Lenco GL-70 (c. 1964–1965)

Name: Lenco GL-70
Brand: Lenco

Not much survives on the Lenco GL-70. What there is comes from exhibition listings and a brief specification in Audio-Collection (1965, p.8). The GL-70 was one of three Goldring-distributed "Lenco" transcription units shown at the International Audio Festival & Fair in London (Audio-Collection, 1964, p.89). Like the other two, it used the vertical-drive system that set Lenco designs apart at the time.

The drive was a 4-pole, constant-velocity AC motor (15 watts, 200-250 V, 50 Hz). Speed was continuously variable with a control knob, and there were positive click-stops for 16, 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm. The centre spindle was ground and lapped steel running in a sintered-bronze main bearing. The manufacturer claimed a maximum wow and flutter of 0.2%, negligible rumble and hum, and less than 1% speed variation for a 13% mains voltage change.

No production years, original price, or sales figures have turned up. Photographs and user manuals are not known to survive in common circulation. If you have one, the Archive would welcome documentation.

Known specifications:

Motor: 4-pole constant-velocity AC, 15 W, 200–250 V, 50 Hz
Speeds: 16, 33⅓, 45, 78 rpm (positive click-stops) with continuous fine adjustment
Bearing: ground/lapped steel spindle in sintered bronze
Wow & flutter: ≤ 0.2%
Rumble & hum: "negligible" (period claim)
Speed stability: < 1% change for 13% mains voltage variation
Drive: vertical-drive system (shared with contemporary Lenco transcription models)