FS: Interesting 30s/40s Suitcase Transcription Table
Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2022 3:04 am
Sorry about no price in the title- not enough room. 
PRICE REDUCED- $500 SHIPPED IN USA
Here's something I've had around for decades, that may be slightly OT, but... it's a 1930s or 40s two speed turntable (78/33) built into a large suitcase. I have this set up to plug into a modern stereo amp at the moment, but it could be attached to and played through a period radio as it has a separate volume control just like Electrolas.
Full disclosure- I don't know if this is all original or not. I'm not claiming it is. It may be "cobbled together", but, if so, it was done probably 70 plus years ago (best guess) at least- and incredibly well. It is rock solid in all respects. The motor is a heavy duty Mack Truck 1930s RCA 5SY1A motor with two speed gear attachment. The tonearm is a massive early Astatic B-16 studio arm with an original style crystal thumbscrew cartridge dated 5-57. The headshell flips over for easy changing of the needle.
The motor runs steady and smooth at both speeds. I cannot guarantee the cartridge to be good. It played great last time I used it probably a decade ago, but it's a 65 year old crystal cartridge. I no longer have a system I can plug it into to check it. My understanding is there is a place in Kent, Ohio that still rebuilds these old cartridges if needed:
http://www.west-techservices.com/p1.htm
The case and works are very clean, as you can see in the photos. No moldy smell, and no mothballs, either. The carry handle is missing (you wouldn't use it anyways, would you?) and I just noticed half of a lid hinge is missing as well.
There are some options we could discuss, such as upgrading with a 1940s Clarkstan arm with an adjustable counterweight and a GE Variable Reluctance mono cartridge (known good). I hesitate to do this, though, as the way you see it is the way it always was. I did use the Clarkstan arm for a time because I was worried about wear on "vinyl" transcriptions, but I don't recall really having any issues with the heavy Astatic on it. If you just want the other arm and cartridge with it that could be arranged. Oh, and yes, the lid closes just fine with a 16" transcription on the turntable!
I'm asking $650 shipped in the continental USA, but am open to offers. PayPal "Friends and Family" or your good check accepted.
PRICE REDUCED- $500 SHIPPED IN USA
Here's something I've had around for decades, that may be slightly OT, but... it's a 1930s or 40s two speed turntable (78/33) built into a large suitcase. I have this set up to plug into a modern stereo amp at the moment, but it could be attached to and played through a period radio as it has a separate volume control just like Electrolas.
Full disclosure- I don't know if this is all original or not. I'm not claiming it is. It may be "cobbled together", but, if so, it was done probably 70 plus years ago (best guess) at least- and incredibly well. It is rock solid in all respects. The motor is a heavy duty Mack Truck 1930s RCA 5SY1A motor with two speed gear attachment. The tonearm is a massive early Astatic B-16 studio arm with an original style crystal thumbscrew cartridge dated 5-57. The headshell flips over for easy changing of the needle.
The motor runs steady and smooth at both speeds. I cannot guarantee the cartridge to be good. It played great last time I used it probably a decade ago, but it's a 65 year old crystal cartridge. I no longer have a system I can plug it into to check it. My understanding is there is a place in Kent, Ohio that still rebuilds these old cartridges if needed:
http://www.west-techservices.com/p1.htm
The case and works are very clean, as you can see in the photos. No moldy smell, and no mothballs, either. The carry handle is missing (you wouldn't use it anyways, would you?) and I just noticed half of a lid hinge is missing as well.
There are some options we could discuss, such as upgrading with a 1940s Clarkstan arm with an adjustable counterweight and a GE Variable Reluctance mono cartridge (known good). I hesitate to do this, though, as the way you see it is the way it always was. I did use the Clarkstan arm for a time because I was worried about wear on "vinyl" transcriptions, but I don't recall really having any issues with the heavy Astatic on it. If you just want the other arm and cartridge with it that could be arranged. Oh, and yes, the lid closes just fine with a 16" transcription on the turntable!
I'm asking $650 shipped in the continental USA, but am open to offers. PayPal "Friends and Family" or your good check accepted.