Garrard Engineering · Garrard transcription turntables

Garrard 401

The 401 is technically the better turntable than the 301 but has always been the less cultish (and cheaper) of the two - a distinction the price gap keeps visible.

Catalogue code: 401
Years: 1965–1976
Type: idler-drive transcription turntable
Valves & speakers: Idler-drive transcription turntable that replaced the 301, with a redesigned motor and magnetic braking
Lifecycle: retired
Confidence: High

Specifications

Drive: idler wheel
Speeds_rpm: 33, 45
Tonearm: separate
Motor: induction, redesigned
Platter: cast alloy, heavy

Safety

Idler-drive turntable: the idler wheel, main bearing and motor mounting decide the price far more than cosmetics. Check the platter spins without rumble at both speeds and that the original plinth/arm are present (a missing SME arm or a non-original plinth can halve the value).

01 / Witnesses

What applies here

Marks that can be entered for this maker: Serial number, Model / catalogue number, Model / catalogue number, British capacitor code (Hunts, Mullard), Japanese capacitor code (Nichicon, Chemi-Con, ELNA), EIA component code, Chassis / platter stamp, Version & era marker.

02 / Bounds

The model year is a floor

Nothing predates 1965; components only push the date later.

03 / Value

What moves the price

Sold-price aggregates are not collected yet, so the archive gives no figure — condition, originality of the transformers and a documented recap move this model more than any list price.