I've been working on my 301 project for over a year and like most people it's more about the project than whether this is the greatest turntable known to mankind. My 301 sounds wonderful but most importantly it looks great. I used mahogany stained the colour of a Gibson guitar ie cherry red. I figured if it's good for a guitar it can't be bad for a garrard. Well it turned out even more spectacular than I could have hoped. The craftsman I found ended up sanding and lacquering over 20 layers. We are putting in a Kokomo bearing it has an oyaide platter mat. The arm is a 12 inch ortofon with a decca London ref. I have already done a thorens 160 (in piano black) and have a 125 lined up. It great to do these old turntables and people just drool over them. Have fun enjoy.
Platter Upgrade for Garrard 301
I am toying with the idea of upgrading my analog system to the next level up from my VPI scout. I've heard alot of talk about great performance from a Garrard 301 coupled with a upgraded plinth that I could buy from various sources, such as Oswald Mill Audio or Shindo, among others. However, I rarely hear about other upgrades for the Garrard. Isn't the platter a key component that should be a contender for an upgrade? I know Shindo makes such a platter, but they seem to be ultra expensive. There must be a less expensive alternative? Also, what other upgrades should I consider to a Garrard? Thanks, Mark