for the SME 3009. I'm also considering a Jelco SA-750, which may suit my vision for the overall finished look of the deck. I envisage a modern appearance, rather than keeping its vintage/retro looks, so a modern arm won't look out of place. I want this to be sleek and minimalist. If I do go for a Jelco 750, should I opt for a 9" or 10" arm, I don't want 12" . . . what do you think guys?
I anticipate this being a long project and it has to be right, because its hopefully a keeper. I'll add to the thread when anything new or interesting occurs, which should prove useful not only for me, but for others interested in doing something similar, so I encourage comment as there is no doubt AoS is a conduit into a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and the willingness of its members to pitch in and help out is exceptional.
Here's how it looks right now;
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020806_zpsd84e035d.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020806_zpsd84e035d.jpg.html)
The control plate is good, no scratches with all lettering visible, just a layer of grime and some fingerprints.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020809_zps108f9ba3.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020809_zps108f9ba3.jpg.html)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020811_zpsc1cdb6fc.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020811_zpsc1cdb6fc.jpg.html)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020813_zps5d1409b2.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020813_zps5d1409b2.jpg.html)
Overall it seems a good example for its age, as its one of the early flush strobe models with raised lettering and a serial number commencing 17XXX - I believe its from around 1968~70. I have yet to power it up as I want to give it a once over first, but it'll be tested soon. There is however one issue which will need addressing . . . some bright spark hacked a small corner from the right rear of the chassis (see above) fitting the arm, which will require a repair or replacement. I favour a repair as I would like to retain as much of the original deck as possible and its only a small section – does anyone have any comments or advice regarding how to approach this? I might try to tackle this myself and then have the deck professionally powder coated or maybe a wet paint finish. I'm considering black or gunmetal grey, as opposed to keeping the muddy brown default colour.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020817_zpsd30385c8.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020817_zpsd30385c8.jpg.html)
The underside base plate is clean with all linkages in good order and operating smoothly. The motor housing has no visible signs of corrosion and even the rubber isolator sleeves on the motor springs don't appear perished. The platter strobe markings are also clearly defined.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020821_zps34355afa.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020821_zps34355afa.jpg.html)
The idler wheel looks to be in good order and might just need a clean, lubrication and re-dressing. The spindle is steady without any lateral play and I have taken the bottom plate off the spindle housing to inspect the spindle itself and that too seems in good order, as is the thrust plate. Its been lubricated and the bearing is oiled and the oil retaining spindle felt pad/washer is damp, so it appears the last owner looked after it.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020822_zps429eab48.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020822_zps429eab48.jpg.html)
The plinth material/design is not yet finalised and likely the most crucial element. A lot will depend on where the unit eventually ends up. I currently favour a slate plinth for the claimed sonic benefits of using such a high mass material, which makes sense to me, however I've been reading some opinions stating that slate isn't the be all and end all (Loricraft for one), but Hi-Fi preferences always seem to divide opinion. If this ends up in my main living space, wood might be more visually appealing and I really like the RFC plinth with its flush fitting of the deck. Aesthetics are an important consideration and it will have to ‘look right’ if its going to be sat in my living room. Additionally, a stone or slate plinth will be heavy, so it might not work where I want to place it. I also want the plinth to be individual, rather than something off the shelf, but cost might be the limiting factor here. Ideally this will end up being a one off restoration, rather than a carbon copy of another restored 401, but at this point I don't have a firm budget, so its fluid and may change. I'm very impressed by the Classic Turntable Company 301 with the solid chassis, which turns a 401 into a 301 and folk seem to like them a lot. There are certainly a lot of 401's in Google images, so plenty of inspiration out there and plenty to confuse me too!
The arm if retained will probably go to Johnnie at Audio Origami for a service and rewire. As for a cartridge . . . . well that’s a minefield I intend avoiding until everything else is taken care of. I quite favour an Ortofon SPU but may start off with a Denon DL-103 . . . some help and direction will be needed here, as I've been out of the turntable game for around 30 years now.
To recap the pertinent points being considered;
Retain/service the 3009 or fit a Jelco 750 - bearing in mind the proposed modern appearance of the finished restoration
If a Jelco arm, 9" or 10"
Best way to repair the cut corner of the chassis
Powder coat or wet paint finish
Black, gunmetal grey or original Garrard brown paint job
Plinth material - slate or wood
If anyone has any thoughts or advice be they positive or negative do pitch in, as feedback is a gift . . . . and watch this space, but don’t get the popcorn out just yet guys, as I anticipate this might take awhile!
