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Here's something you don't see everyday... (ROK content!)

AdamAnt316

AdamAnt316

Collector of heavy things
Subscriber
Hello everyone. I was browsing the aisles at the (in)famous MIT Swapfest this past Sunday, trying to sell something for once, and failing badly. While I was sneaking peeks at nearby sellers, what should I spot on the floor but a box with the words "REK-O-KUT" on it:
k33_1.jpg

I asked the seller about it, and he said that it was 'just the base'. I opened the lid, and inside were the original manual packet and a couple of parts packages:
k33_2.jpg

Removed the parts boxes, and sure enough, this is what was underneath:
k33_3.jpg

So it seems I'm now the proud owner of a new-old-stock Rondine K-33, circa the late '50s or so! I've been curious about Rek-O-Kut for some time now, but had had yet to acquire one of their turntables. This one looks to have never been put together; opened the larger parts packet, and the parts seemed to be present and intact. Wish it'd come with some sort of base, but I think I did pretty well for $5. :)
-Adam
 
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My 1st thought when I read this was "You lucky bastard". After reading further my 2nd thought was "YOU LUCKY BASTARD". Find a plinth and a good TA and bring it back to life. The modifying factor on this table is endless. Whether it be the aesthetic's or function or both. I know it is against AK rules, But I will give ya double your money and pay shipping for it. :D Just kidding - I be a Thorens guy anyway. Enjoy your find, it be a good one!!
 
Thanks for the replies! I will be taking more photos soon. I'm not sure what to do with it, since it's an unbuilt kit, and those tend to go for more than a built version probably would, but the temptation sure is there. :idea: Also, I have yet to do much with this sort of turntable, i.e. the kind which doesn't have a built-in tonearm and whatnot. Should be an interesting experience, in any case.
MRL_Audio said:
Not seeing any pictures... :dunno:
Click to expand...
Seems to be an issue with this forum. For those who are having problems seeing the images, try this page.
-Adam
 
Congratulations, you have a find that you can talk about for the rest of your life!
I'm not familiar with these tt's (they don't exist in my part of the world), but I have heard of their good reputation. If you decide to keep it and build a plinth, consider a heavy layered-ply which I think will get the most out of this table.
 
Thanks for the replies! Again, this is my first experience with a non-integrated turntable, so it should be an interesting experience. Rek-O-Kut definitely made some interesting stuff; the side of the box for this K-33 bears the slogan "Engineered for the Studio, Designed for the Home." :music: Belt driven turntables were a fairly new thing back then, so I'm not sure how well these decks worked in the studio, but they seem to have been fairly popular overall. Anyway, as promised, here are some more pictures, which again can be viewed on this page if they don't show up below.

First up, what's inside the larger parts package. Motor mounting plate, power cord, power switch with motor capacitor, belt and various hardware:
k33_4.jpg


Next up is the inside of the other parts package, which seems to contain just the belt shroud:
k33_5.jpg


Bottom section containing the platter, bearing well and motor:
k33_6.jpg


Motor (click here for a close-up of the ID tag):
k33_7.jpg


Documentation in the manual packet (click here for a larger view):
k33_8.jpg


Close-up of what's left of the shipping label (click here for a larger view):
k33_9.jpg
 
K33 means kit version of the low end ROK belt drive offering. Yours appears to be a new old stock, unassembled kit from the 1960's. A lucky score.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
K33 means kit version of the low end ROK belt drive offering. Yours appears to be a new old stock, unassembled kit from the 1960's. A lucky score.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I figured it was based on the N-33H which was also introduced in 1959, albeit with an older-style induction motor instead of the new hysteresis one (plus the lack of a baseplate, of course). That reminds me, how much will this affect speed regulation? I've heard things about the induction motor being larger than the hysteresis one, but I'd assume that it wouldn't be as steady speed-wise.

And yeah, I like the unbuilt kit aspect, though it gives me pause when it comes to what assembly might do to its 'value', such as it is. Also, I'm sure that the usual parts need replacement, like the motor mounts and the (fabric!) belt. Further, the fact that I'd have to do things I've never done with a turntable before, like build a plinth and mount a tonearm to it in the proper place. Should be interesting, to say the least. :idea:
-Adam
 
KentTeffeteller said:
The Hysteresis-Synchronous motor you have will be better on speed regulation. That is the motor to have on a ROK. Icing on the cake, good friend.
Click to expand...
That's the synchronous motor? Interesting. Wonder when the swap took place. Guess this technically makes it a K-33H, though I have no idea why neither the box nor any of the documentation reflects this. :dunno:
-Adam
 
I have a K-33 without the "H" designation, but with the same motor.
I agree with AudioFeline in regard to the heavier plinth.
 
I believe yours is the standard induction motor. The H.S. motor was made by Papst, a model HSM 14.50 with the outside rotor. Every "H" Rek I've seen used the Papst.
images.jpg
 
pskaudio said:
I believe yours is the standard induction motor. The H.S. motor was made by Papst, a model HSM 14.50 with the outside rotor. Every "H" Rek I've seen used the Papst.
View attachment 1541683
Click to expand...
the papst motors came later, the ashland s-h motor was the original on the rondine b-12h. i don’t believe it was ever offered on the n- or k- series decks.

i have a rondine model v 16” transcription/cutting deck with a huge s-h motor on it, that’s from the early 50s, though.
 
pskaudio said:
I believe yours is the standard induction motor. The H.S. motor was made by Papst, a model HSM 14.50 with the outside rotor. Every "H" Rek I've seen used the Papst.
View attachment 1541683
Click to expand...


Ok well you guys started talking motors and it sparked my memory. I have a vintage AC capacitor motor that looks similar in shape. I have a love for old electric motors and found one a few years back that was quite obscure to me... really well made and the smallest induction motor I’ve ever seen. I’ll have to post some pix in the TT thread to see if anyone can identify it.

Fantastic thread OP, and wow wee on the table! :)
 
madwing said:
the papst motors came later, the ashland s-h motor was the original on the rondine b-12h. i don’t believe it was ever offered on the n- or k- series decks.

i have a rondine model v 16” transcription/cutting deck with a huge s-h motor on it, that’s from the early 50s, though.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info on those earlier Reks. I'm mostly familiar with their belt drive units from the 60's. Love to see a photo of that huge motor and table.
 
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