Double posted in Dollars and Sense; posted here upon request.

Ran into an old Navy buddy and while we were catching up I mentioned how I had gotten back into vintage audio. He's now fully retired and doing a lot of volunteer work. Mentioned that he and several others were closing out the household of an elderly widow and there's some old stuff that I might be interested in. I said that I'd like to take a look. He dropped by a day or so later and told me about two turntables in a maple console. He said one was a Dual 1229 and the other, actually mounted to the console was one he'd never heard of a "Rek O Kut Rondine Deluxe". I gulped 'Oh, really?'

Made arrangements to check them out; did; made an offer. He said he'd check with the family. Offer accepted.

The other night went by the place. Dual just required unplugging and careful lift. ROK a little more of a challenge but removed successfully and no animals were harmed in the process.

The ROK comes with two Fairchild tonearms, one a transcription piece. Massive and I know I'll need to get something more suitable as well as a heavy plinth. Any and all advice with respect to a plinth and a tonearm welcome.

Already been in touch with NoTransistors about getting the Dual restored.

Oh, by the way, total cost for both turntables: $50.00.

I'm thinking I did ok. Pics will follow at some point.
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Um, yeah...you did well, Grasshopper.

Some of us crazy people like those big, heavy arms...

Build a plinth using layers of MDF. Cut holes in each layer to accommodate the mechanics of the table. This will make for a solid heavy plinth that will really do wonders in the performance of the table.

Build a plinth using layers of MDF. Cut holes in each layer to accommodate the mechanics of the table. This will make for a solid heavy plinth that will really do wonders in the performance of the table.

Good advice on a plinth.

I built one for my SP-15 using 2 pieces of 3/4" MDF (kitchen countertop sink cutout scrap pieces) laminated together and edged in solid oak. Dimensions: 17 1/2" x 21" x 1 1/2".

I know it's subjective, but what's the rough price of restoring a Dual?

I know it's subjective, but what's the rough price of restoring a Dual?

The price I was quoted is under $150. From my perspective, given the quality of the unit and its apparent condition, well worth it.

Good advice on a plinth.

I built one for my SP-15 using 2 pieces of 3/4" MDF (kitchen countertop sink cutout scrap pieces) laminated together and edged in solid oak. Dimensions: 17 1/2" x 21" x 1 1/2".

Very nice. May I ask which tonearm that is? Thanks.

Some of us crazy people like those big, heavy arms...

Having read several of your contributions in this forum, including your treatise on vinyl cleaning, I'll keep my mind open to the Fairchilds. Still a bit intimidated by the mass, though.

Having read several of your contributions in this forum, including your treatise on vinyl cleaning, I'll keep my mind open to the Fairchilds. Still a bit intimidated by the mass, though.

Uhmm, please don't hold that thread against me!

If you look at the ROK sticky in turntables, and follow some of the external links, you'll a bunch of heavy arms being used. I'm not saying that a modern arm isn't better, but you can use heavy arms successfully if you take some time and set them up properly.

Here's the gear!