Woodsong Garrard 301, Artisan Fidelity 301, Shindo 301, SME 301, or etc.?


I feel fortunate to own a beautiful Woodsong 301. Chris Harban is great to work with and has an incredible amount of knowledge. I believe he is among a handful of the best restorers. Artisan Fidelity seems to also do a great job and may even surpass Woodsong. And there are others in the cottage industry doing restorations.
Then there is the venerable Shindo version and, now, SME bought the original Garrard name and design and has come out with version using mostly original parts but saying that they aim to manufacture new. But the general view says that the SME one doesn’t compare to the great restorers. Has anyone bought any of these or others?
mglik

Showing 1 response by oldhvymec

Look at Thoren the NEW DD TD124. Its a direct drive, what's that all about?

The old rim drives are tough to beat. Just like the old Belt/rim are (TD124s) BUT they both ride on a ball.. that is a problem.. It's not one that bothers ME but they do make noise.. Air lift or Mag lift (or assist) is the only way to eliminate the issue, IF it is an issue for you to begin with.

As far a accurate speed, forget it.. That is for recording not playback..
Speed control.. Remember.. it is for RECORDING.. You can't tell the difference in 32.3 vs 33.3 until I speed it UP..
Musicians can, percussionist it is their JOB.. Timing...