Garrard Turntables –
Over a Hundred Years of Audio Excellence
Swindon to Steyning
The Garrard audio story started in 1919 with manufacturing of high-quality spring wound motors for many famous gramophone manufacturers including Columbia and Decca. This pioneering audio motor work led to the development of the first Garrard gramophone in 1930. A prestige super quality alternating current gramophone motor followed which was taken up by the BBC, other broadcasters, cinemas and it became very popular with HiFi enthusiasts. It was originally just for 78rpm records but was later modified to play the 33 1/3 rpm and 16-inch records used in cinemas. It was the first of what were later to be called transcription turntables (the Garrard 201).
The first Garrard record changer was launched in 1932
Born 1954, built today
The first Garrard record changer was launched in 1932, the R.C.1a and R.C.2a and the development of radio tuners and amplifiers meant that electronic pickups could replace the old acoustic horn systems. This led to a big increase in the sales of radiograms and record players. Garrard produced arms and pickups for its own range of turntables and the Models 202A, A.C.4 and the A.C.6 became the most popular turntables produced by Garrard and used by most radiogramophone manufacturers.
In 1938 the Garrard RC100 Record Changer was launched
Swindon to Steyning
In 1938 the Garrard RC100 record changer was launched, which could play both sides of each record and also mixtures of 10 and 12 inch records. Against fierce competition a new record changer the RC60 was introduced in 1946, it was rapidly developed and produced around the clock as demand escalated. It was the last model to play only 78rpm records.
The Model RC70 Record Changer followed in 1948
Born 1954, built today
The Model RC70 record changer followed in 1948, introduced to play the new 10 and 12 inch, 33 1/3 rpm and 7 inch 45rpm vinyl records, as well as the older 78rpm records. It was the forerunner of the RC80 in 1950, which sold for many years and in large numbers worldwide. New lightweight pickups and arms were developed for these new records, the RC80 was the first with a magnetic cartridge.
The Launch of the Garrard Model 301
Swindon to Steyning
All this audio pioneering work culminated in 1954 with the launch of the Garrard Model 301 transcription turntable for the serious HiFi market. The Garrard 301 has become an icon of turntable design and performance.
SME Limited acquired the Garrard brand in 2018
Born 1954, built today
SME Limited acquired the famous Garrard brand in 2018 and the legendary Garrard Model 301 revival turntable was launched delivering a new standard in audio perfection for the next generation. The reborn Model 301 is meticulously built and coupled with SME's advanced audio engineering knowhow of technically sophisticated tuned plinths, complemented with SME's highly accredited precision tonearms.
The Garrard Model 301 is Simply Supreme in its Class.
