Radio Station Turntables

Does anyone have or remember these old radio station turntables?

These are some I picked up over the years. The first one is a Broadcast Electronics model 16C with a Rek-O-Kut tonearm. This is a 3 speed turntable that will play records up to 16" in diameter. Surprisingly, this TT was made in the mid 80's. I actually didn't think 16" broadcast TT's were made that recent. This was an ebay purchase; but, it was still cheaper than the older 16" Gates turntables with the Gray Research tonearms. I'd like to find one of those Gates turntables; but, my budget won't allow me to pay ebay prices. Maybe I'll get lucky and find one in the discard pile at a radio station.


The next one is a QRK model 12C that plays 3 speeds and is believed to be from the '60's. When I got this TT, it had a damaged wooden Micro-Trak 303 tonearm mounted to it. I was able to find this metal Russco RTA-12 tonearm on ebay to replace the original tonearm. I think some of these TT's were also fitted with Shure M232 and Rek-O-Kut Micropoise tonearms. This TT was a freebie from a local radio station that had long since taken it out of service.


The last one is a Russco 3 speed "cue master" that's similar to the QRK. I think I gave $20 for this one from a small local AM station.


All three of these TT's are rim driven and have large AC motors. The 16" TT has a Japanese motor. The two smaller TT's have Bodine motors. All these TT's were designed to mount in a countertop or console. One day, I need to build wooden boxes to house them.

I used to think I wanted one of those Technics SP15 direct drive broadcast TT's. Then I ended up giving some shyster $300 for one that was supposed to have been restored (recapped, cleaned, lubricated, etc.) What I actually got was a piece of junk that had not been touched. After failed attempts to repair it myself, I got so mad at myself for being so stupid in being so quick to buy this TT that I took a sledgehammer to it. I know that was just an isolated case and all of these TT's are not that bad; but, I just can't get that bad taste out of my mouth. Those direct drive TT's use complex circuits with hard-to-find parts. These old idler driven models are simple and parts are still available. The only way I'd take one of the direct drive models would be if it were free or very cheap.

Now, I think very few radio stations use turntables. From what I can tell, the ones that do are using current Technics SL1200 or Audio Technica DJ style turntables. I did stumble upon one radio station, WIRY in New York state, that still has a pair of Gates 16" TT's w/ gray research tonearms in their on air studio and in their production room.

radiotvnut,

Recognize you from Audiokarma/Videokarma. Broadcast Electronics in 1980 purchased Rek-O-Kut and QRK and produced the QRK turntables and the Rek-O-Kut tonearms until around 1991. And they kept to the classic models. For further information on both makes, see http://www.russcoturntables.com and see actual engineering drawings, memos from BE on the acquistions, and a company who supports these oldies and the Russco turntables. Wish you hadn't sledgehammered that SP-15, I might have been able to have repaired it. The Technics SP line of turntables are generally worth owning, I use a SP-25 as my main everyday turntable along with an Audio-Technica ATP-16T transcription tonearm (12"). And use a Shure M-44 G cartridge on mine.

Well, I have to say that I am quite surprised to see some nice collection of TT’s of yours. I guess they are all rim driven with the added feature of huge AC motors which was special during that time. I am interested in the 16 inch one with the Japanese motor. PM regarding price details and all!

Remember that if he sold it, that they fetch over $1000 in nice order. They are not cheap buys in nice condition.

I have owned a few radio station turntables in my lifetime:

I had a nice Rek-O-Kut 2-speed belt drive turntable with a Gray viscous ball tonearm for 16" records.

I had two of those Rek-O-Kut turntable-arm combinations, but made in the 1960s.

I had a Weathers turntable and arm combination. I still have the arm.

I have two 16" Buck Owens albums I won in an auction combo package of equipment (I wanted a Dynaco PAT-4 that was in the package). They are the same as the 12" albums, but the higher groove speeds provided better sound. Unfortunately, I do not now have a 16" player.

record-changer,

I own a turntable and tonearm which can play 16" discs. PM me if you want those Buck Owens discs transferred to tape or CD.

I have CDs of those albums.