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OK, So I'm Crazy

jcmjrt

jcmjrt

Addicted Member
...but I just bought a NOS Rek-O-Kut B-12-H Rondine Deluxe. I saw the damn pics, it was local and I just couldn't help myself...like I need another project idler!! I've attached a couple pics from the seller.

Of course, I'll be building a new plinth but I've never been lucky enough to get one in NOS (good, yes but not NIB) condition before. I'm wondering if I should use rubber rejuvenator on the rubber as time has just dried it out or...? Do I need to clean the motor or treat it like any other new one, add oil and run it? The motor is the hysteresis motor which is supposed to be quick up to speed and very strong. Anyone have serial number info? I'd also love to collect some old ads, articles, reviews, manuals anything on the TT that you might have.

I have a NOS Grace 704 which I had been thinking about mating with a Thorens but now I'm thinking that it would look really cool/match well with this Rek-O-Kut. It's a uni-pivot oil damped arm.

I'd love to hear any ideas that people have about restoration, tonearm/cartridge, plinth, etc - whatever your thoughts or info, please pass it on :)
 

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That's a realy nice, simple looking table Joyce.

If the idler has cracks in it, its probably not worth the time to try to restore. The better solution would be to send it out to Terry Witt of Terry's rubber rollers. He rebuilds the idler completely to original spec and makes the rubber in house to the right density. Fred and I have been impressed with his work and pricing is pretty good as well.

http://terrysrubberrollers.com/
 
Also just remembered, if the idler is still soft (can be easily moved) rubber restore is a good thing. If its soft, but the contact surface of the idler is slick, use 2000 grit sand paper to resurface it, then use the rubber restore.

I'm sure Fred Longworth will see this eventually and then give his insight. He's got a wealth of information on older tables like this.
 
Nuttin' crazy about nabbing that table: Simple, elegant, and tack-sharp. I love machines that look like they mean business!
 
That's pretty! If that's a motor start capacitor I see, It will probably need to be replaced.
 
WOW that is indeed a wonderful Rek-O-Kut. And to find it local, there must be a story in there somewhere!

As to the req. service, I think some of the lubrication "grease" may well be hard
and need removal & replacement. Things that sit for that long can be affected
by the moisture in the air and if it were mine, I probably would look it over very well paying attention to all linkage points etc.

The motor bearings will also need a some attention..
Congrats again.

P.M. sent
 
Joyce,that's probably as close to 'New in Box' condition as you are likely to find. :yes:
Keep us all informed with regular updates,on the restoration journey. :thmbsp:
 
jpdylon said:
Also just remembered, if the idler is still soft (can be easily moved) rubber restore is a good thing. If its soft, but the contact surface of the idler is slick, use 200 grit sand paper to resurface it, then use the rubber restore.

I'm sure Fred Longworth will see this eventually and then give his insight. He's got a wealth of information on older tables like this.
Click to expand...

I'll find out for sure tomorrow when I pick it up. I'm thinking some rubber rejuve might be a good thing. Rubber ages with time and not just use so we'll see.

Filmboydoug said:
Damn those things are good looking.
Click to expand...

Thanks. It looks like it would have survived a near miss.

wajobu said:
I like the attached tool-kit--cool there jcmjrt!
Click to expand...

From the days, when things were supposed to last long enough to need to be serviced...not just thrown away.

fotno said:
Nuttin' crazy about nabbing that table: Simple, elegant, and tack-sharp. I love machines that look like they mean business!
Click to expand...

I needed it like I needed a hole in my head...but I wanted it. I suffered from TT lust and well, you're right - that one means business.

kcollins4 said:
That's pretty! If that's a motor start capacitor I see, It will probably need to be replaced.
Click to expand...

You're probably right. Luckily, that should be easy.

totem said:
WOW that is indeed a wonderful Rek-O-Kut. And to find it local, there must be a story in there somewhere!

As to the req. service, I think some of the lubrication "grease" may well be hard
and need removal & replacement. Things that sit for that long can be affected
by the moisture in the air and if it were mine, I probably would look it over very well paying attention to all linkage points etc.

The motor bearings will also need a some attention..
Congrats again.

P.M. sent
Click to expand...

I'll ask them but it's not from the original owners so I can only hope that they got some back story...but I'd bet it was an estate sale purchase and flip.
Clean and lube probably needed. I'm really looking forward to making this sing. I've read that some reviews in the 50's preferred the Rek-O-Kut to the Garrard 301. I've got a 401 so I can eventually make that comparison. Bring your 301 on over and we'll have an idler shoot-out. Mario should make that meeting too - He's got some beautiful idlers too including a Lenco and Presto.
 
theophile said:
Joyce,that's probably as close to 'New in Box' condition as you are likely to find. :yes:
Keep us all informed with regular updates,on the restoration journey. :thmbsp:
Click to expand...

The box looks a might worn but it's cool to have the box.

And I'll definitely be updating with pics. I can't send the sounds but I can send the sights. :)
 

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that is sweet!

I just noticed my typo on resurfacing the idler. Its supposed to be 2000 grit sandpaper, not 200. I changed my original post.

I can't wait to see a base and arm with that table. Looks to be a real beauty! :thmbsp:
 
I don't know much about TT but I do know that this make is revered.Way to go Joyce! Your Slim Whitman's will sound great.

Alan
 
jcmjrt said:
...but I just bought a NOS Rek-O-Kut B-12-H Rondine Deluxe. I saw the damn pics, it was local and I just couldn't help myself...like I need another project idler!! I've attached a couple pics from the seller.

Of course, I'll be building a new plinth but I've never been lucky enough to get one in NOS (good, yes but not NIB) condition before. I'm wondering if I should use rubber rejuvenator on the rubber as time has just dried it out or...? Do I need to clean the motor or treat it like any other new one, add oil and run it? The motor is the hysteresis motor which is supposed to be quick up to speed and very strong. Anyone have serial number info? I'd also love to collect some old ads, articles, reviews, manuals anything on the TT that you might have.

I have a NOS Grace 704 which I had been thinking about mating with a Thorens but now I'm thinking that it would look really cool/match well with this Rek-O-Kut. It's a uni-pivot oil damped arm.

I'd love to hear any ideas that people have about restoration, tonearm/cartridge, plinth, etc - whatever your thoughts or info, please pass it on :)
Click to expand...

All I can say is :tears::tears:
I want one of those soooooooooooo bad after doing research from last weeks posts and seeing yours.
 
Wow ! That is super nice. You made the right move to pick this up. It never hurts to have a great spare table! Good luck with this and keep us ( the jealous ones) informed of your progress!

Terry
 
Wow! Glad you got that one. I had posted about this exact table in the radiostation turntable thread but it got pulled early on probably cause it related to buying and selling. I said this one would make a great project.

I have really enjoyed putting my B12-H back in running condition and as I said they sound great when tuned up. In my opinion these vintage Rek-o-kuts offer great value and can compete with the top of the line Thorens and Garrards of the time.
 
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