HISTORY:
Very sad to see this funky, old English Garrard turntable become an 'organ donor' but at least it may give new life to another 72B out there somewhere!
Produced in the period 1970 ~ 1973 by the famous Garrard turntable manufacturers in England. We obtained this turntable in the 1990's, lubed it up (biggest problem with these old turntables) and used it primarily for the ability to play 78's - our business was music post production and archival work for clients and we had a need to play a LOT of the good old 78's
This turntable will play 45 & 33 as well of course but we had other turntables (Technics SP10's, Dual & a Linn LP12 for those). But the best part of this turntable was the 'fun', loading up vinyl on the stacker and playing up to 6 records, one after the other - it's a pretty amazing sight to see in action! It is also a very funky visual turntable, extremely retro.
After being used for a while it was then put into our 'graveyard' of audio equipment as we had no further use for it.
After almost 20 years sitting in the graveyard, I have bought it out to see if someone else might like one of these classic Garrards (although not as good as the 80~82's, it is still a nice looking and sounding turntable when treated with respect!
It was then that I discovered that it was destined for a proud career as an 'organ donor' - I do not wish to mess around hunting for spare parts.
So what was wrong? (I hear you asking)
On the far left hand side is the speed control rotary control - this moves the idler wheel position and is critical to selecting the correct speed. Most of the Garrard is metal but alas they chose to use an all plastic lever button for this speed selection. This rotary control has two fingers which sit in the metal cam's underneath, eventually moving the idler wheel postion vertically (for different speeds)
The two fingers have both completely come away and a repair looks to be difficult if not impossible and I do not have a replacement button. So without being able to select the speeds at all, the turntable is pretty useless in it's complete form.
Again I hear you 'why did the button break' - that dreaded problem with all old grease, it had gone hard and all the metal work underneath associated with the speed control had seized up. Forcing the rotary button from above was too much for the feeble plastic and it just broke away! End of speed control.
So, let's get on with describing the spare part I am offering here - remember, I am offering 'organs' from the turntable, it is a non-turntable now as I have carefully and completely dismantled it!
GARRARD LAB-72B TURNTABLE - Idler Wheel SPARE PART
Part # 58220
Included are the circlip (00431/010) and fibre bottom washer (41219/010)
Diameter: 50mm
Thickness: 2mm
Metal centre with what appears to be a brass bearing sleeve.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
After 40 years, this idler wheel is still in great condition.
The rubber rim has no flat spots or other damage.
The rubber feels pliable but not soft, nor is it 'rock hard'
Metal centre sleeve is clean and free of previous grease, as are the circlip and washer
Since dismantling the SL-72B, this spare part has now been sealed in plastic to protect it from the environment.
