This started out as my uncle's Garrard Type A Mk II record changer. It got passed on to me last winter. The motor worked, but the other functions needed help. Once I looked under the hood, I realized it needed more expertise than I could provide to restore it's original functions. I made the decision to strip the automation, upgrade it with a Marantz tonearm, and build a custom cherry/curly maple plinth. I also brushed up the platter, painted the tray, added an acrylic mat, and mounted a decent LP Gear Vivid Line stylus to an AT-3600L cart. I removed the spring suspension in favor of vibration isolating rubber feet, but kept the original motor, controls tray, and rim drive system. Once dialed it in, it sounds pretty darn good to me. I've been having a blast playing oldies from his era on it, but it does just fine with modern recordings too. Very enjoyable and satisfying first TT project.
Last edited:
That's a nice piece of repurposing. I like it! 😎
You've now got a unique idler drive turntable. Revel in using it.
You've now got a unique idler drive turntable. Revel in using it.
One of a kind indeed! I recently refurbished a Garrard SP25 MkII. First thing I did was to strip out the automatic mechanism and convert it to fully manual operation - just like I did with my twin BSR McDonald MP 60s back in my disco days!
It now tracks an AT91R at a groove friendly 2g, and the satisfaction of watching my 60s and 70s LPs spin on it is immense. Doesn't sound half bad either - to my ageing ears!
I've got more sophisticated turntables, but they simply don't compete in the nostalgia stakes.
I wonder what your next TT project will be, now that you've been bitten by the bug! Thanks for sharing.
It now tracks an AT91R at a groove friendly 2g, and the satisfaction of watching my 60s and 70s LPs spin on it is immense. Doesn't sound half bad either - to my ageing ears!
I've got more sophisticated turntables, but they simply don't compete in the nostalgia stakes.
I wonder what your next TT project will be, now that you've been bitten by the bug! Thanks for sharing.