This was supposed to be my 6,000th post, but I missed it posting something curmudgeonly elsewhere! Anyway, hopefully a little more interesting than my usual album cover in Spinning Today? I'm not entirely sure what I'm letting myself in for and this isn't intended as a replacement for my file based audio system, more an addition to allow me to play the few records I have retained from the 70's and give me access to new vinyl which frequently pops up at gigs these days and the yearly RSD . . . a TT needs to be a good performer to live next to my music server so hopefully this won't disappoint . . . anyway, here goes ;)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020805_zpsd7fbd576.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020805_zpsd7fbd576.jpg.html)
I recently stumbled across this and some might say it had my name on it? I'm still contemplating where to steer the project, but my current favoured option is a full restoration by Audio Grail, possibly a custom designed plinth and a service/upgrade for the SME 3009. I'm also considering a Jelco SA-750, which may suit my vision for the overall finished look of the deck. I envisage a modern appearance, rather than keeping its vintage/retro looks, so a modern arm won't look out of place. I want this to be sleek and minimalist. If I do go for a Jelco 750, should I opt for a 9" or 10" arm, I don't want 12" . . . what do you think guys?
I anticipate this being a long project and it has to be right, because its hopefully a keeper. I'll add to the thread when anything new or interesting occurs, which should prove useful not only for me, but for others interested in doing something similar, so I encourage comment as there is no doubt AoS is a conduit into a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and the willingness of its members to pitch in and help out is exceptional.
Here's how it looks right now;
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020806_zpsd84e035d.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020806_zpsd84e035d.jpg.html)
The control plate is good, no scratches with all lettering visible, just a layer of grime and some fingerprints.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020809_zps108f9ba3.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020809_zps108f9ba3.jpg.html)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020811_zpsc1cdb6fc.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020811_zpsc1cdb6fc.jpg.html)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020813_zps5d1409b2.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020813_zps5d1409b2.jpg.html)
Overall it seems a good example for its age, as its one of the early flush strobe models with raised lettering and a serial number commencing 17XXX - I believe its from around 1968~70. I have yet to power it up as I want to give it a once over first, but it'll be tested soon. There is however one issue which will need addressing . . . some bright spark hacked a small corner from the right rear of the chassis (see above) fitting the arm, which will require a repair or replacement. I favour a repair as I would like to retain as much of the original deck as possible and its only a small section – does anyone have any comments or advice regarding how to approach this? I might try to tackle this myself and then have the deck professionally powder coated or maybe a wet paint finish. I'm considering black or gunmetal grey, as opposed to keeping the muddy brown default colour.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020817_zpsd30385c8.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020817_zpsd30385c8.jpg.html)
The underside base plate is clean with all linkages in good order and operating smoothly. The motor housing has no visible signs of corrosion and even the rubber isolator sleeves on the motor springs don't appear perished. The platter strobe markings are also clearly defined.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020821_zps34355afa.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020821_zps34355afa.jpg.html)
The idler wheel looks to be in good order and might just need a clean, lubrication and re-dressing. The spindle is steady without any lateral play and I have taken the bottom plate off the spindle housing to inspect the spindle itself and that too seems in good order, as is the thrust plate. Its been lubricated and the bearing is oiled and the oil retaining spindle felt pad/washer is damp, so it appears the last owner looked after it.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/P1020822_zps429eab48.jpg (http://s173.photobucket.com/user/greatgig/media/P1020822_zps429eab48.jpg.html)
The plinth material/design is not yet finalised and likely the most crucial element. A lot will depend on where the unit eventually ends up. I currently favour a slate plinth for the claimed sonic benefits of using such a high mass material, which makes sense to me, however I've been reading some opinions stating that slate isn't the be all and end all (Loricraft for one), but Hi-Fi preferences always seem to divide opinion. If this ends up in my main living space, wood might be more visually appealing and I really like the RFC plinth with its flush fitting of the deck. Aesthetics are an important consideration and it will have to ‘look right’ if its going to be sat in my living room. Additionally, a stone or slate plinth will be heavy, so it might not work where I want to place it. I also want the plinth to be individual, rather than something off the shelf, but cost might be the limiting factor here. Ideally this will end up being a one off restoration, rather than a carbon copy of another restored 401, but at this point I don't have a firm budget, so its fluid and may change. I'm very impressed by the Classic Turntable Company 301 with the solid chassis, which turns a 401 into a 301 and folk seem to like them a lot. There are certainly a lot of 401's in Google images, so plenty of inspiration out there and plenty to confuse me too!
The arm if retained will probably go to Johnnie at Audio Origami for a service and rewire. As for a cartridge . . . . well that’s a minefield I intend avoiding until everything else is taken care of. I quite favour an Ortofon SPU but may start off with a Denon DL-103 . . . some help and direction will be needed here, as I've been out of the turntable game for around 30 years now.
To recap the pertinent points being considered;
Retain/service the 3009 or fit a Jelco 750 - bearing in mind the proposed modern appearance of the finished restoration
If a Jelco arm, 9" or 10"
Best way to repair the cut corner of the chassis
Powder coat or wet paint finish
Black, gunmetal grey or original Garrard brown paint job
Plinth material - slate or wood
If anyone has any thoughts or advice be they positive or negative do pitch in, as feedback is a gift . . . . and watch this space, but don’t get the popcorn out just yet guys, as I anticipate this might take awhile!