Garrard RC100

A 1938 record changer that promised automated convenience in the early days of home audio. Rare, quirky, and full of mechanical ambition.

Overview

The Garrard RC100 record changer arrived in 1938. It was a bold attempt to automate listening at a time when most people still wound up their phonographs by hand. It played both sides of each record without intervention and handled mixed stacks of 10- and 12-inch discs. That was no small feat back then, especially with four speeds to support: 16, 33, 45, and 78 RPM.

Under the aluminum platter, the RC100 used an idler-wheel drive powered by the Garrard Synchro-Lab hysteresis motor. That motor type is known for stable speed regulation, though exact figures like wow & flutter are undocumented. It hinted at Garrard's growing reputation for precision, even if the RC100 itself never became a long-term staple. According to available documentation, it was the forerunner to the RC80 introduced in 1950, though no direct technical comparisons are confirmed.

The RC100 didn't dominate the market. It launched into fierce competition, where reliability and simplicity often won over complexity. Some sources suggest it was an entry-level offering, while another claims it was "the top of the line" for Garrard in 1939. Nobody agrees on its exact role. Mechanical automation was in demand, but the solutions were still evolving.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Garrard
Product type	record changer
Drive System	Idler-wheel drive
Motor	Garrard Synchro-Lab hysteresis motor
Speeds	16, 33, 45, and 78 RPM
Platter	Aluminum
Operation type	manual turntable

Historical Context

Introduced in 1938, the RC100 entered a crowded market where record changers were evolving fast. Playing both sides of records and mixing disc sizes was a notable feature at the time, useful for households that owned a variety of shellac and early vinyl formats. One source describes it as an entry-level model, another calls it Garrard's flagship changer in 1939. It is cited as the forerunner to the 1950 RC80. The lack of surviving units may add to the confusion. According to forum reports, nearly all RC100s were lost when the ship transporting them was destroyed, leaving only about five known survivors.

Collectibility & Value

The RC100 is not considered a high-collectibility model, though it keeps modest interest among vintage audio restorers and Garrard completists. According to available documentation, typical market prices range from $50 to $150 depending on condition. Given the reported rarity, actual sightings are extremely scarce. One known issue is the cartridge. Sources suggest that in about 30% of cases the original cartridge has been replaced, which can affect playback accuracy and historical integrity. Spare parts and technical documentation are lacking, so full restoration is often difficult.