About my Lenco: As I proceeded to post the info requested, the thread was gone. Looks like Jlin saved the day. Many thanks!
Per Kim’s request, I will describe my Lenco 75.
After several emails to the lenco Masta, and to a few of his disciples, I set out to find a specimen which would meet the proper criteria for achieving what has been described as excellent, ass-kicking, (or better yet, multithousand-dollar-costing beltdrive, ass-whooping), turntable. I was skeptical, but my desire is to reach sonic nirvana. Therefore, I took a chance.
Within a few weeks, I had a Lenco in my hands and on the card table. Camera at my side, I disassembled and made notes. Quite simple in design, it is the fine machinery and solidly built motor that most impressed me- just as the Masta had promised.
First I cut out the upper right corner, easily done with a metal cutting blade on the hand held jig saw. I placed masking tape on top and underneath the metal base and drew my cutting lines. It was easy. Lightly filed the edges. Piece of cake.
Masked the chrome plate, lightly sanded the grey base and found my son’s can of gold spray paint. Maybe I’ll call her Goldy?
Found a good buy on a Rega 300 arm and a Denon 103.
Searched for a template on the web. Found it easier to just make my cuts, leaving as much Baltic Birch plywood as possible to stay true to the Masta plan. Jig saw, hand drill and router and good light was all I needed. One trip to use a table saw to get clean straight sides after gluing 5 layers of ply and one sheet of drywall.
The table base fit well, the motor hanging proud and loose.
Oh yeah, I did adjust the motor with the set screw, after I cleaned and repacked with grease.
It all looked good, but I couldn’t just leave her with the chipped ply on her sides, so I looked for a solution. The tables on Lencoheaven.com were definitely a source of inspiration. To my surprise, I found someone near me with LOTS of exotic veneer. Beautiful patterns. I settled on “Goya” for the sides and Birdseye Maple for the top. I first glued the veneer to a flat thin board, sanded, varnished, sanded, varnished XXX, then cut to fit the sides of the plinth. I was warned by 4yanks, that veneer would likely be brittle and a problem in that it chips easily. He is right. At times all I had to do was look at it and it chipped. My nephew, who has a way with words, suggested I call her “Chippy.” That was after I referred to his house, which is being remodeled, as the “Golden Arches.” But he hits below the belt. I am almost over it. I must remind myself that he has 3 young children, and I don’t want to raise them. His life is spared.
Anyway, barely able to see through my tears, I managed to cut out a few armboards out of oak. Setting up an arm and cart was new to me. Advise was sought from the disciples. All along I was encouraged to do everything myself. This proved to be good advise.
The table measures 18X16.5X4 inches. It is incredibly quiet between tracks and sweet when it supposed to purr. But she growls and roars when called upon. Sends me and my audiophile buds tapping our feet, bobbing and weeving when the bass and drums lock it in. Vocals sound like real people, with feelings. Right now, Otis Redding is telling me to try a little tenderness. I got to remember that.
For more info about my system, you know where to look.
The rebuilt took about 2 months. I like to go slow, and methodically. It is fun, economical, enlightening, a sonic jewel, and, bragging rights are priceless. My only regret, and needless to say, TREMENDOUS guilt, is that friends should not let friends drive their tables with belts. I am guilty. Some of my friends have Basis with Graham arms, Nottingham Spacedecks, Regas, VPIs… oh! The shame I feel in the morning after a listening session at their houses! Only to come home to my listening room, turn on my preamp, amps, turn the switch that sets that well balanced, 9 pounds of gentle fury spinning, lay a favorite black vinyl disc, drop the stylus, and hear beautiful music.
