sound practices reading club /40

The next couple of issues we will get to meet some classic turntables, first up: the Garrard. We are reading Turning the Tables: Garrard 301 and 401 by Haden Boardman, from sound practices issue 5. In it, Haden describes the evolution of the 301 and 401 models, and technical differences. Furthermore maintenance, setup and tuning are discussed. The articles ends with a list of UK resources for Garrard aficionados.

teaser quote: ‘Born in 1953, the 301 was Garrard’s first transcription turntable produced to play all three existing disk formats […]. Hence the name — three-on-one. The 301 was immediately recognized as a reference class instrument. It was to remain at the top of the market for a decade.’

my take
Forget about finding these at bargain prices on ebay, the Garrards have been classics for a long time. Interesting to read that also here the Japanese led the way, starting in the 80s. The article was written in pre-www days (see that resource list, no websites mentioned) and still there were already ‘more 301s in Japan than back in Blighty.’

bonus tracks
Read a nice brief history of Garrard over at Lorricraft (found via twogoodears).

Now go and read the article, see you next week.