UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Garrard record player deck identification.

GP49000 · 1st Dec 2012, 5:43 am

The Zero Tracking Error models had their conventional-tonearm counterparts on the same chassis.

The Zero 100 was introduced during the production run of the SL95B and SL72B (the SL75B was discontinued at the same time), but when it was "freshened" as the Zero 100C with its lower-priced sister model Zero 92, the rest of the line was updated with new models in the Zero 100's white-themed styling, creating a unified, "family" appearance. Next down from the Zero 92 in the new line was the Model 82, the "replacement" model to the SL72B.

From the SL72B it inherited the smaller-sized platter. Its tonearm was fixed-offset, but mimicked the styling of the Zero Tracking Error models with a decorative but otherwise nonfunctional clear plastic housing for the tonearm's pivots. It had the same C3 cartridge slide as the Zero models, and the same adjustment for vertical tracking angle in single-play and multiple-play operation. It had the same Garrard-patented weight-on-lever antiskating as the Zero 92; like the Zero 100C and Zero 92, and tracking weight was adjusted by a weight that slid along the tonearm. Under the unit plate, it had the new automatic trip parts from the Zero 100, that permitted lower tracking weights than in the SL95B and SL72B (though, as mentioned, the new parts had very probably been installed in late production of those models); and the revised cueing mechanism that provided damped operation in both lifting and lowering the tonearm. Otherwise it retained the same Synchro-Lab motor and three fixed speeds as in the SL72B, with record-size selection linked to speed selection, and the same record changing mechanism, with a restyled side platform for supporting a stack of records.

When Garrard switched to a new scheme, with black replacing white, the Model 82 remained in production with the new colour.

The single-play, belt-drive Zero 100SB also had a lower-priced sibling: the 86SB. It had the fixed-offset tonearm of the Model 82, with its decorative gimbal housing rendered in smoked grey instead of clear plastic. It had minor trim differences from the Zero 100SB but shared its belt drive and heavy nonferrous alloy platter.

When the Z2000B was introduced, it had a sister model with a non-Zero Tracking Error tonearm, too: the 990B. Its tonearm was billed as the finest conventional tonearm Garrard had ever built. It was S-shaped and introduced a new cartridge slide, the C5. Tracking weight was adjusted by a calibrated counterweight. Its antiskate was by an adjustable weight on a lever and though it did have the idler-belt drive with speed adjustment of the Z2000B, it lacked the built-in, illuminated stroboscope. Its heavy cast alloy platter and specifications for rumble, flutter and wow were the same as those of the Z2000B.

Photos:

Model 82, white
Model 82, black
Model 82 tonearm detail
86SB
86SB in "plinthless" mount, as supplied by a Singapore dealer.

1st Dec 2012, 5:43 am	#68
GP49000 Hexode Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sonoma County, California, USA. Posts: 405	Re: Garrard record player deck identification. The Zero Tracking Error models had their conventional-tonearm counterparts on the same chassis. The Zero 100 was introduced during the production run of the SL95B and SL72B (the SL75B was discontinued at the same time), but when it was "freshened" as the Zero 100C with its lower-priced sister model Zero 92, the rest of the line was updated with new models in the Zero 100's white-themed styling, creating a unified, "family" appearance. Next down from the Zero 92 in the new line was the Model 82, the "replacement" model to the SL72B. From the SL72B it inherited the smaller-sized platter. Its tonearm was fixed-offset, but mimicked the styling of the Zero Tracking Error models with a decorative but otherwise nonfunctional clear plastic housing for the tonearm's pivots. It had the same C3 cartridge slide as the Zero models, and the same adjustment for vertical tracking angle in single-play and multiple-play operation. It had the same Garrard-patented weight-on-lever antiskating as the Zero 92; like the Zero 100C and Zero 92, and tracking weight was adjusted by a weight that slid along the tonearm. Under the unit plate, it had the new automatic trip parts from the Zero 100, that permitted lower tracking weights than in the SL95B and SL72B (though, as mentioned, the new parts had very probably been installed in late production of those models); and the revised cueing mechanism that provided damped operation in both lifting and lowering the tonearm. Otherwise it retained the same Synchro-Lab motor and three fixed speeds as in the SL72B, with record-size selection linked to speed selection, and the same record changing mechanism, with a restyled side platform for supporting a stack of records. When Garrard switched to a new scheme, with black replacing white, the Model 82 remained in production with the new colour. The single-play, belt-drive Zero 100SB also had a lower-priced sibling: the 86SB. It had the fixed-offset tonearm of the Model 82, with its decorative gimbal housing rendered in smoked grey instead of clear plastic. It had minor trim differences from the Zero 100SB but shared its belt drive and heavy nonferrous alloy platter. When the Z2000B was introduced, it had a sister model with a non-Zero Tracking Error tonearm, too: the 990B. Its tonearm was billed as the finest conventional tonearm Garrard had ever built. It was S-shaped and introduced a new cartridge slide, the C5. Tracking weight was adjusted by a calibrated counterweight. Its antiskate was by an adjustable weight on a lever and though it did have the idler-belt drive with speed adjustment of the Z2000B, it lacked the built-in, illuminated stroboscope. Its heavy cast alloy platter and specifications for rumble, flutter and wow were the same as those of the Z2000B. Photos: Model 82, white Model 82, black Model 82 tonearm detail 86SB 86SB in "plinthless" mount, as supplied by a Singapore dealer. Attached Thumbnails