Garrard 301 Vintage Turntable Dream Build - 12" SME Tonearm

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General:
We built this custom beauty for a customer a few years ago and we were thrilled to get it back. Might be the nicest 301 we've done to date.

It is loaded with upgrades and no expense was spared.

He took great care of the 'table so it looks and functions like the day we built it. 

Features include:
• Completely rebuilt and custom painted vintage Garrard 301 drive.
• Refurbished SME 3012 T12" tonearm with authentic SME headshell.
• Multi-layer solid plinth finished in a deep ebony veneer.
• Dual-tonearm capable.
• External LDA power supply.
• Cork mat.
• Record weight.
• Iso Acoustics Gaia feet.
• Garrard strobe platter.
• Custom strobe lighting kit.
• Captive tonearm RCA terminal jacks.
• Removable IEC power cord.

These custom 'tables generally take months to source and build but this one is ready to ship. 

Call to discuss cartridge options (none included) or supply your own.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Just the unit and power cord.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

Testing Process:

First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise.

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:

• Pivot to spindle adjustment

• Tracing force

• Anti-skate

• Tonearm height

• Lifter height

• VTA

• Azimuth

• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.