[GP49000]

The Lab 80 was revolutionary. That was a word much-used in hyperbole, in advertising by Garrard's USA representatives, the British Industries Corporation, but for this model, the description was justified. Lab 80 was the first (and only) Garrard with a spindle-only record changing mechanism needing no stabilizing overarm or side platform. It had the first cueing device on any automatic unit. It had the first full 12-inch platter of any Garrard automatic (the German ELAC Miracord 10 had preceded it with a full sized platter, whereas competitor Dual would not have one for several more years). With its sibling, Type A70, it introduced antiskating compensation to automatic turntables, and its tonearm was built of Afrormosia (said to be the least-resonant wood) bonded to an aluminum stabilizing shaft. Its styling by Eric Marshall was elegant, chaste...to many, including the present author, the most beautiful record player ever designed.

But underneath, for all its refinement up top, the Lab 80's tonearm cycling mechanism was based on that of the Type A, which was based on that of the RC88...so it was a descendant of fine Garrards from a decade before.

Restored Lab 80 with Stanton 500 cartridge, in a USA British Industries plinth.
Lab 80's Afrormosia wood tonearm
Lab 80 operating panel with tab controls
Lab 80 with its tripoise record changing spindle
Lab 80 special white version built for installation in Packard Bell consoles in the USA.