Thorens question

[Old bones]

I have a chance to make an offer on one or both of a pair of Thorens turntables. One is a TD165 and the other is a TD166 mkII. There are issues with both, ie. missing belt but the motor turns, missing power lead so can't be tested, broken hinge on cover, etc. But nothing major is missing. I used to have a TD112 back in the day and liked it a lot but I have no idea how good these later ones are. There are one or two heavily modded and restored examples asking top end money on the net but I'm certainly not in that spending level.

What would you offer? And would it really be worth time and effort to do them up?

 

[Arch Stanton]

The original belt is often OK, if there is no belt that is to say the seller don't want you try it, beware.
100 € for each seems to be the correct price if you want to try your chance. 150 € for the pair max.

 

[Old bones]

Thank you for your input. I suppose I could slip the belt off the other one to give it a test. A belt is likely to cost under €10 so not a big factor. So if both motors are running an offer of €100 for the pair would be reasonable given the "potential" quality of these tables. If I take both and there was something seriously broken it looks like I could rob parts off the other to make a go of it.

 

[Arch Stanton]

Yes, if you get them for 100 € the pair, that can be a good bargain. Some parts are exchangeable but not all.


In the Turkish bath in "La grande vadrouille" there is a dialog like this between Louis de funès and Bourvil.

 

[Galu]

missing power lead so can't be tested

I'd be wary of that one. This is a phrase often used in on-line auctions rather than the less enticing statement 'for parts and repair only'.

It implies there is no comeback if it doesn't work.

 

[lcsaszar]

Do they come with arm?

 

[Old bones]

I'd be wary of that one. This is a phrase often used in on-line auctions rather than the less enticing statement 'for parts and repair only'.

It implies there is no comeback if it doesn't work.

Understood. But in this case there is no implied guarantee anyway. I would be prepared to take my chances.

 

[Old bones]

Do they come with arm?

Yes they do.

 

[kffern]

Check that the motor shafts are straight and run true when spinning. The older ones don't have a guard and the platter jumps off the subplatter and hits the pulley spindle when the TT is being transported.
Regards,
Kffern

 

[Old bones]

I will check that. A good point. Thanks.