Garrard
The 301 and 401 — turntables built like Rolls-Royces
History
Garrard was founded in London, England in 1915 by the Garrard family as a precision engineering company. The company's name came from the founder's surname, which became synonymous with quality British turntables for over 60 years. Garrard's first major audio product was the Garrard 33 (1930s), a spring-motor gramophone. However, the company truly made its mark with the 301 transcription turntable (1953), designed for radio stations and professional use. The 301 used a massive idler-wheel drive system with a heavy platter and powerful motor to achieve exceptional speed stability. It was adopted by the BBC and radio stations worldwide as the standard for professional vinyl replay. The 401 (1965) improved upon the 301 with better styling, improved motor isolation, and a more refined appearance. While mechanically similar to the 301, the 401's sleeker design made it more acceptable in domestic settings. Garrard also produced consumer turntables including the popular AT-60, SP-25, and SL-95 models. These brought Garrard engineering to the mass market, though they lacked the heavy construction of the professional 301 and 401. In 1979, Garrard was acquired by Plessey and eventually ceased production. However, the 301 and 401 remain highly prized by audiophiles, with restored examples commanding premium prices.Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1915, London, England |
| Famous Models | 301, 401 |
| Drive Type | Idler-wheel |
| Professional Use | BBC, radio stations worldwide |
| Production End | 1979 |
| Current Status | Vintage highly collectible |
Legendary Products
Garrard 301 (1953-1965)
The transcription turntable that defined professional vinyl replay. The 301's massive idler-drive system, heavy platter, and powerful motor provided speed stability that belt-drive designs couldn't match. Used by the BBC for decades.Garrard 401 (1965-1979)
An improved version of the 301 with sleeker styling and better motor isolation. The 401 maintained the same exceptional performance while being more acceptable in domestic environments. The "401" name referenced its 4.01 kg platter weight.Garrard AT-60 (1960s)
A popular consumer turntable that brought Garrard engineering to the mass market. The AT-60 featured automatic operation and a simpler drive system than the 301/401.Garrard SL-95 (1970s)
A high-end consumer turntable with direct-drive technology. The SL-95 represented Garrard's response to the Japanese direct-drive revolution.Classic Models Reference
| Model | Era | Drive | Features | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | 1953-65 | Idler | Professional | The legend |
| 301 Mk II | 1960s | Idler | Improved 301 | Later version |
| 401 | 1965-79 | Idler | Refined 301 | Domestic styling |
| AT-60 | 1960s | Belt | Auto | Consumer classic |
| SP-25 | 1960s | Belt | Manual | Popular model |
| SP-25 Mk IV | 1970s | Belt | Updated | Later version |
| SL-95 | 1970s | Direct | Direct-drive | Response to Technics |
| GT-25 | 1970s | Belt | Budget | Entry level |
| DD-75 | 1970s | Direct | Direct-drive | Consumer DD |
| DD-130 | 1970s | Direct | Direct-drive | Higher-end DD |
Sound Signature
Garrard turntables are characterized by: - Speed stability - Idler-drive torque - Weighty presentation - Massive platter effect - Dynamic punch - Strong drive system - Professional heritage - Built for broadcasting - Longevity - 50+ year lifespan commonCollecting Garrard
Vintage Garrard gear is valued for: - 301 - The professional classic - 401 - Refined domestic version - Original grease bearing - Pre-oil bearing 301s most desirable - Working condition - Idler wheels must be intact - Restoration potential - Parts available, well-documented Most collectible models: - 301 (grease bearing) - Early production - 301 (oil bearing) - Later improved version - 401 - The domestic classic - Chassis only - For custom plinth buildsRestoration Tips
Common Garrard service items: - Replace idler wheel (critical - often hardened) - Service bearing (clean and relubricate) - Clean motor (remove dust and debris) - Check capacitors (motor starting caps) - Verify speed (33/45/78) - Custom plinths often improve soundCompetitors & Comparisons
Garrard vs Thorens: Different drive philosophies; both valid Garrard vs Technics: Idler-drive vs direct-drive Garrard vs Lenco: Similar idler designs; Garrard more refinedAll Models in Archive (18)
| 2025tc | 1968 |
| 301 | 1953 |
| 4 | |
| 401 | 1965 |
| 401c | 1965 |
| 440 | 1968 |
| 440M/C | 1969 |
| 5-100 | |
| 5-200 | |
| 5 | |
| RC80 | |
| lab-80-mkii | 1964 |
| Module X-11 Demi | 1973 |
| RC88/4 | 1955 |
| RC98/4 | 1958 |
| SP | 1975 |
| Type A | |
| zero-2000b |
Models
Turntables
Speakers
- RC98/4 - 1958