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Thorens TD-115 mk II - worth restoring?

Markoneswift

Markoneswift

Quartz locked n ready to rock
Hey all,

I have what used to be a Thorens TD-115 in my possession. I say used to be, because some of it is missing - namely the outer platter, belt and dust cover. Now, bearing in mind I live way down under (in a little place called New Zealand) do you think it's worth while obtaining the parts to resurrect this thing?

The good - it's cosmetically not too bad. Chassis / sub-chassis etc are good. Top plate is also good. The arm is present, seems complete and even has a cartridge installed. The motor runs, speed select works fine. The centre platter is present.

The bad - outer platter missing. Belt missing. Top cover missing. Bearing has no oil what so ever, spindle was VERY difficult to get out. Button tops show some corrosion affecting the finish.

So with shipping costs getting into the stratosphere, is it really worth bothering with? I don't NEED a turntable, but part of me really doesn't want to see it go to the e-waste.
 

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Hey fellow Kiwi!

I suggest you sell for parts only… someone will be holding-out for the bits you have!

Everyone NEEDS a turntable ;) ...so, use the cash to buy a complete deck to restore… :biggrin:
 
Sondek said:
Hey fellow Kiwi!

I suggest you sell for parts only… someone will be holding-out for the bits you have!

Everyone NEEDS a turntable ;) ...so, use the cash to buy a complete deck to restore… :biggrin:
Click to expand...
Good morning sir, how are you? Or should I say Kia Ora :)

Fair pont, except the market for a parts TD-115 here in NZ is going to be extremely small to non-existent but I guess I could throw it up on Trademe as see what happens. I actually have a few turntables in for work at the moment, so I may just take the cartridge off the Thorens, chuck it on one of the other TTs instead. I'm going to be a couple of hundred bucks into parts to complete this one, so I may need to call it a day I think. If it were a stellar model, something way more desirable, I'd stick with it. However as you probably know, the 115 flies under the radar so the market for one even complete is pretty narrow.

Cheers!
 
Markoneswift said:
Good morning sir, how are you? Or should I say Kia Ora :)

Fair pont, except the market for a parts TD-115 here in NZ is going to be extremely small to non-existent but I guess I could throw it up on Trademe as see what happens. I actually have a few turntables in for work at the moment, so I may just take the cartridge off the Thorens, chuck it on one of the other TTs instead. I'm going to be a couple of hundred bucks into parts to complete this one, so I may need to call it a day I think. If it were a stellar model, something way more desirable, I'd stick with it. However as you probably know, the 115 flies under the radar so the market for one even complete is pretty narrow.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Kia Ora!

Well, I think the TD-115 is quite highly regarded - especially if it has the 78RPM option.
(I can't quite see from your photo...)

In any event, this Thorens always had very impressive specifications - DC motor, sapphire tonearm bearings, immeasurable rumble, etc. etc. - and she's a thing of beauty too.

I just love the big TD-125 buttons on the control panel! Give her a nice new mat and she'd be dressed for the ball! :biggrin:

blog-thorens%2Btd115a.jpg


Try TradeMe first for sure, but if you want to reach the international community, I think eBay would be your friend on this one.

Kia Orana..
 
Last edited:
Sondek said:
Kia Ora!

Well, I think the TD-115 is quite highly regarded - especially if it has the 78RPM option.
(I can't quite see for the photo...)

In any event, this Thorens always had very impressive specifications - DC motor, sapphire tonearm bearings, immeasurable rumble, etc. etc. - and she's a thing of beauty too.

I just love the big TD-125 buttons on the control panel! Give her a nice new mat and she'd be dressed for the ball! :biggrin:

blog-thorens%2Btd115a.jpg


Try TradeMe first for sure, but if you want to reach the international community, I think eBay would be your friend on this one.

Kia Orana..
Click to expand...
Yep, mine has the 78 rpm option. There's a little button which needs to be pushed down to allow the button to slide over to 78 position.
 
Markoneswift said:
Yep, mine has the 78 rpm option. There's a little button which needs to be pushed down to allow the button to slide over to 78 position.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I think if you were to mention how much you are looking for, for this not-quite-complete turntable (project), I suspect someone from AK might just bite. :biggrin:
 
Sondek said:
Honestly, I think if you were to mention how much you are looking for, for this not-quite-complete turntable (project), I suspect someone from AK might just bite. :biggrin:
Click to expand...
If that person were to PM me regarding that subject, that conversation may prove fruitful :-)
 
Greetings,

You are in a tough location. Didn’t know that existed. Ordinarily, I would suggest wait and look for parts. Here something pops up on a given Dual that works. Wonder if parts of a TD 125 would fit?? Sat on several Duals waiting for parts. Had a small part on a Dual 1015 platter break. Caused the auto not to work properly. Used a 1010 platter. Me I’d set it aside and look for parts. Take your time, do research, and break out a bottle Kono Sauvignon Blanc! Wouldn’t mind a visit to your country.
 
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