Garrard RC98

A 4-speed super auto-manual record changer

Overview

The GARRARD RC98 is a 4-speed super auto-manual record changer made by Garrard Eng. & Mfg. Co. Ltd. It plays at 16, 33, 45, and 78 rpm. It can automatically play up to eight records, 10 or 12 inches. It came in variants including the RC98/4L, RC98/4H, and RC98/4, with schedule number 53000/4. It was meant for built-in or standalone use. It has an idler-wheel drive system and a ceramic cartridge.

Specifications

Product type	4-Speed Super Auto-Manual Changer
Speeds	16, 33, 45, 78 rpm
Record capacity	Up to eight records
Record sizes	10 or 12 inch at 78 rpm
Model variants	RC98/4L, RC98/4H, RC98/4
Schedule number	53000/4
Chassis type	Chassis only or for «building in»
Drive type	idler wheel turntable
Cartridge type	ceramic cartridge design

Design

The RC98 drives the platter with an idler wheel. The tonearm is chunky and carries a ceramic cartridge. Garrard designed it to go into console systems, or to be sold as a chassis-only unit for custom installations.

Market

The RC98/4L has sold for $75 in working condition. Other listings ask more, including one at €255 and another at $3,628.90 (15% off original). Some units need servicing to get running again. There are documented threads on platter removal and repair, so people are restoring them. Service documentation exists, including a 1956 Photofact manual (338 - 5) and schematics from antique radio archives.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ GARRARD RC98                                                    Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $308                                    Latest            $227 │
│ Median    $95                                     Trend                — │
│ Low       $13                                     Volume           ~2/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $400 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                                               .   .             │
│   $229 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                .│
│        │                                                             .   │
│        │                                                                 │
│     $0 ┤.      .        ..                                               │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │█      █        ██                             █   █         █  █│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-04                      2026-06                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.