Realistic Lab 420 Tonearm Rest

[Canmex]

I just picked up a Realistic Lab 420 which fully works but has some cosmetic issues. The usual stuff, badly scarred dust cover, missing feet and the inevitable broken tonearm rest. I've been trying to source a replacement tonearm rest but the only thing I can find that looks close is a Marantz 6100 or 6025 tonearm rest. However, without actually having one in my hands it's hard to tell from photos if the threaded shaft is the right size to match my 420. Otherwise it looks like a perfect match. Anyone have any experience with this or suggestions on what other tonearm might work?

 

[Old Guy8]

Likely too obvious to mention. But will. This is a Lab 400 rest. Is it the same? There are other similar RS Lab 4xx series TTs. Maybe Lab 500 & 5xx. Look at RS catalog pages online. Around 1979 to 83 for similar tables. Think it was made by same company as some Marantz tables. Made by OEM Japanese TT manufacturer CSC?
Possibly also made some Sansui TTs.

Have you checked the size and pitch of thread on yours?

I can't access thread on my 400, unfortunately.

I replaced feet on mine with 2" dia half sphere Sorbophane feet, with felt pads on bottom.

Good hunting
OG

 

[Canmex]

It looks the same as what is on mine. The problem is that I'm not seeing any used Realistic tonearm rests available anywhere. So far the closest I'm coming is the Marantz ones but since I'm in Mexico I don't want to order one from the US, pay for shipping and then find out it doesn't fit.

 

[Old Guy8]

Can you temporarily fix the one you have for now. And keep eye out for a replacement. Sometimes finding repair parts takes time. Right time and place.

 

[TheseGoTo11]

I just got a "working" Lab 420 parts table. I will check the arm rest.

 

[Canmex]

I just got a "working" Lab 420 parts table. I will check the arm rest.

I would appreciate it greatly. I don't suppose the hinges on it are good as well?

 

[TheseGoTo11]

I does not have a dust cover. I will be at my shop on Tuesday and will check and let you know.

 

[mythless]

Another option which I've done in the past is retrofitting a Technics SL-1200mkii arm rest on the metal post. You will need to remove the old one.

 

[Canmex]

Another option which I've done in the past is retrofitting a Technics SL-1200mkii arm rest on the metal post. You will need to remove the old one.

I actually have a Technics SL arm rest on hand (to replace the broken one on my Sansui SR-929) however the tonearm diameter of the Realistic is slightly smaller than the Sansui or Technics so it won't lock securely. It will kind of work but for the effort not the best solution. I like the idea but I need to find an available arm rest that is for the same diameter size arm.

 

[Canmex]

I does not have a dust cover. I will be at my shop on Tuesday and will check and let you know.

I managed to fix the hinges today using the thin metal plate method that others have posted about. They should be stronger now than when new.

 

[Canmex]

I used some brass sheet that I had on hand. This is with the piece of brass in place holding the spring arm back.

 

[Canmex]

The last photo is where I glued another piece of brass to the outside to provide further support and to glue the first piece in place so it doesn't shift allowing the spring to pop back out. Nobody sees the back of the deck so I'm not worried about leaving the brass showing.

 

[TheseGoTo11]

Canmex I have one on my old "parts" table you can have it for free. If there is anything else you need let me know..PM me your address. I can get it around the middle of next week and send it out when I am at my shop.