Garrard 401 restoration help

[Alfmonster]

Hi AK —

I’m very exited as I’ve recently picked up a Garrard 401. I have restored a Thorens TD150 mk i but am realizing this is a whole other beast.

I’m not sure why but I can’t seem to find a webpage or video that explains a how to restore a 401 — Can someone kindly point me to some help as to how to strip the motor and restore this?

It did not come with a power cord - and it’s rated for the Uk - so did pick up the 50hz pulley and an idler wheel from audiosilente.
Any help would be as always so greatly appreciated.

thanks so much in advance!!

 

[flavio81]

Hi AK —

I’m very exited as I’ve recently picked up a Garrard 401. I have restored a Thorens TD150 mk i but am realizing this is a whole other beast.

I’m not sure why but I can’t seem to find a webpage or video that explains a how to restore a 401 — Can someone kindly point me to some help as to how to strip the motor and restore this?

It did not come with a power cord - and it’s rated for the Uk - so did pick up the 50hz pulley and an idler wheel from audiosilente.
Any help would be as always so greatly appreciated.

thanks so much in advance!!

Hi,

There's not too much difference between restoring this one and other idler wheel turntables, it's all down to similar stuff:

- Idler wheel should be pliable and smooth and the surface should be perfect.
- Motor suspension should be compliant
- Motor should be overhauled and adjusted to diminish vibrations (this is doable only on motors that are adjustable, dunno about the 401)
- Platter rim or surface where the idler couples should be clean and smooth, the same about the motor spindle
- Clean and lubricate the main bearing
- Put turntable in a massive plinth.

Aditionally the 401 has an eddy current brake, that's the only difference with a big majority of idlers i can think of.