Thorens TD121 w/ Pritchard ADC 40 + ADC1 recommissioning service

[vendo81]

You'll need to flip over the strobe plate to the 60hz side.

Yes, I will flip that over when I put it into service

The TD-135 has a much lighter platter than the TD-124. It is one piece as it lacks the clutch the 124 has. I would much prefer having the removable board of the TD-121 and would be perfectly happy with just 33 RPM.

Same drive system....

 

[Nat]

I had the quasi brick 990, which was blue, not flaming red like the 220. A very nice cartridge.

 

[rufleruf]

Sorry for the absence. New job is eating up all my time here, but at least I can afford new toys. Haven't even oiled the plinth or given the deck a wipe down yet... but no 6 year old birthday parties this weekend means I might get a chance to work on it

I bought an original arm board with a TP-14 last week - looks like a tonearm similar to the TP-14 on that TD-135.

ADC 1 will hopefully go out for a retip next week.

How do y'all store cartridges and headshells? I find myself with a big collection , but they're just sitting in a tray.

 

[tnsilver]

looks like a tonearm similar to the TP-14 on that TD-135

It's a BTD12S. The Mk-II appeared with the same headshell (TP-50) as the TP-14 tonearm had, but other than that it's a very different tonearm which is based on an EMT design.

That's my own Mk-I:

BTW, the TD-135 has an auto shutoff mechanism based on a nifty mechanical lead out groove tonearm speed trap. If they would have combined the TD-121 separate arm board with the TD-135 multiple speeds, you'd get an auto shutoff TD-124 less the strobe and clutch. I don't think people would bother buying the 124 for it's strobe or clutch alone, so there's probably some marketing considerations that went into these economy models.

 

[rufleruf]

Wow - that plinth is pretty cool. Looks like Tolex?

Is here a restoration thread somewhere for these types of tonearms?

 

[tnsilver]

Is here a restoration thread somewhere for these types of tonearms?

Not that I'm aware of but if you're mechanically inclined what's going on inside isn't rocket science. I had it refurbished and rewired and it was pretty straight forward.

 

[vendo81]

It's a BTD12S. The Mk-II appeared with the same headshell (TP-50) as the TP-14 tonearm had, but other than that it's a very different tonearm which is based on an EMT design.

BTW, the TD-135 has an auto shutoff mechanism based on a nifty mechanical lead out groove tonearm speed trap. If they would have combined the TD-121 separate arm board with the TD-135 multiple speeds, you'd get an auto shutoff TD-124 less the strobe and clutch. I don't think people would bother buying the 124 for it's strobe or clutch alone, so there's probably some marketing considerations that went into these economy models.

Nice TD-135 tnsilver. That is an unusual plinth and does look like tolex. I agree on combining the TD-135 and TD121!

Matt's TD-121 got me motivated I disassembled the motor, removed and cleand/oiled the bearings and the motor runs strong and quiet now. I removed the speed adjusting mechanics and cleaned/lubed them. I didn't take everything apart like I did with my TD-124's, but I did lubricate everything and it runs perfectly on speed and very quiet. I took the arm off and cleaned it up. Lastly I cleaned the outside and the mat. It's ready to mount the headshell on and give it a try tomorrow. Here it is ready to go...

 

[vendo81]

Sorry for the absence. New job is eating up all my time here, but at least I can afford new toys. Haven't even oiled the plinth or given the deck a wipe down yet... but no 6 year old birthday parties this weekend means I might get a chance to work on it

I bought an original arm board with a TP-14 last week - looks like a tonearm similar to the TP-14 on that TD-135.

ADC 1 will hopefully go out for a retip next week.

How do y'all store cartridges and headshells? I find myself with a big collection , but they're just sitting in a tray.

Hey Matt. These are pretty easy to get going and you will have a nice table when done! Looking forward to more photos of your Thorens. Send me a note if you have any motor questions. I've done at least dozen over the years. Let me know on your MF-300 (color of hand held) as well

I'm not even sure which cartridge is on my 135 as I removed it and stored it away about a year ago. One thing I did notice is the paint is rough and not finished real well on the 135. The TD-124's have automobile type paint finishes. Maybe it's just my 135.

 

[tnsilver]

One thing I did notice is the paint is rough and not finished real well on the 135. The TD-124's have automobile type paint finishes. Maybe it's just my 135.

I noticed that too. I don't know if it's the rule, but it sure looks like the TD-124 got the better paint jobs on it. My TD-135 original paint job looks half baked. Maybe it's just because they're real old.

 

[rufleruf]

Speaking of paint on these - what do you all like to use to polish paint on something like this? Mine has a small amount of discoloration almost like the residue in a smokers house.

Keith, what oil do you like to use for the motor bearings? Maybe I'll service this today.

See the Fisher thread about the remote.

 

[vendo81]

Speaking of paint on these - what do you all like to use to polish paint on something like this? Mine has a small amount of discoloration almost like the residue in a smokers house.

Keith, what oil do you like to use for the motor bearings? Maybe I'll service this today.

See the Fisher thread about the remote.

Hi Matt. I use 3M rubbing compound for the paint. I ordered bearing oil from Schopper in Switzerland a couple years back when I was doing my TD-124's. May be something else that works as well but I trust what they sell.

 

[vendo81]

I noticed that too. I don't know if it's the rule, but it sure looks like the TD-124 got the better paint jobs on it. My TD-135 original paint job looks half baked. Maybe it's just because they're real old.

Mine has rough casting on the visible edges. Almost like it wasn't finished before paint. Wish it wasn't that way on the front.

 

[tnsilver]

Exactly! mine too. Take a closer look under the cue lift lever, on the edge. Click on it - it goes large. Real large!

 

[vendo81]

Exactly! mine too. Take a closer look under the cue lift lever, on the edge. Click on it - it goes large. Real large!

Just like mine! It does look like the TD121 has a better finish.

 

[vendo81]

Speaking of paint on these - what do you all like to use to polish paint on something like this? Mine has a small amount of discoloration almost like the residue in a smokers house.

Keith, what oil do you like to use for the motor bearings? Maybe I'll service this today.

See the Fisher thread about the remote.

Hi Matt. Did you work on your TD-121?

 

[vendo81]

I thought it was gone but I finally found the headshell for the TD-135. Has a Shure cartridge on it. It's a very quiet turntable. Only complaint I have is the rough casting/paint in the front. You have to get close to see it, but Thorens did such nice work I'm surprised they didn't finish this off I did order an Ortofon style plinth for it which will look better.

 

[Dandy]

Sweet. Please post a picture of your plinth when it arrives. Piles of hifi goodies there, just visible at the edge of your pic.

 

[vendo81]

Sweet. Please post a picture of your plinth when it arrives. Piles of hifi goodies there, just visible at the edge of your pic.

Hello Dandy. Will do on the plinth photo. The one above in the photo is my TD-124. Just finished rewiring the SME 3009 arm and putting a new cartridge on it. It has a Campbell solid plinth and the badge off of one of my original Ortofon plinth's. I had an early SME 3012 on it but being inside a cabinet with little room, the arm board was a bit to wide and awkward to use. It can go back inside the house soon when I finish the arm adjustments.