Garrard Zero 100B (1970)

At 24.25 lbs, it rests with a quiet authority—equal parts precision instrument and kinetic sculpture.

Overview

The Garrard Zero 100B, introduced in 1970 as part of the Zero 100 series, occupies a peculiar niche in turntable history: a fully automatic record changer with a tonearm that defies conventional geometry. Though sources refer to the "Zero 100" or "Zero 100 SB," the "B" suffix appears to denote a regional or production variant within the same family. It was marketed as a high-end automatic turntable, yet its engineering leans more toward the obsessive than the mass-market. At its core is an articulated parallel-tracking arm—a design not invented by Garrard, but licensed from Burne-Jones & Co. LTD., the English firm behind the legendary B.J. Parallel Tracking Arm of the 1950s. This wasn’t just another auto-changer; it was a mechanical ballet disguised as home audio.

Owners report a machine that feels solid and well-crafted for its original price point—$189.50 at launch, slightly more than contemporary Thorens models like the TD 166 and TD 145. Its popularity stemmed as much from its striking appearance as from its performance. The tonearm, with its twin parallel arms and freely rotating headshell, maintains near-zero tracking error across the entire record surface, a rarity in automatic decks. The horizontal and vertical friction are reportedly so low that the arm feels almost weightless in motion, gliding with a surreal smoothness that borders on hypnotic.

Yet for all its elegance, the Zero 100B is burdened by its automation. The fully mechanical system of coils, shafts, and levers that enables auto-start and auto-return is complex and, over time, prone to failure. Many users today choose to disable these functions entirely, converting the deck into a manual player to preserve its delicate mechanisms. The belt-driven system—though quiet—can suffer from slippage, leading to inconsistent startup performance. And while the hydraulic arm lifter is a marvel of adjustability, the two-piece pickup shell, while convenient, is widely regarded as flimsy and weak, a clear compromise in an otherwise refined design.

Specifications

Key Features

Articulated Parallel-Tracking Tonearm

The defining feature of the Zero 100B is its articulated tonearm, a design licensed from Burne-Jones & Co. LTD. Unlike pivoted arms that introduce tracking error, this arm uses a parallelogram linkage to keep the stylus tangential to the groove at all points. The pickup shell rotates freely around the twin arms, maintaining consistent alignment. This near-zero tracking error reduces distortion and wear, a significant advantage for analog playback. However, the two-piece shell, while easy to swap cartridges, lacks rigidity and can introduce micro-resonances—owners often seek aftermarket replacements for improved rigidity.

Hydraulic Arm Lifter with Adjustable Height

The arm lifter operates via a hydraulic damper, offering smooth, controlled descent and lift. What sets it apart is the adjustability: users can fine-tune the lifter height from above using a screwdriver, ensuring perfect clearance over records without disassembling the deck. This level of user serviceability is rare in automatic turntables and reflects Garrard’s attention to long-term usability.

Counterweight with Rubber Damper Isolation

The counterweight isn’t rigidly fixed to the arm tube. Instead, it’s mounted through a rubber damper, designed to absorb micro-vibrations that could otherwise travel down the arm and affect tracking. This subtle damping helps isolate the stylus from mechanical noise, contributing to a cleaner signal path—especially important in a suspended subchassis design.

Metal Subchassis on Damped Coil Springs

The entire turntable mechanism rides on a metal subchassis suspended by four soft coil springs. These are internally damped with green foam, reducing resonance transmission from the base. Two of the springs are adjustable from the top, allowing users to level the subchassis precisely. This suspension system, combined with motor isolation via rubber washers, creates a highly inert platform—critical for minimizing feedback and rumble.

Complicated Mechanical Automation System

The auto-start and auto-return functions are managed by a fully mechanical network of coils, shafts, and levers. While impressive in its complexity, this system is also the turntable’s Achilles’ heel. Over time, dried lubricants and worn linkages can cause malfunctions—particularly the auto-return function, which collectors frequently report as inoperative. Many restorers opt to disable the automation entirely, converting the Zero 100B into a manual deck to preserve the tonearm and platter mechanics.

Removable Platter Hub with Precision Spindle Housing

The central hub of the platter, which houses the spindle, can be removed by unscrewing three bolts. This design simplifies maintenance and cleaning. The spindle itself isn’t a traditional bearing but a precision-polished metal housing that secures the platter to the floating subchassis. This minimalist approach reduces friction but demands careful inspection—any scratch or wobble can introduce unwanted oscillation during playback.

Historical Context

The Garrard Zero 100 series emerged in 1970 as the SB model, a development of an earlier version released a few years prior. It entered a market where automatic turntables were expected to be utilitarian, but the Zero 100B defied that norm with its elegant engineering and striking visual design. Though not a Garrard original, the Burne-Jones parallel-tracking arm gave it a technical edge over competitors. It was priced slightly above popular Thorens models like the TD 166 and TD 145, yet its build quality and performance justified the premium for many buyers. Its popularity was driven as much by its futuristic look as by its functionality, making it a standout in living rooms and hi-fi shops alike.

Collectibility & Value

The Zero 100B remains easily available on the secondhand market, often found in working or restorable condition. A 2003 estimate from TNT Audio suggested a mint example might fetch up to $100, with a strong recommendation not to pay more. Given its age and mechanical complexity, collectors are advised to inspect several critical components: arm bearings for free play, subchassis springs for fatigue, the spindle for damage, and the motor for smooth operation. Restoration typically involves a complete service—cleaning and lubricating drive components and verifying the automation functions. However, many owners choose to bypass the auto functions entirely, using the deck as a manual player to preserve its longevity.

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