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So. Thorens. What do I need to know?

Fast_Eddie

Fast_Eddie

Upper-middle fi
A friend picked up a Thorens TT in a buy with some other stuff. Being a buddy, and knowing I listen to vinyl, he has offered to sell it to me for a reasonable price. But I don't know anything for Thorens. What are the models to have?

This is a project, from what I hear. I got the impression that it doesn't even turn right now. He said he wasn't sure the motor worked. It has no plinth, but I can build that. So, what key points do I need to know about Thorens Turntables? I'll be having Thanksgiving with him tomorrow and will get a look at it. I'd love to have one if only because they're so cool looking. But are there unobtanium parts that I need to check for before I pick it up?

Thanks,

Ed
 
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get some model numbers and we can help you more.

saying it doesnt have a plinth and that the platter wont spin is hinting to me it may be a td124, in which case it would be a score. the td 124 is one of THE vintage turntables to have and go for big bucks. good luck, you may have more to give thanks for tomorrow then you think!
 
The high-end ones are the TD-124 (idler driver, mucho $$), TD-125 and 125 Mk II, and the TD-126 Mk I-IV. There are variations among those, and many tonearm options.

The "basic" model for many years was the TD-160. A very solid performer and very tweakable. There's also some variations (the Mk II and the 160c I believe). The budget model for that era was the TD-165, close in performance to the 160. There were also the TD-150, the predecessor to the TD-160 (there was also a MkII version of the 150), and the TD-145 (also in Mk II), which was basically the TD-160 with an auto-lift at the end of the record.

Those are the classic Thorens models. You can find out more here.
 
124 is good. Check.

It is an idle wheel drive. He mentioned that the idle wheel would need to be replaced. I'm reasonably handy with stuff, so repairs don't scare me *too* much. I'm just worried about impossible to find parts. Would absolutely love to have a cool Thorens TT though.
 
You should be able to get someone to rebuild the idler for a 124. Nice score if that's what it is. There are some other early idler drive Thorens besides the 124 (like the 134) that may be harder to source parts for.
 
The TD-121 I believe was the same thing as the 124 just only 33.3/45 speeds and no pitch control.

The 16X series are the simplest, I chose simplest because basic/lower end isn't really a fair description because these 16X series tables are unbelievable tables that if setup appropriately they sound just that, unbelievable. The TD-150 is still very similar but it uses a different sub-chassis design that uses a different armboard style.
 
Fast Eddie,

A TD-124 is one of the finest turntables ever built. In a massive plinth, and with a nice tonearm fitted, something you can live with almost forever.
 
Okay, just talked to my friend. It is a TD 124. That's great news!

Just to be clear, he's not giving it to me. I'll give him a pretty fair hunk of cash for a project condition table. But good to know it's the "right" one. So I'm assuming I'll be able to track down any parts I may need to get it working. Hoping I can get the motor working by taking it apart and cleaning it up. I saw a lot of info and supplies available. Probably a new thrust bearing and some proper lube. If that gets the motor going, it may not cost me too much to get the thing running. Making a massive plinth will be a fun project. Shoot, I need to take the CNC router class at the workshop I belong to and I could make something really neat.

Thanks everyone,

Ed
 
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+1 Get the TD124. Lots of info on the web. Or, if it is a TD135, with built in arm, it's still good. My TD135's playing now. Both come in Mk I and Mk II flavors.
 
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Check to see if its a 124 or 124 Mk. II, there are some subtle differences. Also, does it come with a tone arm board or any tone arm? Is so, that would be a plus but not sure if merits more $$ depending on arm and condition. Same with any cartridge.

Sounds like it will be a fun project. Unless the turntable has been severely abused, the 124 will clean up easily and all the mechanical parts can be reconditioned and refurbished with all the resources out there now supporting the table. It won't be necessarily inexpensive but the results are usually well worth it.

Hope to see some "before and current" pics, and then your restoration project thread!

Good luck and nice to have a friend that remembers your passions.
 
Eddie,

There are plenty of TD-124 owners right here in Audio karma. You should get tons of help.

Check mine here:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/album.php?albumid=66&pictureid=228


Also, this is a must read website:http://www.theanalogdept.com/thorens_dept_.htm

Here´s a service manual: http://www.theanalogdept.com/images/spp6_pics/TT manuals/Thorens/TD124 svc man.pdf

Oh, and I must mention I´ve owned TT´s like Linn LP-12, Ariston RD-80, and kenwood KD-600, and the TD-124 beats them all, hands down.
 
