Help needed: Garrard 401 speed problem

[OldRecordLover]

I've had my 401 for 20+ years without any trouble at all. For the last week or two, I've been playing only 78s but decided to play some 45s today - however, when I changed the speed selector to 45, it still played at 78. So - 33 plays at 33, 78 plays at 78 but 45 plays at 78. I've done nothing else to the 401 apart from change the speed. Does anyone know what might be causing the problem - and how it might be fixed?

[Beobloke]

How is the idler positioned with respect to each step on the pulley when you operate the speed selector? It should be nicely central on each speed and it might just be a case of loosening the pulley and adjusting it’s position on the rotor shaft.

As to why it’s changed recently, it might be time for a cleanup of the old grease and applying some fresh stuff.

[Made in 1968]

Sounds like it between steps or slightly off step like beo says.. nothing else it can be really if the other speeds play ok

[Ali Tait]

Wot they sed ^. Sounds like it's time to service the deck - plenty How To's on line.

[OldRecordLover]

Thank you for the advice, everyone. I have visual impairments and so any dismantling/maintenance is really beyond me.

I'd love to find somebody who I could pay to do this kind of work on my turntables (301 and 401) so if anyone can suggest anyone, I'd be very grateful. Since I don't drive any more, I would prefer to find someone in south London/north Kent. (I know about companies like Loricraft, Classic Turntable Co and Northwest Audio but I don't think either of my turntables needs a £500 rebuild.)

[Spectral Morn]

Thank you for the advice, everyone. I have visual impairments and so any dismantling/maintenance is really beyond me.

I'd love to find somebody who I could pay to do this kind of work on my turntables (301 and 401) so if anyone can suggest anyone, I'd be very grateful. Since I don't drive any more, I would prefer to find someone in south London/north Kent. (I know about companies like Loricraft, Classic Turntable Co and Northwest Audio but I don't think either of my turntables needs a £500 rebuild.)

Loricraft as a company no longer exists, SME took them over. They no longer do work on old Garrard's as Loricraft did, so Audio Grail, CTC and NA are the only remaining choices, or a kind forum member.

[OldRecordLover]

Thanks, Neil. Just to be clear, I'm not looking for "kindness" - I'd just like to find someone I could pay to do the sort of routine maintenance suggested by Ali Tait and Beobloke (rather than a complete rebuild). Years ago, I'd have taken it to my local hi-fi shop (Francis in Streatham, RIP) and their engineer would have done the work.


Wot they sed ^. Sounds like it's time to service the deck - plenty How To's on line.


...it might just be a case of loosening the pulley and adjusting it’s position on the rotor shaft.

As to why it’s changed recently, it might be time for a cleanup of the old grease and applying some fresh stuff.

[Ali Tait]

If I was nearer I'd do it for you, but I'm oop norf.

[WESTLOWER]

Thanks, Neil. Just to be clear, I'm not looking for "kindness" - I'd just like to find someone I could pay to do the sort of routine maintenance suggested by Ali Tait and Beobloke (rather than a complete rebuild). Years ago, I'd have taken it to my local hi-fi shop (Francis in Streatham, RIP) and their engineer would have done the work.

Surely there is someone in this community located in South London who can help sort Al out..?
Where exactly are you located Al (I know you say you are local to Streatham)

[OldRecordLover]

Surely there is someone in this community located in South London who can help sort Al out..?
Where exactly are you located Al (I know you say you are local to Streatham)

Thanks, Adam - I'm in Catford (SE6) but can get the turntable to most places in south London by taxi. I've asked my local hi-fi shop but they won't touch vintage equipment, sadly.

[Barry]

I'm a frequent visitor to NW6 and would offer to help, but I fear the taxi fare from SE6 and back might be a bit steep.

However if you are interested let me know.

Barry

[Bigbird]

You could send it off to Ray at the classic turntable company for a service. It will come back like brand new.


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[scotty38]

He already said he doesn’t want to do that......

[Bigbird]

Doh! I must have scanned over that bit. I know £300(ish) is lot of money but it will be like it has just come from the factory and good to go for another 30 years or more.

Maybe he could just send it to ray to do the repair and bearing clean which would likely be much cheaper than the full monty ??


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[OldRecordLover]

I'm a frequent visitor to NW6 and would offer to help, but I fear the taxi fare from SE6 and back might be a bit steep.

However if you are interested let me know.

Barry

Thanks, Barry - that's very kind of you. However, as you say, it'd be quite a journey I'm afraid.


Doh! I must have scanned over that bit. I know £300(ish) is lot of money but it will be like it has just come from the factory and good to go for another 30 years or more.

Maybe he could just send it to ray to do the repair and bearing clean which would likely be much cheaper than the full monty ??


I had looked at their site but the only thing I could find was a full refurbishment, involving a new paint job etc for £500. Now I notice that they offer a service for £375 but that includes a new platter mat, recutting the strobe and other things which might not be necessary since both of my Garrards are in very good cosmetic condition. However, I'll contact Ray to see if we can work something out - thank you for the suggestion.

[Bigbird]

Thanks, Barry - that's very kind of you. However, as you say, it'd be quite a journey I'm afraid.



I had looked at their site but the only thing I could find was a full refurbishment, involving a new paint job etc for £500. Now I notice that they offer a service for £375 but that includes a new platter mat, recutting the strobe and other things which might not be necessary since both of my Garrards are in very good cosmetic condition. However, I'll contact Ray to see if we can work something out - thank you for the suggestion.

No worries mate. Hes a good egg so will no doubt help you out with what you need. Hope you can get it sorted soon

Cheers

Karl


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