Merrill Replica ES Turntable ES-R1

[Byron4]

Hi-Estat You may not remember but we had a nice audio chat when I first signed up a couple of years ago about my AR turntable. It may have been my first exchange. Your post chronicles my turntable journey. My turntable was purchased at GNP Audio in Pasadena. Brooks Berdan was still working there and set it up. He also installed the Sumiko Premier MMT tonearm and Talisman S MC cartridge which was a very musical cartridge. I currently use a Grado Platinum which may approach the musicality of an MC cartridge. When my turntable motor got noisy about ten years ago I considered purchasing a new motor which at the time would have been costly or purchasing a new VPI Scout which was a gorgeous turntable. My kids were just starting college and that expense took priority so in desperation I tried sewing machine oil on the motor which completely got rid of the noise. I now do all minor maintenance myself including cleaning the main bearings, applying oil, and replacing the cartridge periodically.

[Mash]

If your bearings have minimal freeplay (like new) try Mobil-1 0W-30. If you detect very minor wear try M-1 5W-30.

The M-1 is inert and will not degrade like sewing machine oil.

A Qt of M-1 will last a looooooonnng time.....