Timoteo, you have a very nice system!
However it is your fabulous Goldring/Lenco GL 75 turntable restoration that really caught my eye. It is gorgeous.
If I may I would like to provide information to members about those unique turntables.
They have continuously variable speed and are beloved of the historic 78 RPM community, as there was no standard speed in the early days.
The idler drive of these Lenco turntables is unusual to say the least.
Here is a motor block from a Lenco turntable.
The spindle is conical and has an upper and lower bearing. The speed variator runs the idler wheel up and down the conical spindle.
This is in contrast to the Garrard 301, which is variable speed to a degree via and electromagnetic eddy current brake. However the range of adjustment is not enough to satisfy the historic 78 enthusiasts.
Back in the fifties and sixties there were no plinths for transcription turntables. You mounted the table and the arm. Many where installed in beautifully made cabinets from Largs or Imhofs.
I have found some history on
Imhofs, that used to have huge audio display rooms.
Information on Largs is just what I can find in my Hi-Fi Year Books of the period.
I have written to a friend of mine noted British Audio historian and author Barry M Jones. He is going to see what he can find. This is what he wrote me today about it.
Hi Mark,
Yes, I'm fit and well - a bit water logged though. But then it is April which brings for showers, only someone on high has forgotten to turn off the taps! I'm not complaining, as our water tables are very low - too many people drawing off too much water!
Largs, Imhofs... there were loads of them, but yes their histories do need recording though I doubt there is a commercial market for a book on them. What makes such a history difficulty is that most, like Imhofs, were contract furniture makers who would supply as original equipment makers, or to the furniture trade or sell as a side line to private customers. Some were bought out by expanding audio companies to ensure provision of high quality (and cheap) cabinets; yet in a twist of fate, Kavearn bought out Roberts Radio! Imhofs of course had a huge London audio showrooms - I still have one of their catalogues.
I supect Largs was bought out by someone - I'll see what I can find out.
Glad to hear the Mk.610 is still going strong - as too is my IC-2000
Barry
Getting back to the hey day of idler wheel turntables the first transcription grade turntable has to be credited to AR Sugden.
And then of course the legendary Garrard 301.
Of the Goldring Lenco, (although Goldring moved to the UK in 1933, these Lenco turntables were Swiss made) my favorite is the GL88.
I doubt the visual similarity is a coincidence!
I do think we need a vintage forum on this site. Gene does not agree. If others would like this PM Gene. The vintage information on this site if posted across a host of threads. When I post about history it seems to get more positive response, than just about any other topic, so I know the interest is here. These posts I know are visited as when doing research on historic equipment post here are well up the list now, even above some dedicated sites.
We have a diverse membership and exposing the members to what went before I think is important for a well rounded site.
And yes, this gear really does work! You do not have to make any excuses for it. I was listening to one of my
Garrard 301 set ups a few days age, and was in awe at how wonderful it sounded. My system has a very extended frequency range and there was not a trace of audible rumble, from a mechanism from a half century ago. This sort of design and craftsmanship needs remembering with honor.
In closing Timoteo, I applaud your meticulous GL75 restoration, and providing an opportunity to talk about this era. I bet it will serve you well for many years to come.
