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BIC Turntables

I have a question for anyone that bought their BIC's new, as it seems there are a few here that have (Doug G?). I have read several times where the 980 and 960 have come with pre-installed cartridges, often the V15-III, as it was permanently attached to the headshell. I ask because I just won an auction for the 960, which is the base, cover, and table each in new unopened boxes from someone's friend who's audio shop went out of business. The boxes each appear to have BIC tape on them so I take them at their word. I was hoping it might have a V15-III waiting inside, lol. So, what is the status and likelihood the headshell will have a cartridge on it?

I realize this will also be a seized unit but that's no problem and I'll take care to do the required maintenance before hand. Just under 150 clams shipped so it cost me its original retail but I also have a 14 day return option if I'm not happy and it's anything less than I expect. I do have a new M95ED to go on it if a cartridge is absent. Keeping my fingers crossed :)
 
That's a great find if they are new. I guess you will have to wait and see if it has a cartridge mounted or not since the auction pictures don't show a listing on the box of what's included.. It would depend on the original source. The tables were available from Heathkit without a cartridge, with a cartridge like the Empire 2000 E/III (the one I got) or Shure M91ED for free, the V15 Type III for an extra 45 bucks, or an Audio Technica AT-14S for an extra 35 bucks.

I don't know if those options were universal on the market but suspect they were. I also don't know if the V15 Type III was originally installed with the dedicated mount or was just the standard cartridge. The dedicated mount may not have appeared until the release of the model 1000.

The platter may not be seized if the unit has been boxed all these years but it could be. The other lubes may have deteriorated and the silicone damping fluid in the cue pin bore may have drained out.

Anyway, I do hope you plan to post pictures of the unboxing and unboxed turntable and accessories. I, for one, would love to see them.

Doug
 
So if a cartridge was included it would have to be marked on the box as to what choice a customer wanted I would think, so they would know what to send. Unless they opened each box and added the selected model accordingly. I already have a 980 in beautiful condition with all the accessories (overhang gauge, all three spindles, manual, etc.) but it has the issue of going to the 7" position in auto mode. I bought new bearings for it a while back as well as a new belt and 45 changer and have yet to do the proper overall maintenance on it. It's the original '74/'75 model with the smooth platter and original headshell, which I preferred from when I lusted after them when they first came out. Anxious to see which version this one will be!

Doug G. said:
Anyway, I do hope you plan to post pictures of the unboxing and unboxed turntable and accessories. I, for one, would love to see them.
Click to expand...

I didn't think about that but it's a great idea! Count on seeing that, I'll be happy to document the unveiling as I do it, thanks Doug, will return with the update next week!
 
buzshaws said:
I have a question for anyone that bought their BIC's new, as it seems there are a few here that have (Doug G?). I have read several times where the 980 and 960 have come with pre-installed cartridges, often the V15-III, as it was permanently attached to the headshell. I ask because I just won an auction for the 960, which is the base, cover, and table each in new unopened boxes from someone's friend who's audio shop went out of business. The boxes each appear to have BIC tape on them so I take them at their word. I was hoping it might have a V15-III waiting inside, lol. So, what is the status and likelihood the headshell will have a cartridge on it?

I realize this will also be a seized unit but that's no problem and I'll take care to do the required maintenance before hand. Just under 150 clams shipped so it cost me its original retail but I also have a 14 day return option if I'm not happy and it's anything less than I expect. I do have a new M95ED to go on it if a cartridge is absent. Keeping my fingers crossed :)
Click to expand...

I bought a new 960 in 1977 or so. It did not have a cartridge. The dealer recommended an Empire cartridge, which they installed for me. It was quite an improvement over my bottom of the line BSR Iforgotthemodelnumber.
 
Actually, I don't remember if my 980 I got in March of 1976 had anything marked on the box as to specifics included and I didn't save the boxes (something I have regretted since then}. I think it may have been later when BIC put that on the boxes. My 1000 I got later does indicate what was in the box.

It's interesting that the platter mat was the smooth one in the first two years and the motor was mounted with the three legs with the bottom bearing support mounted on one of the legs, BIC brought back the smooth platter mat with the "Z" series tables. There are other minor differences on the earliest units, too.

I still remember the thrill when I opened the box and saw the accessories in the styrofoam over piece and then lifting that off and seeing the table in the plastic bag and the instructions for how to remove the table from the box (Don't grasp the tonearm!). It's just like it was yesterday.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Doug
 
My first BIC 960 got lost in a divorce in 1982. Acquired my 2nd used one about 1995 and was my main backup table after my Linn LP 12. 5 years ago in my retirement, I bought a winter home in Florida and brought the 960 there to use as my main turntable. With the old standby Shure 91ED, it satisfied my needs perfectly. However about 3 years ago the grease hardened and created several problems. I made a minimal overhaul with new grease and lube which helped but soon it acted up again. Out of frustration or laziness, I decided to gut the complete auto mechanism and it now functions as a manual turntable just like my Linn. I don't mind, it plays beautifully. Simplicity often wins out with me.
 
My first BIC was one my father bought in 1982, to replace his 1964 Garrard unit. I’m thinking ha got the BIC used.

It was a very nice table! Don’t know the model number. But by appearance, I’ve got an identical table coming to me this week!

So, question: I’m trading a Shure M97HE with NOS stylus for it. Plus, my services to mount and align it on his Pioneer PL117D table. Even trade?

Wait... I forgot to mention that he’s throwing in a Sansui linear tracker and pair of Polk 5jrs.
 
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BICs will work with a wide variety of cartridges. I have Empires, Shures, Stantons, Pickerings, etc. They even work great with CD-4 cartridges. I guess I recommend Empires but modern day Audio Technicas are real good, too.

Doug
 
Ill join this club. I just paid $10 for my BIC 960. It has the see through yellow cover on the bottom. I got it from a man who passed away and his son sold it to me with a set of Impact Model 8’s. This table had a gummed up multiplay selector. I took the platter off which came off fairly easy. The original red belt was still there and in nice shape. Just had to be cleaned up. I used some rubber rejuvinator on it. It came with an AT-14S cartridge installed. The stylus was still nearly brand new on it. I checked it with a loupe. Im playing this BIC now and cant get over how musical this table sounds!! And i have some amazing tables. Cleaned her up a bit and moved that switch back and forth till she came loose. Set the balance and antiskate on her. I love this table so much i think im going to keep her. $10? Cant beat that price.
 

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Metalownz said:
Ill join this club. I just paid $10 for my BIC 960. It has the see through yellow cover on the bottom. I got it from a man who passed away and his son sold it to me with a set of Impact Model 8’s. This table had a gummed up multiplay selector. I took the platter off which came off fairly easy. The original red belt was still there and in nice shape. Just had to be cleaned up. I used some rubber rejuvinator on it. It came with an AT-14S cartridge installed. The stylus was still nearly brand new on it. I checked it with a loupe. Im playing this BIC now and cant get over how musical this table sounds!! And i have some amazing tables. Cleaned her up a bit and moved that switch back and forth till she came loose. Set the balance and antiskate on her. I love this table so much i think im going to keep her. $10? Cant beat that price.
Click to expand...

You are going to keep it? Now THAT'S a good idea!

Doug
 
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