Thanks gang. Dinner was outstanding, and for desert, I brought home the 124. It's very complete, so I think I should be able to get it going. Least I hope so. Was very happy to see it has an arm board and an arm, though the arm looks a little funny. Not sure what's up with the droopy counterweight. Not sure if there is something broken there or if it's something I can fix.
 

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hi fi nut, that looks fantastic! Hope to have mine singing like that some day. Going to take my sweet old time on this project though. I'm not at all familiar with it and it's actually worth something. I've had projects that were worth something before and I've had projects I knew nothing about, but never in the same package before.
 
That is a great table. I have the TD 124 and TD 124 MK II. You can either restore that tone arm, or get another tone arm (I have one table fitted with SME 3009 and the other with SME 3012). There is a rubber insert that separates the counterweight from the arm tube on your tonearm. I have that same arm but just have not gotten around to getting it apart and try to restore it so I don't know much about parts availability, but I'm sure others may be able to help.

You can buy almost any other part for this table on fleabay (idler wheels, motor grommets, belts, upgrade kits for the bearing, motor rebuild kits, etc.). There is also a guy in San Francisco that will rebuild the motor for about thirty five bucks (does a great job), or you can get a rebuilding kit and do it yourself.

As mentioned by others this is a classic table, very collectible, goes for big bucks restored and it sounds sweet with a good tonearm and cart. It is built like a tank, very precise and with proper care will outlast you.
 
thisOne said:
There is a rubber insert that separates the counterweight from the arm tube on your tonearm.
Click to expand...

Ah, I see that now. Thanks.

So, it's an Ortofon tonearm, right? The head shell says Ortofon on it, so I'm assuming it's original to the arm. It has a Shure M44-7 Cartridge mounted in it. It looks okay to the naked eye, but I'll need to get a look at the stylus.
 

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Tis a superb TT you have there Fast_Eddie. I've only had the pleasure of listening to one (never owning), and I was blown away by its performance. Add in the TA, which I think is a Ortofon 212 series, and you are well on your way to vinyl heaven. Would also like to see pics of the progress you make on the restoration of this beauty. :yes:
 
I'll take plenty of pics and update. I'll start another thread when I actually start working on it. I did find that it appears to be, as you said, an Ortofon 212 and the sagging counter weight seems to be very common. This guy fixed it with what is, unless I'm missing my guess, vacuum tube!

http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/ortdiy.htm

I'll probably take the arm off and store it safely away while I work on getting the table working.

What about that cart? When I google it, I get a lot of references to DJs scratching and how it absolutely doesn't skip ever no matter how hard you're yanking on the platter. Uh, I love my SL1200, but that doesn't sound good. But mine is white and all the ones I see are black. Anyone know anything about it?

Thanks, I'm getting pretty excited about this! Glad the arm is a good one.

Take care,

Ed
 
I suggest you read through this thread also...

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analogue-source/174341-restoring-improving-thorens-td-124-mkii.html

It's very long but you'll find a ton a great info from guys who have refurbished TD124s, and they're very friendly and helpful too...

I rebuilt the motor on mine with the help of the thread that hifi_nut suggested, it's very well done.

If I can make another suggestion; although the 124 is relatively simple to understand for someone with mechanical skills, make sure you take lots of pics while you strip it (if that's your intention), and bag (read ziploc) everything by "system"... it makes the rebuild so much more easier.

Also, if you intend on keeping that tt, don't skimp on the upgrades, i-e: motor suspension, main bearing and thrust plate, main platter pads, plinth silicon mushrooms, etc...).

And, of course, keep us posted :D

P.S.: It's a good thing that you have the top aluminium platter (hoping its true), otherwise very expensive to acquire by itself...
 
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Thanks for the fantastic links guys! I'll do a load of reading before I get started. And I have every intention of keeping it. I did tell my wife about it (didn't have much choice, she was there with me) and she knows what I paid for it, which is a couple of bucks itself. And I showed her what they sell for. I didn't, however, show her how much I'll have to spend on it!
 
If you have any questions Ed, I'll be glad to try and answer, although I'm not a specialist, but I completely and I mean completely refurbished mine by myself.
 
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