We here at Analog Apartment love the look, feel, and build quality of vintage turntables.
We came across this great company called Vintage Turntable Restoration. The Massachusetts based company offers fully restored vintage turntables (several beautiful Marantz models) and a variety of restoration services to bring any vintage turntable back to life.
Claudio, the company's founder, was kind enough to share his story and a special offer to Analog Apartment readers at the bottom.
How did you get started with vinyl and restoring turntables?
I think a long time ago when I was a kid and bought my first 2 vinyl, it was a Patrick Hernandez "Born to be alive" and a Pink Floyd 45 "One of my turns". It was a great day.
I started restoring turntables back in Italy about 20 years ago as a hobby, then moved in the States about 10 years ago and I was doing restorations for a few friends.
Next thing you know it has become a full blown business - custom made plinths, full restorations, upgrades, dustcover polishing etc.
What inspired you to start this business?
I think that what inspired me is just music. There is nothing like the nice sound of a record - it's the whole experience you know, and also I always loved to work with wood. I have been working with wood for about 25 years now. Put the 2 together and boom, here we are.
Do you see more people getting into vinyl?
Business if growing fast, in the past year I have seen a jump in restorations. People are going back to vinyl big time and they dust off their old turntables. There is nothing out there that is affordable and good these days.
There are a lot of customers looking for complete restorations as well as tune ups and upgrades. I have noticed also an increased interest in turntables by young people. They are realizing that vinyl is much better and more fun than cd's or MP3's.
Also a lot of baby boomers are investing in their old turntables or having me build one. Generally they give me carte blanche on the set up and they are not afraid to spend a few extra dollars.
What was your favorite turntable restoration project?
That is a hard question to answer. Custom built I would say a Garrard 401 with a Shure 3009 II improved, RCA upgrade, Litz tonearm wires, ceramic bearing, custom plinth and custom made cover. We are actually working on putting a second tonearm on it.
It came out really good and it sounds just wonderful. The plinth alone weights about 60 pounds. It's made of 3/4 inch plywood and covered with walnut veneer. It's designed in 2 parts, one for the tonearm and one for the turntable itself.
As for a restoration I really enjoy working on Marantz, I am a big fan. I recently worked on a 6300, a truly one of a kind. The plinth was covered with ebony wood and I built 4 custom made ebony feet that are attached to 4 adjustable spikes. Really nice turntable.
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As a special offer to Analog Apartment readers, Claudio is extending a 10% discount off anything on the Vintage Turntable Restoration website. Just mention you came from here.
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Thanks again Claudio and keep up the great work!