Garrard SL55B (1958–1962)
A 3-speed automatic turntable produced by Garrard during a transitional era in turntable design.
Overview
The Garrard SL55B is a 3-speed automatic turntable made by Garrard between 1958 and 1962. It features a synchronous motor, known as the Synchro-Lab motor, and includes a balanced pickup arm with adjustable counterweight, anti-skate control, and a cueing mechanism for precise record handling. This model was commonly installed in Magnavox Astro Sonic consoles, suggesting its use in integrated audio systems of the period. The SL55B represents a transitional era in turntable design, bridging earlier idler-wheel mechanisms with more refined consumer audio components.
Specifications
| Speeds | 33/45/78 |
| Motor | Synchronous motor (Synchro-Lab) |
| Wow & Flutter | 0.08 |
| Rumble | -35 |
| Idler Wheel Part | Type 1499-10 |
| Idler Wheel O.D. | 2.0 Inches / 50.8 mm |
| Features | cueing lever, damped cueing, adjustable tone arm, anti-skate |
Design
The SL55B uses an idler-wheel drive system with a synchronous motor and includes a balanced pickup arm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate. The cueing mechanism allows for controlled lowering of the tonearm onto the record surface.
Context
The Garrard SL55B represents a transitional era in turntable design, reflecting evolving engineering approaches in consumer audio during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Market
Common issues include low volume output and hum, with some users reporting that reversing the AC plug resolves hum problems. Replacement idler wheels (Type 1499-10) are available as specified parts, and a combined service manual for the SL55B and SL65B is commercially available.
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