turntable, or turntable and arm upgrade

[admin_exported]

I have a Connoisseur BD1 deck with SME 2012 arm. Yes I know they were used by the dinosaurs! I want to retain the SME and purchase a new deck. Prices of decks without arms seem to start at £900 and sentimentality can't reach to that cost. Does anyone know of cheaper decks I could fit the SME onto, or should I ditch the lot for a new set up and try to sell the SME on eBay? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I'd be kinda tempted to keep the BD1 and give it a bit of TLC, if I were you. You can get spares, including belts and motor suspension kits, from these people in Finland(!), or you can order belts from Technical and General, P.O. Box 53, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2BY, Tel +44 (0)1892 65 45 34.

If you're lacking the original service manual, you can download it for free from here.

I reckon you're going to be pushed to find a decent turntable able to take the arm for much less than the money you mention, and the arm is certainly worth keeping. This company may be able to help with matching the arm to a used turntable, which may be another restoration job(!) - the likes of the Garrard 301/401, or the Thorens TD160, are much sought after on the used market for use with arms such as this.

One company specialising in the Garrards is Loricraft - you'll be amazed what restored 401s sell for these days!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks very much. I was thinking of constructing a new base for BD1, possibly by turning a large chunk of wood on a lathe. Sounds like it is a viable option

 

[Andrew Everard]

Very much so...