Garrard 86 SB Mk2 NOS + Custom base + 2 sets of feet.... Collectors Item

The Garrard 86 SB MK 2 belt drive turntable has a reputation for reproducing very high sound quality. It dates from around 1977, released with an improved tonearm over the previous model. The original purchaser never fitted this motor unit to a mounting base and never attached a cartridge. To put this right, I include a custom made bespoke base made from from solid timber (New Zealand native Rimu and Pine). The motor unit gently drops into the base unit and rests on springs. A clear plastic bottom cover is provided for safety, it has a protective paper cover shown in photo. Testing. I have powered up the AC motor to confirm it starts and is quiet. I have also spun the platter by hand to test operation of the auto and manual functions, which work perfectly (video available). The turntable has an auto-start feature to cue and play the record, or, you can select "manual" and “cue” to raise the arm and move it to a particular track. The original belt looks and feels robust. (FYI replacement belts are available .) Defects. Due to humidity and 48 years inside packaging, there are age related blemishes and grease marks to the paint finish but mostly, these are beneath the platter. There is surface rust on the 4 suspension springs but they are sound. The original plastic vial of oil has evaporated dry. Mechanically this is new/unused but there is some cosmetic degrading of the paint finish, so please study the photos. Packaging. For protection during shipping, the motor unit (inside original packaging) will be double boxed and the plinth and legs added to the outer box. Ok, so you might wonder, how difficult is setting this machine up? EASY!! Instructions will be provided and the tall legs screw on by hand. The steps to fit platter, belt, cartridge and adjust tonearm are clearly explained in the instruction manual. Good news, NO messing around with fiddly alignment; the cartridge mounts on a carrier which simply slots into the headshell. Thanks for looking!