Garrard 301........as good as they say?

[Formerly YB-2]

Art Dudley has reviewed the "new" 301 (at an amazing $23.5K with 12" TA) as well as the new replacement bearing in a couple of articles since this thread was started. He is still loving his 301 and finds no need for a new bearing after using Phil Wood grease in his old one (I've used for many years in my bicycle bearings). I also get the impression that AD likes fiddling with his 301 almost as much as listening to it.

[MCenthusiast]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Art Dudley has reviewed the "new" 301 (at an amazing $23.5K with 12" TA) as well as the new replacement bearing in a couple of articles since this thread was started. He is still loving his 301 and finds no need for a new bearing after using Phil Wood grease in his old one (I've used for many years in my bicycle bearings). I also get the impression that AD likes fiddling with his 301 almost as much as listening to it.

I'd second that as a Garrard owner for several years. What makes this table so great is that they got it right the first time. It was heavily used in commercial broadcasting and by consumers so it was over engineered with a very powerful motor, excellent bearing assembly and heavy platter out of the box. More important than anything else is that the table receives a full service by a qualified tech which it sounds like you have committed to.

The popularity of the Garrards has resulted in the introduction of many aftermarket parts and I'm confident that many are not the equal of their OEM equivalents. Some are actually known to do damage like the Kokomo bearing "upgrade" that was popular for a period of time. Art Dudley's review of the "new" SME Garrard 301 is a testament to what a well restored example is capable of. I'd avoid the aftermarket power supply units which detract from the original design and associated dynamics. I've been intrigued by the Artisan Fidelity platter and inverted bearing offering as the installation is completely reversible and engineered as a package but haven't heard them and they're quite expensive. Good luck and be sure to post pictures and impressions of the table when complete.