Garrard RC72A - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

AndrewMcIntyre · 22nd Jan 2021, 8:23 pm

I was given (forced to take

) a Garrard RC72a turntable after buying some antique clocks recently. It was in a bad state. I've stripped down and cleaned and lubed the AC motor. I've replaced the motor mount grommets that had turned into a sticky goo. I've taken apart the auto return and drop mechanism. The deck it running pretty well. Except for two flat rubber belts that have are mounted to the ac motor and are linked to two intermediatory spindles that when in contact, adjust the turntable speeds. I've tried locally but can't find anything suitable. Any suggestions as to what this type of belt is actually called, or what I could try substitute them with? I've managed to find a working new old stock turn over cartridge from a local audio shop - so I'm really happy with that.

Tractorfan · 22nd Jan 2021, 9:04 pm

hi,
I have a radiogram fitted with a Garrard RC80M. This has a similar speed change mechanism using two small bands for 33 & 45. Of course, without the belts, 78 rpm works fine.
The only thing I found that worked was a slice from a racing bicycle inner tube. I found one of about 1" in diameter, and cut a half inch 'slice' to form a small belt.
Cheers, Pete.

Hartley118 · 22nd Jan 2021, 10:16 pm

This Garrard early 1950s belt arrangement has always struck me as a remarkably ‘Heath Robinson’ affair, probably thought up by a designer in panic mode as the advent of the LP and the new-fangled 45 threatened their business. I agree that slices of a small cycle inner tube work well. If you can’t find a suitable inner tube, then, rather surprisingly, slices from the fingers of Marigold rubber gloves do work. I’m not sure just how long they last though.

Martin

Michael Maurice · 23rd Jan 2021, 12:02 am

I get my belts from here

AndrewMcIntyre · 29th Jan 2021, 2:04 pm

Thanks everyone. I've managed to source two replacements.

22nd Jan 2021, 8:23 pm	#1
AndrewMcIntyre Triode Join Date: May 2020 Location: East London, South Africa Posts: 16	Garrard RC72A I was given (forced to take ) a Garrard RC72a turntable after buying some antique clocks recently. It was in a bad state. I've stripped down and cleaned and lubed the AC motor. I've replaced the motor mount grommets that had turned into a sticky goo. I've taken apart the auto return and drop mechanism. The deck it running pretty well. Except for two flat rubber belts that have are mounted to the ac motor and are linked to two intermediatory spindles that when in contact, adjust the turntable speeds. I've tried locally but can't find anything suitable. Any suggestions as to what this type of belt is actually called, or what I could try substitute them with? I've managed to find a working new old stock turn over cartridge from a local audio shop - so I'm really happy with that.

22nd Jan 2021, 9:04 pm	#2
Tractorfan Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.) Posts: 3,182	Re: Garrard RC72A hi, I have a radiogram fitted with a Garrard RC80M. This has a similar speed change mechanism using two small bands for 33 & 45. Of course, without the belts, 78 rpm works fine. The only thing I found that worked was a slice from a racing bicycle inner tube. I found one of about 1" in diameter, and cut a half inch 'slice' to form a small belt. Cheers, Pete. __________________ "Hello?, Yes, I'm on the train, I might lose the signal soon as we're just going into a tunn..."

22nd Jan 2021, 10:16 pm	#3
Hartley118 Nonode Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Cambridge, Cambs. UK. Posts: 2,198	Re: Garrard RC72A This Garrard early 1950s belt arrangement has always struck me as a remarkably ‘Heath Robinson’ affair, probably thought up by a designer in panic mode as the advent of the LP and the new-fangled 45 threatened their business. I agree that slices of a small cycle inner tube work well. If you can’t find a suitable inner tube, then, rather surprisingly, slices from the fingers of Marigold rubber gloves do work. I’m not sure just how long they last though. Martin __________________ BVWS Member

23rd Jan 2021, 12:02 am	#4
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,222	Re: Garrard RC72A I get my belts from here __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

29th Jan 2021, 2:04 pm	#5
AndrewMcIntyre Triode Join Date: May 2020 Location: East London, South Africa Posts: 16	Re: Garrard RC72A Thanks everyone. I've managed to source two replacements.