Fully serviced and comprehensively tested. Please see the full service details at the end of the listing.

 Please note the plinth seen in the photographs is NOT included in the sale. 

This very rare early version is one of the first 401s, Serial Number 01563. It differs from later versions as the Strobe Light is operated by pressing and holding down the Pitch Adjustment Knob to light the Strobe light, it is not permanently illuminated. This push button feature is exceedingly rare. In fact despite the number of 401s that I have owned this is the first one I have ever had and I have only once before seen one for sale.

This 401 is in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition, being quiet, speed stable and very quick starting. I have a great deal of experience with the Garrard 401 (having owned well over 40) and this is genuinely a beautiful and very rare example - one for the collector? 

Sadly as can be seen there is a dust bug mark other than this the paint finish on the Top Plate is unmarked and beautiful, there are NO paint chips, nor any variation in the enamel finish. 

The Control Panel, Lettering and Control Knob Finger Plates are in flovely condition. 

The Platter Mat is in perfect condition, the silver Centre Disc is also perfect and has a lovely anodised finish. 

The Controls operate smoothly. The Drive Wheel is supple. The Platter Brake works correctly, start up is very quick and the Platter settles to the set speed almost instantly and is absolutely stable. Test run for over 2 hours and once set it needed no further speed / pitch adjustment.

The underside of the Top Plate is as clean as on top and the Control Rods and Levers are in all in good condition, the Card Serial Number Label is still attached to the underside and the various Test Stamps are still fully legible. The Wiring is very clean and undamaged.

  Service details

 This 401 was already running well before I serviced it.

My assessment of this 401 is that it has had little use and if looked after this 401 will give many more years of enjoyment. To make sure this 401 does that for its new owner I have fully serviced it before sale. This included stripping, cleaning and freshly oiling the top and bottom main Bearings and fitted a new bottom Gasket. But most importantly I have completely stripped the Motor and cleaned and oiled both the top and bottom Motor Bearings. The bottom Motor Bearing normally gets no attention because it is impossible to oil without dismantling. I have also check and lubricated a number of other difficult to get to (unless the turntable is stripped down) key components which all makes for a nice running and smoothly operating 401.

The Main Bearing Shaft and Bearings and the top and bottom Motor Shafts and Bearings have been measured for wear and exhibit no perceptible wear.

Along with a good Idler Wheel, a well maintained Motor is vital to a silent, smooth running and a long lasting 401. Do not underestimate the benefit of this full service, it pays dividends in audio performance and longevity. I use a modern lubricating oil which in laboratory tests demonstrated the highest rating of any oil tested for the specific protection of yellow metal bearing surfaces, the type of metals used in the motor bearings and main bearing.

240V and 110V operation at 50Hz but requires 60Hz pulley for USA (often available on eBay). If using a 60Hz supply you would need to ignore the platter strobe markings and use a separate Strobe Disc or similar. 

An almost unique opportunity to acquire a fully serviced superb condition very rare version of the classic Garrard 401.

 All images are of the actual item for sale

I ship worldwide - please ask for shipping costs to international destination not quoted - all shipping prices includes full insurance.

I do accept Paypal, but prefer payment (in GBP / £) by Cheque, Bank Transfer, Cash on Collection or Postal Order.