Garrard GT-35 and GT-35P Belt Drive Turntable Servicing Information
General Information
The Garrard GT-35 is a sophisticated belt-driven integrated record changer, also available as a single player, semi-automatic model with trip, lift, and return to arm rest facility. It features a DC servo-controlled motor for 33 and 45 RPM speeds, electronically regulated for accuracy. The turntable has an integral stroboscope pattern for speed verification and is designed for 50Hz and 60Hz power supplies. It is equipped with a newly-designed, low effective mass 'S' shaped pickup arm with a detachable cast magnesium headshell, integral counterbalance weight, and stylus force/bias compensator controls. The unit offers manual, automatic, and repeat play modes, with pitch control for speed adjustment.
The GT-35P is a single player version of the GT-35, featuring a lower profile due to a smaller dust cover. It is semi-automatic with trip, lift, and return to arm rest functionality. Its playing facilities are similar to the GT-35, excluding the stack playing feature. Both models are available with moulded or wood-grain finish base plinths and in low (110/125V AC) and high (220/240V AC) range versions for worldwide use.
Specifications
Motor and Turntable: DC multi-pole servo controlled, belt drive. Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPM, variable by ±3%. Turntable size: 298mm/317mm dia. die-cast aluminium with integral strobe bars. Turntable moment of inertia: 263kg cm² (including mat). Turntable weight: 1.58kg (3.48lb) approx. Wow and flutter: ±0.10% weighted peak to DIN 45507. Rumble: DIN A (unweighted) -45dB (typical), DIN B (weighted) -65dB (typical).
Pickup Arm: Direct static-balance, 'S' shape aluminium tubular. Effective length: 230mm (9.055in). Overhang: 17mm (0.670in). Offset: 23° 24'. Tracking error: +0.36'/cm at 5.14cm radius, 0.145'/cm at 8.25cm radius. Zero error at 6.25cm radius and 11.15cm radius. Effective mass (with Shure M95ED fitted): 18.86g. Horizontal pivot friction: 40mg. Vertical pivot friction: 30mg. Acceptable cartridge weight: 4 to 9g. Adjustable stylus force range: 0 to 3g (direct reading calibration). Minimum tracking force: 0.75g.
General: Power supply: 110/125V AC or 220/240V AC, 50Hz or 60Hz. Power consumption: 2.5 watts. Dimensions (GT-35): 450mm x 360mm x 195mm (W x D x H). Dimensions (GT-35P): 450mm x 360mm x 156mm (W x D x H). Weight (GT-35): 6.5kg (14.40lb). Weight (GT-35P): 6.225kg (13.79lb).
Installation
Follow the unpacking sequence, setting up instructions, and fitting a cartridge guide. Ensure correct stylus force and bias compensator settings. Connect phono and power supply leads as per the diagrams.
To Play Records
Manually: Fit the short spindle, place a record, select speed, set mode to 'Manual', raise arm with cue lever, position stylus, and lower arm. The unit will switch off automatically after playing.
Automatically: Fit the short spindle, place a record, select speed, set mode to 'Automatic', turn auto selector to 'Start'. The unit will switch off automatically after playing.
Repeat Play: Set mode selector to 'Repeat' to play a single record continuously.
Interrupt Play: Move cue lever gently to pause play. Move back to continue.
Stack Play (GT-35 only): Fit the long spindle, place up to five records, select speed, set mode to 'Automatic', turn auto selector to 'Start'. The unit will switch off after the last record.
Pitch Control: Use the pitch control knobs (±3%) to adjust speed and pitch.
Service Notes - Adjustments
Detailed adjustments are provided for pickup arm lifting height, lowering position (GT-35 only), return position, cueing lowering rate, cartridge angle, headshell parallelism, pickup arm bearings, pre-set speed control, record support platform position (GT-35 only), and mechanism drive belt tension. Release lever setting is also detailed.
Accessories - Packed
Accessories typically include: Headshell assembly, cartridge alignment gauge, 45 RPM adaptor, counterbalance weight, and lubricating oil.
Modular Mechanism – Function and Operation
The mechanism facilitates automatic record stacking, playing, and switching off. It includes levers for pickup arm movement, speed selection, and automatic cycling. The sequence of lever movements ensures precise operation for lifting, lowering, and returning the pickup arm.
Routine Maintenance
Minimal maintenance is required. Periodically clean the stylus with a soft brush. Clean the turntable mat with a soft brush or slightly moistened sponge. Once a year, clean and lubricate the turntable spindle, drive drum bearing, and thrust bearings (GT-35 only) with the specified lubricant. Ensure the drive belt is clean and free from oil.
Troubleshooting
Audio Problems: No sound or low volume may be due to faulty cartridge, connections, or incorrect amplifier input. Distorted sound can result from incorrect stylus force, worn stylus, dust accumulation, insecure cartridge, or acoustic feedback.
Hum: Disconnected grounding lead, ground loop, faulty audio connections, proximity of power leads, or incorrect mains plug polarity.
Rumble: Dry or dirty turntable spindle/hub bearings, damaged thrust bearings, stiff mounting feet, or excessive AC ripple in the motor supply.
Wow and Flutter: Can be caused by off-centre records, warped records, binding in the centre hole, contaminated drive belt, incorrect belt tension, or incorrect motor pulley height.
Radio or Television Sound: Usually due to RF signals detected by the amplifier, often related to grounding and lead routing.
Mechanical Problems: Pickup arm not leaving rest, not releasing, or not switching off automatically can be due to binding, broken drive belt, or incorrect adjustments. Pickup arm landing position issues can be due to incorrect adjustment, speed/size selector settings, or binding in the automatic trip mechanism.
Additional Faults: Includes issues like two records lowering at once, records failing to lower, and the mode selector not reprogramming, often related to spindle damage, record dimensions, or mechanism adjustments.
