Large and ludicrous Australian turntables

[hal55]

On another thread there was a reference to the above, I think I've seen two of these beasties on Ebay over the last few years but didn't bid since they

a) Looked rough as guts and
b) I knew nothing at all about them

Are they any good? Being Australian I'm most curious if we did at some time turn out a good world class turntable. The word "Commonwealth" springs to mind as the possible name they carried.

Hal55

[Jonneville]

Both Frank Schroeder and Thomas Schick have fabulous examples of these Aussie broadcast TTs in their collections. Have a look on Google images. My favourites are the 16" Byer and the Commonwealth 12D - Schick had a 12D at the Munich show in a new Schick plinth with his new 10.5" arm. Schick's 16" Byer debuted previously in a huge Dan Dare-style plinth and was christened "Liebenthal", or something similar. Melbourne seems to be good hunting ground for these as I think that's where they were made, along with the Orpheus TTs. People were picking them up for pennies but they are now quite expensive. I nearly bought a 12D at the weekend but wasn't comfortable with the deal - as usual be wary if buying on ebay.

Regards

Jon'.

P.S. Mods - can we move this to Idle Vice please?

[hal55]

After posting this I did look at Vinylengine and found that they were indeed "Commonwealth" but absolutely no other information. I take it that they are in fact rather good - I've previously restored an SP 10 and for curiousity's sake would like to do one of these. Had no idea that were a sought after item and will keep an eye out for them.
Any other information anyone?

Hal55

[hal55]

Any thoughts I had of doing one up went out the window when I saw the price on this:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/COMMONWEA...t_10957wt_1344

Gawd, an SP10 body goes for a fraction of that!

Hal55