New Garrard Build

[jeff1225]

Here is my completed Garrard build with a custom plinth designed and built by Peter Noerbaek at PBN audio. Aluminum top and bottom, solid walnut core. It weights 150 lbs and sounds fantastic. GrooveMaster II tonearm and SME 3012R.

I’m waiting for my new platform to be delivered before I move it on the rack. Until then it’s on the floor.

 

[hogen]

Here is my completed Garrard build with a custom plinth designed and built by Peter Noerbaek at PBN audio. Aluminum top and bottom, solid walnut core. It weights 150 lbs and sounds fantastic. GrooveMaster II tonearm and SME 3012R.

I’m waiting for my new platform to be delivered before I move it on the rack. Until then it’s on the floor.
View attachment 74040View attachment 74041

Looks fantastic! Congratulations! How does it compare with your other turntable?

 

[jeff1225]

Here is my completed Garrard build with a custom plinth designed and built by Peter Noerbaek at PBN audio. Aluminum top and bottom, solid walnut core. It weights 150 lbs and sounds fantastic. GrooveMaster II tonearm and SME 3012R.

I’m waiting for my new platform to be delivered before I move it on the rack. Until then it’s on the floor.
View attachment 74040View attachment 74041

 

[spiritofmusic]

So many fantastic tts out there, this is yet another one. Vinyl always speaks to your soul, in so many ways.

 

[jeff1225]

Looks fantastic! Congratulations! How does it compare with your other turntable?

Thank you. I’m going to wait for the rack before a full review but I’d say there is more jump factor, punchier bass but not as black a background. Right now I’m listening to jazz on the Garrard and classical on the Ascona.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Jeffrey, I run a rim drive, effectively idler. Jazz just has a fluid resoluteness (if that's not a contradiction in terms Lol) on this drive train that wholly suits it. MikeL loves jazz on his Saskia as well.

 

[PeterA]

Great project Geoff. Congratulations. The table itself looks like it’s in mint condition and the new plinth is just gorgeous. I love seeing these vintage projects come to fruition and I’m so pleased you like the sound.

 

[Solypsa]

Looks great!

 

[jeff1225]

Shout to @213Cobra for giving me a great deal on a NOS 401 he had picked up a few years ago. I upgraded the idler wheel and installed a brass bearing that he had purchased.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Phil is a fine fellow, glad he came thru for you.

 

[Al M.]

Here is my completed Garrard build with a custom plinth designed and built by Peter Noerbaek at PBN audio. Aluminum top and bottom, solid walnut core. It weights 150 lbs and sounds fantastic. GrooveMaster II tonearm and SME 3012R.

I’m waiting for my new platform to be delivered before I move it on the rack. Until then it’s on the floor.
View attachment 74040View attachment 74041

Looks amazing, Jeff!

Retro-Tech in modern implementation that appears to bring it to current performance standards, but with the advantages from the old design. With the looks to match.

I had been wondering what an original Garrard 401 looked like, this is what I found. Perhaps you can confirm:




From:

Garrard 401 idler wheel turntable in nice condition in original plinth - Photo1016606

www.usaudiomart.com

 

[jeff1225]

Looks amazing, Jeff!

Retro-Tech in modern implementation that appears to bring it to current performance standards, but with the advantages from the old design. With the looks to match.

I had been wondering what an original Garrard 401 looked like, this is what I found. Perhaps you can confirm:

View attachment 74048


From:

Garrard 401 idler wheel turntable in nice condition in original plinth - Photo1016606

www.usaudiomart.com

From what I've read, the vast majority of Garrards were sold "nude" without plinth for use in radio stations and to be inserted in stereo cabinets that were popular at the time. Garrard did make an inexpensive chipboard plinth which you have found a picture of here.

 

[Al M.]

From what I've read, the vast majority of Garrards were sold "nude" without plinth for use in radio stations and to be inserted in stereo cabinets that were popular at the time. Garrard did make an inexpensive chipboard plinth which you have found a picture of here.

Thanks for the info.

The Wikipedia page on Garrard is interesting:

Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company

According to the page, the 401 was introduced in 1965 and produced until 1976.

 

[PeterA]

Jeff, I would think your Garrard could compete with almost anything except for the “Beyond” tables and perhaps the very best of the modern tables. I look forward to one day hearing it In your superb system.

 

[jeff1225]

Jeff, I would think your Garrard could compete with almost anything except for the “Beyond” tables and perhaps the very best of the modern tables. I look forward to one day hearing it In your superb system.

Thank you Peter! I hope you’ll be out soon to hear it.

 

[Ovenmitt]

Fantastic looking build! Congratulations..... I wonder if we all might impose upon you to give us your impressions on the Groovemaster vis a vis the 3012r when you get things sorted?

 

[analogsa]

Can it play classical?

 

[tartanhorde]

Hi - i just came across this thread and would love to hear your impressions of the Groovemaster as well. I am currently debating a GM arm vs. Schick for a Thorens TD124 restoration project. Thank you!

 

[audioblazer]

Hi - i just came across this thread and would love to hear your impressions of the Groovemaster as well. I am currently debating a GM arm vs. Schick for a Thorens TD124 restoration project. Thank you!

U may want to consider the the modified ortofon TA by Alfred Bokrand. Check ebay @ analogandmore4you

 

[jeff1225]

Hi - i just came across this thread and would love to hear your impressions of the Groovemaster as well. I am currently debating a GM arm vs. Schick for a Thorens TD124 restoration project. Thank you!

I’m very impressed with the GM arm. Excellent fit and finish and a smooth sound. The GM is a champion with the SPU cartridge, it tracks well and handles the mass of the cartridge.