Garrard 301 w/Grey Research Tone Arm
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| Condition | |
| Payment methods |       |
| Ships from | Vernon, CT, 06066 |
| Ships to | United States |
| Package dimensions | 24.0" × 18.0" × 12.0" (20.0 lbs.) |
| Shipping carrier | FedEx |
| Shipping cost | Log in to see price |
 Average | Research Pricing |
Garrard 301 Turntable and Gray Research Tone Arm - The all-time British classic...
This unit has been wonderfully married with a Gray Research tone arm and comes with four (4) different styli. The turntable motor, platter and tonearm are housed in what appears to be a Garrard plinth. There are adjustable threaded feet (one missing) and springs to ensure a stable platform for your listening pleasure.
The unit has been tested and functions well but could use a professional cleaning to bring it closer to it’s original state.
History and other interesting tidbits:
The Garrard Model 301 Transcription Motor is recognized as supreme in its class
Introduced 1954, usually sold as a bare chassis without plinth, tonearm, and cartridge
Made from diecast aluminum (chassis and platter), weight 16 lbs. (6 lbs. for the platter),
shaded pole induction motor (magnetically screened) suspended on springs,
speed range 32 to 34, 44 to 46 and 76 to 80 r.p.m. approx.
The iconic Garrard 301 transcription turntable is revered the world over. Its successor the Garrard 401 is by all accounts sonically superior but the classic design of the 301 outshines the 401. Audio buffs mock the idle wheel mechanism, it’s so much noisier compared to the belt drive and even some very high-end direct drive turntables, but to fans, that is what gives the 301 it's unique sound and character.
The Garrard 301 was the first transcription turntable that played at 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 rpm speeds. It was robust, minimalist and beautifully built. It featured a 4 pole Garrard Induction motor driving an idle wheel which drove the platter from inside its rim. The chassis and platter were made from diecast aluminum and weighed 16 pounds - 6 pounds of which was the platter. The platter was balanced and freely spun on a high precision bearing.
There were two schedules of the Garrard 301.
- Schedule 1 (51400/1): 1953 to 1957 Grease bearing
- Schedule 2 (51400/2): 1957 to 1965 Oil bearing
- Voltage: Dual range 100 - 130v and 200 - 250v (The actual current required varied slightly from early to later motors.)
- Frequency: 50Hz (nickel) or 60Hz (brass) according to motor pulley fitted.
- Wow: Less than 0.02%
- Flutter: Less than 0.05%
Grey enamel “hammertone” paint. This is a textured paint used to hide imperfection in metal. It is suggested that the grey 301’s were made from melted down bombs and other armament surplus from WW2. A lot of the hammertone 301’s went to the BBC who were not bothered about the finish but happy about the reduced price.
All grey 301’s are rimless. They do not have a rim on the inside edge of the chassis where the turntable sits. During the crossover period to Ivory 301’s, when high quality aluminium was available again; a small number were made using the rimless mold. These are the rarest of the Garrard 301’s. They turn up around the mid 15000 serial numbers. All other 301’s have a rim.
Sometimes they are marked with a model. “A” and “2” have been spotted. "A" model. Refers to a 120v and a 60Hz brass pulley made for the American market.
Transit clamp: Apart from the grey 301’s all others have transit clamps with red screw heads viewable under the turntable near the idle wheel. As the name suggests they are only for clamping the heavy motor while in transit and should be completely loosened before levelling and setting up the turntable. Some audio buffs completely remove the transit clamp, claiming it's weight and springs may cause noise.
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Item can be returned within 7 days of receipt.
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Items must be returned in their original condition, with all included packing materials and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all shipping return costs unless the item was not received as described.
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