Phillips GA-312/ Stanton 681 EEE out of the attic

[rakeford]

After 13 years, I got my Phillips GA-312/ Stanton 681 EEE out of the attic and played Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Update:
I acquired the Phillips GA-312/ Stanton 681 EEE circa 1978. I used for about 20 years. I always enjoyed using it. Hey it’s what we used back then. It’s been in storage in the attic since 1997. A new Yamaha RX-7 receiver from Santa inspired me to pull it down.

When I pulled it out of the attic last week, it was in its original box. The cover still had some wax from a burning candle I had left on top and some minor scratches. The transport body looks to be in good condition, although the wood grain seems to a different color than I remember. Apparently, I had the foresight to secure the tone arm with a metal twist tie and NOT a rubber band. Yet the transport was not secured to the body with the shipping screws. The rubber belt was off the platter drive, but still in one continuous ribbon. Was I smart enough to take it off before storage? Who know?

With the belt attached and the platter on, I plugged it in to see if it would still spin- success! She spins at both 33 and 45 RPM and the lights on those buttons work. The stop button does not light up. (Is it suppose to?) The strobes on the platter indicate reasonable speed accuracy without touching the FINE SPEED CONTROLS. Upon operation, the ON OFF button and the drop needle button are a little sticky, but I think they'll loosen up after awhile.

On http://www.vinylengine.com , when I asked,
“Hummm .... which LP should I play first....?”, paul401 replied,
“Well, how about 14th LP from the left, side two, track three? Hope it’s good one!” To which I said.
“That would be The Beatles / 1967-1970, 'The Fool On The Hill'. How did you know?”

Tonight was my choice LP, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Cottilion SD 9040, 1971). I chose this because I haven’t heard it in more than 13 years. The sound is completely different than what I’ve heard lately- mostly Redbook CDs, my medium of choice for the last several years. With only two LPs spun, it hard to make any sound assessments. I quit buying vinyl in about 1985. Although my vinyl collection is limited, I have some titles on both LP and CD. I’ll try those out next.

I’m ecstatic that I rescued it from its coffer. It was a fine machine in its day. Stay tuned for more updates on the sound, operation, and potential refurbishment.

Potential plans
1. Clean it up.
2. New RCA audio output cable.
3. Inspec and test the cartridge and needle.
4. Acquire a new needle and/or cartridge.
5. Buy more vinyl.
6. Any suggestions?