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Old 24th Oct 2019, 4:21 pm   #1
Hookandy
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Default OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

HELP,

I have recently acquired an old connessieur craftsman table. It has been in a cupboard for the last 30 years. I remember playing with it as a child, but doubt it has been used since.

So I have this great idea to get a new plinth and get it playing again. I very quickly realised that this is beyond my skills (ie I can rewire a plug) and I need help, advise etc
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Old 24th Oct 2019, 5:30 pm   #2
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

A very competent idler drive turntable which needs a substantial plinth plus a suitable tone arm. Although basically similar, there were at least three versions of the Connoisseur Craftsman made by AR Sugden. Some photos would help in identifying your particular model. The best approach in terms of testing depends on physical condition eg, missing parts, perished wiring etc. Again some photos would help. Well worth reviving in any event.

Alan
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Old 24th Oct 2019, 6:21 pm   #3
Hookandy
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

OK So tried to attach a picture, this was my fathers and lets just say I am 50 next year!!

PS. I have an SME series II which came with the table
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Old 24th Oct 2019, 8:40 pm   #4
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

It's a Craftsman 2 (sometimes expressed as II) two speed turntable. The motor board looks substantial enough and has a cut out for the SME arm. Not sure about the arm currently fitted. It really shouldn't be that difficult to get it up and running. What specific concerns do you have? A photo of the underside would be useful.

Alan
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Old 25th Oct 2019, 12:03 pm   #5
qualityten
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

It would be useful to see a photo of the arm on the left of your photo too. Ideally, add one of the headshell showing the cartridge already fitted from beneath (by removing the headshell from the arm for the photo). They may both be good. The SME Series II is a good indicator of the quality of the original setup.
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Old 27th Oct 2019, 12:14 am   #6
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

Not a lot to go on but I would hazard a nice cup of coffee that that's a Decca Deram tonearm creeping into the left of the pic. A very competent, basic arm.
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Old 29th Oct 2019, 3:02 pm   #7
Hookandy
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

The "Decca" arm does not have any internal wires that I can see, but the hardshell does indeed come off, pictures below. The underside of the deck looks ok, which bodes well I hope.
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Old 29th Oct 2019, 8:57 pm   #8
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

Yes - that's the Deram tonearm, fitted with the Deram cartridge, which was probably the best of all the ceramic cartridges. It would be a very suitable combination as is if you didn't want the fuss of fitting the SME (a very valuable tonearm by the way). Is pic 3 the wire poking out from beneath the tonearm pillar? If so it is fairly straightforward to get it connected. Commonly the 4 wires would be connected to a tag strip and thence to the amplifier with phono leads. Not too demanding if you can lay hands on a wire stripper, solder and a soldering iron. I can supply the tag strip and phono leads if you want to have a go. Have you tried the motor yet?
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Old 30th Oct 2019, 3:15 pm   #9
Hookandy
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

No not tried the motor yet, not sure if it is AC 240v or DC and needing a transformer, and I am scared I am going to blow myself up!!
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Old 30th Oct 2019, 3:56 pm   #10
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

It'll be 240v AC. Little chance of explosion. Just make sure it spins freely with the platter removed and switch off immediately if it doesn't.

Alan
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Old 30th Oct 2019, 5:15 pm   #11
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Default Re: OK, so out of my depth with old Connisseur Craftsman

You appear to be not far away in sunny Somerset. If you are heading Bristolwards some time, feel free to get in touch - we could have a look at it together.
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