Your turntable history


When did you get your first turntable and what’s been your turntable history since then ? 

zavato

It would be my pleasure to go through my turntable history from 1978 - 2026, but alias, there is an AI Bot here that removes my posts for no real reason.....

I had cash flow in junior high and high school because of a WP paper route. Then cash and access through work as a salesman in a stereo store as an undergrad.

BSR turntable (1970)

Dual 1215S in first audio system (Sansui 2000x and large Advents; 1972)

Philips GA 212 (1975)

Ariston RD11s with Grace 707 tone arm (1976)

Fossilized in place since, except for cartridges- 50 years!

Started with a very early Pro-Ject. Then a Pro-Ject T1 EVO. Niw a VPI Prime with a Hana Umami Red. 

Dual 1019. Yamaha B6. Thorens 320. Clearaudio Champion Level 2.  Had a B&O in there too. Still use the Clearaudio and Yamaha. At some point hope to get the Dual refurbished 

My turntable's history can really only be described as a 'sketchy past' until I took possession of it.

I received a Vintage Japanese DD TT which was with an unknown history. No knowledge of usage. No knowledge of Services. No knowledge of the conditions ot was kept in.

The fix was relatively easy; the TT was passed onto one of the UK's foremost specialists in working with this model of TT.

After a period, I received an assessment, which was good, as it was not the worst received to be returned to pristine function. 

After being informed of the electronics overhaul and the custom design for the Speed Control, the subject of overhauling the mechanical interfaces of the Main Platter Bearing was put on the table, which was authorised to be carried out.

The Chassis was passed to me, and I had a custom body shop produce a very aesthetically pleasing lacquered deep black and gold finish on the chassis. 

A Densified Wood Plinth was selected for the TT, and a custom design for a  Tonearm was also produced. 

A Cart' of 20-ish years vintage was also a donor for a full rebuild custom design.

The TT and ancillaries are no longer with questions about their being optimal in their performance. 

Not too long ago, a whole new design for the same TT was adopted to be used, which has a clean bill of health. This new design TT is with the Stator Housing and main bearing assembly interference-fitted into a densified wood plinth. This model has been on a long-term loan. 

I have another Brands VJDDTT undergone a similar invasive change, creating a quite different model to the original design.

I don't like a 'shady past', I like to think of my TT as 

Amazing grace! How sweet is your sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, out in the wilderness, but now am found,
Was blind, but with kindness doled, now I see and sing sweet melody to thee.      

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