Next audio mystery... what kind of turntable is this?
 

You guys were helpful with the JBL mystery speakers, so how about a turntable?

Picked up at the same auction. Big tone arm is a Fairchild 281A, but what kind of turntable? Oh... and feel to explain why there are two tonearms! Has a heavy ceramic platter. I've been all over it and can't find anything suggesting a maker. I'm going cross-eyed looking at pics of old turntables and can't find anything resembling this one:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386454881.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386454894.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386454907.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386454920.jpg

I'd guess shorter tone arm is for 45's.

Looks like a custom to me. Never seen anything like that. Does it work?

The turntable looks hand built or a very small builder. Idler wheel drive. It looks like the Fairchild tonearm might have a collector following.

Ian

78's....???


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386457483.jpg

like this....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386458210.jpg

wow - check out the chain drive!

Keep the audio equipment coming!

The chain mechanism is used on the part that engages the idler wheel.

I wish. The auctions, estate sales, thrift stores I visit rarely cough up this sort of stuff.

I'm still not sure where the small tone are goes when the big one is in use. I guess it has to go off the platter clockwise as the large tonearm won't pass over the small one.

We had a dinner party tonight. I'll be testing it out in the next day or two.

Love to know about this one. Great 'who built it' mystery.

I agree. It looks like a one off.

Nice score. Does it sound good?

transcription turntable, one arm for writing, one arm for listening?

Could it be a Heathkit?

Could not find it here but the pic's bring back memories…

https://www.google.ca/search?q=heathkit+turntable&client=safari&rls=en&s ource=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=rlqkUu3iMqGu2QWZ7oC4BQ &ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=838#imgdii=_

I've looked at thousands of pictures of old turntables, turntable bearings, and idler wheel mechanisms and have completely struck out on finding anything that looks remotely like this unit. Is there an active turntable forum where someone might know something?

I'll go with homebuilt.. Here's a few more examples of people getting creative out in the shop while the wife and kids sleep:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386525889.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386525901.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386525911.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386525925.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1386526050.jpg