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GARRARD 301:A vintage and truly classic British-made turntable.Item DescriptionFor those who seek the ultimate refinement in analog playback, the Garrard 301 Schedule No. 51400/2 represents a pivotal evolution in the golden age of high fidelity. Introduced in the late 1950s as the successor to the original grease-bearing models, this magnificent transcription turntable features the highly celebrated oil-bearing system. Dressed in the classic, elegant cream finish, the heavy die-cast aluminum chassis is a testament to unyielding British craftsmanship. Originally designed for the exacting standards of broadcast studios, its mechanical integrity and flawless build quality have made it an enduring icon among dedicated audiophiles who demand absolute stability and precision from their vinyl reproduction. The sonic signature of the oil-bearing Garrard 301 is truly a revelation. By transitioning to an oil-lubricated spindle, Garrard engineers successfully lowered the mechanical noise floor, resulting in a remarkably silent background that allows the finest musical nuances to emerge. Yet, it retains the legendary, authoritative idler-drive mechanism that modern belt-driven decks simply cannot match. This unit effortlessly translates torque into a breathtaking sense of rhythmic momentum. Listeners will be captivated by the extraordinary transient response, the tightly controlled yet powerful bass foundation, and an expansive soundstage that places every instrument with pinpoint accuracy. The enhanced transparency and headroom breathe new life into every groove, delivering a sound that is both startlingly dynamic and beautifully neutral. To integrate this Garrard 301 into your system is to elevate your listening room into a sanctuary of pure musicality. It is not just a mechanism for spinning records; it is an instrument that bridges the gap between the listener and the original performance. The music flows with an organic warmth and a realistic presence that keeps you engaged for hours on end. For the discerning collector and the passionate music lover alike, this oil-bearing masterpiece stands ready to serve as the definitive, lifelong centerpiece of a truly world-class audio system.**This turn table come with DECCA mark1 tonearm & Cartridge.This turntable is in Very Good condition with an expected sign of aging including some scratches and scuffs on its surface(please see the photos). The inside of this turntable has been cleaned(Please check the photos). The wooden turntable base has a few scratches and scuffs (Please check the photos). **The rubber mat shows signs of cracking due to aging. The unit has been thoroughly checked and tested by our professional technician, who has confirmed the integrity and excellent operation. Considering the robust construction of units like these, it's likely this turntable can be enjoyed for many years to come.Additional InformationTechnical SpecificationsSerial : 74656Country/Region of Manufacture : EnglandPower Supply : 100V 16W 50/60 Hz Accessories -Headshell / Cartridge-Rubber mat Cartridge & Headshell PolicyCartridge and styluses are free gifts, so we don't accept returns or refunds for damage of cartridges and styluses.Transit ScrewsSince items are in used condition, they don't have the transit screws sometimes. We kindly ask for your understanding.VoltagePlease check the power requirements for this device and the specifications of your power supply. If you need to use this item in a 220-240 V environment, you'll need a transformer. We sell high quality Japanese compact transformers (Nissyo), which will allow you to use this item safely and with good performance in your country.Import Tax・Import duties, taxes, and other charges which are not included in the item price or shipping charges are the buyer’s responsibility.・Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.・Except in the case of faulty or damaged items, refunds do not include any return shipping or shipping charges. Your return shipping charge will be deducted from your refund if you receive any.
At USD3,200 for a Garrard 301 with Decca Mark 1 tonearm and cartridge in very good shape, this sits at the lower end of the used market, making it a solid bargain if truly unrestored and functional. Typical clean originals with period arms fetch USD4,000–8,000 depending on plinth quality and service history, while fresh recreations alone push past USD10,000.
Buyers should verify the idler wheel and main bearing for wear—common failure points on these 1950s–60s transcription decks that demand periodic rebuilds—or you'll face rumble and speed instability. Confirm the original script platter, power cord, and any strobe disc are included, and insist on a 33/45 playback demo to catch motor issues.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Garrard Turntables trace their origins to the Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company, established in 1915 in Swindon, Wiltshire, England, as a division of the renowned jeweler Garrard & Co., founded in 1735. Initially tasked with producing motors and range finders for World War I, the firm pivoted post-war to consumer audio, crafting silent spring-wound motors for gramophones supplied to brands like Columbia and Decca. By 1930, it unveiled its first complete gramophone turntable, building a legacy in precision engineering amid the vinyl era's dawn.
The brand's product focus centered squarely on high-quality gramophone turntables, with iconic idler-wheel models like the 301 (launched 1954) and 401 (1965) standing out for their robust four-pole induction motors, aluminum chassis, and support for 33, 45, and 78 rpm speeds. These transcription turntables, favored by the BBC and European broadcasters, eschewed modern direct-drive or belt systems in favor of grease-bearing designs and eddy-current braking, often sold without plinths for custom integration. Garrard innovated in record changers and autochangers but never diversified into amplifiers, speakers, DACs, headphones, or cables.
Garrard occupies a revered niche as a vintage collector's cornerstone in the high-end hi-fi market, synonymous with the golden age of analog playback. Sold to Plessey in 1960 and ceasing production by the late 1970s, its decks remain prized today for their torque, build quality, and musicality among audiophiles restoring "Swindon iron" script-logo classics. No active modern entity perpetuates the original line, cementing its status as a benchmark for idler-drive excellence.
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