Garrard 301 restoration project

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks, will have to do some research.

[A.Grail]

A good place to start:
http://qualia.webs.com/plinthbuilding.htm

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks Matt.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Martin Bastin modified bearing is a coming home on Tuesday! More pics and info/thoughts when its installed and had time to listen to it.

[DarrenHW]

[Wakefield Turntables]

Bearing arrived this morning just about to plumb it in for a listen. Then we start on properly earthing the 301.

[DarrenHW]

What changes are you making to the earthing Andy?

[Wakefield Turntables]

New Martin Bastin modified bearing installed!

Martin completely stripped the bearing down, ultrasonically cleaned and polished every component. The old oil in the bearing has been replaced with something which martin recommends. My bearing was classified as being in very good condition and similar to a 401 bearing Martin also did a little lathe work on the thrust plate. I was also supplied with a decent tube of oil and a pipette. Work was prompt and everything came to less then £50.

BARGAIN!

The platter is spinning in absolute silence. Needle drops onto the platter cannot be heard. Bass has improved a little, not earth shattering but a nice improvement. Microdetail is improved and instrument seperation has markedly improved. I've had less than 2 hours playing and already noticed some great improvements. This is one improvement that all 301/401 owners should strongly consider.


PS Darren, it's probably better to contact Martin yourself and discuss your bearing/earthing needs. Send me a PM if you want his details.

[Procyon]

I'm looking for a plinth option for my 301 and this thread has been very useful yet I'm still not much nearer deciding which way to go!

Rexton what's your view of the plinth you bought from Moldova? Presumably you had to pay import/customs fees on it?

Thanks
C

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm looking for a plinth option for my 301 and this thread has been very useful yet I'm still not much nearer deciding which way to go!

Rexton what's your view of the plinth you bought from Moldova? Presumably you had to pay import/customs fees on it?

Thanks
C

Chris,

The plinth makes a MASSIVE difference. Its as near to a Shindo Cherry Wood as you'll get. Don't be fooled by people saying that Slate is better, it isn't! I've owned slate and could not hear any difference bewteen it my birch ply plinth, the cost is also stupidly expensive. If your on a budget I would recommend birch ply 100%. Moldova is part of the European union say you pay no import/custom fees. The finish and build are second to none and you will not get anything as good in this country (unless your mate can make you one) for the cost I paid. The waiting time is quite long (2 months) but I got piano gloss finish with 10 layers of laquer and varnish. Slightly off thread but if your serious about doing your 301 I would recommend you send you bearing to Martin Bastin for a full fettle and then ignore the stupid prices which can be paid for some after market bearings. I worried and worried about buying a bearing and then came to the conclusion that a £50 fettle would probably be more cost effective than a >£500 aftermarket jobby. Again I have heard several of these bearings and came away completely underwhelmed every time. You can easily be dragged into spending thousands on after market crap. My final upgrade for my own deck will be a Martin Bastin PSU. I may do some more messing with decoupling the motor and mount this external from the 301 to stop vibration entering into the 301 chasis via diverting it into the mass and dampening properties of the birch ply plinth. Hope all this helps.