Table top Phonograph/amplifier 1957 Garrard RC 121

Hi,

I posted this on the vintage forum at audio asylum and got no bites so I thought I'd try here.

I picked up a tabletop phonograph/amplifier at an estate sale being curious to hear what the old style Garrard tt would sound like with the crystal cartridge. The tt is a Garrard RC-121 Mk 2 and it came with a second head shell for mono and the 45 automatic spindle.

My question is about the rest of the unit. It is made to be placed on a table top or stand, has one integrated speaker and one external speaker and outputs for 10 more speakers. The walnut cabinet says made in England on the inside cover and beside the speaker selector switches it has the name Vidaire Model MS-12, Roosevelt, NY. The serial number on the back is BB075. I am not sure what the make and model of the unit is because Vidaire could just be the name on the speaker selector switch. I am curious who made the amplifier.

I got some sound out of the unit when I first plugged it in, the tt is barely spinning. I left it on for a while and the cabinet felt warm and then the glow in the tubes disappeared. The tt needs repair beyond what I can do for it but the motor is strong. I have a later Garrard changer which has a similar design and have had luck before cleaning them up and unfreezing them but I did not have the same luck this time.

I would appreciate any info you have on this unit. Here is a link to a quick webpage I made with many pictures:

http://www.stephsrecordsale.com/vintage/garrard-121.html

many thanks, Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,
I have a Garrard 121 MkII. It is in a cream and dark red leatherette covered carry case and has an integrated valve am/sw radio. It was made by Calston Australia. I believe that many manufacturers used the Garrard record player in a variety of cabinets. I am currently trying to track down a cartridge/stylus for mine.
Regards,
Luke
(luke.piotrowicz@icc.gov.au)

Hi -- I was looking at the bake lite head shells and the cartridges are soldered in. I bet a GE variable reluctance cartridge would do the trick. If you are not sure what type to use -- and it would be helpful to you, I could go and get them and relay what cartridges are in there and any specs I have on them.

best, Stephanie

Hi sjg,
Just wondering if you've checked the underside of your cabinet? I've got 3 different models very similar to yours. One came on legs, and the other 2 didn't, but when I looked underneath, they all had metal brackets in which legs screwed in. They were just those tapered legs you find on tables etc from the late 50's & 1960's. You might find yours once had legs too.

Hello, I have a Garrad 121mk2 which looks the same as the one pictured but its cream in colour. I need a new needle for 33/45 rpm and also a new or better second hand turntable rubber mat. Does anybody have any idea where you can get one from. I am in the UK

thanks

Paul

Turntables that old usually need a cleaning and lube job for the motor.