Garrard AP76
A 3-speed automatic transcription turntable from Garrard, produced for high-fidelity playback with a focus on elegance and precision.
Overview
The Garrard AP76 is a transcription-quality turntable designed for single-record playback, featuring automatic operation and built to deliver high-fidelity audio performance. Manufactured by Garrard, it stands apart from the brand’s more common consumer models found in 1980s all-in-one systems. Described as a "great little turntable" from the late '60s and '70s, the AP76 was engineered for both functional precision and aesthetic refinement, with users noting its reliability and adaptability to modern cartridges like the AT120E.
Specifications
| Speed | 3-speed |
| Operation | Automatic play |
| Tonearm type | Hexagonal-tubular tonearm |
| Motor type | Four-pole induction motor |
| Tonearm bearing | Inverted single ball-thrust bearing |
Design
The AP76 features a hexagonal-tubular tonearm with wiring connected via four spring-loaded contact strips, contributing to signal integrity and ease of maintenance. Its construction emphasizes transcription-grade performance, incorporating an inverted single ball-thrust bearing for smooth arm movement and a four-pole induction motor for stable rotation. The design includes transit screws that must be fully wound down before use, a detail noted in user maintenance discussions.
Market
Users report that the AP76 occasionally commands higher prices on eBay due to the Garrard name, though it is not directly comparable to the collectible 301 or 401 models. A common issue is hum during playback, often resolved by cleaning ground connections and the tonearm's contact strips. Despite its age, the turntable remains functional in restored units, with some enthusiasts using it successfully for 78 RPM records using appropriate styli.
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