Hi Folks,

I'm looking for a replacement crystal cartridge (Stereo) for a Garrard RC121 Changer.
Cartridge types that would fit are: Garrard GCS 10 or alternatively a Ronette BF40

Hoping someone can assist.

Thanks
Scott

The GCS 10 is a shocking cartridge...it was Garrard first try at it and it was made using 2 mono cartridges , it has 2 sides on a 45 degree joined together and in its day it was common to throw it away from new .
I have lots of Garrard stuff and the RC 121 can run just about anything.
The other problem you will find is after 60 years the crystal is stuffed .
Mostly people would put the BSR sx6 on them. Which is a crystal,but has it was continually being made into the 70s and beyond so you can still buy them about the place.

Pete

Thanks Pete,
I agree, the GCS10 is rubbish.
What crystal cartridge from BSR do you recommend? I need it to have a 800mv output as it’s from a Kriesler stereo from the 50s. I put a standard ceramic in, but the output is very low, this I’m trying to locate a suitable replacement
Cheers
Scott

All the really good ones need a pre amp.
If your going to run a crystal? I would put the BSR in it, because the 121 is stacker and a lot of the Ronette are cheap copies.
As much as I don't like BSR , that cartridge works well in a 121.
All the Shure cartridges are great but as you know they require a pre Amp .
You will find a bsr on eBay easy.
The ceramic won't work unless you change the 2 styro caps in the tone circuit to ceramic or take them out completely, I know that because I went through that with Ian Robertson who is a expert at electronics.
Is it a 1177 chassis?
Pete

Yes it’s a 11-17
Cheers

Hi again Pete,
Just looking at the schematic, do you mean removing the 2 x .0022 caps? (C14 & C15)
Cheers
Scott

C12 and C 13
270pf styro, I know that to use a ceramic cartridge these 2 need to come out or be changed to ceramic.
It will work with out anything there... But with the styro the volume will be way down if using ceramic. The reason I know this is not because I'm good at electronics, I'm not !
But I do a lot of turn tables and I consult Ian who is a expert at electronics regarding chassis .
But that's what you do with the 1177

Pete

Thanks Pete
Much appreciated
Cheers

No dramas , let me know how you get on with it.
Ian is not about at the moment and he is the guy who knows, but I've already been through the 1177 chassis with him and so we looked into all of that..
Those old Rolas are always OC , but there is guy I use in Victoria who really winds them to spec about 50 each and he does a nice job if you need it
All the best Pete