New Kokomo thrust bearing kit for Garrard 301/401

[GP49]

What he says first is that it wasn't the ceramic ball that was at fault, but a damaged or worn spindle, where the surface hardening had been abraded, allowing the ceramic ball to wear upon softer steel below.

He then says that the stories about Garrard spindles being irreversibly damaged were made up by "the marketing minds of individual people" who have "pushed the subject very cleverly."

Further, he claims that even should the ceramic ball cause wear on a Garrard spindle, the added contact area caused by that wear would immediately decrease the pressure at the contact point and wear would slow down.  Further wear would be contributed by worn-off particles and even a bronze ball would have that effect.

He explains that the Kokomo Mk2 is designed so that no wear will occur to the spindle because the plastic (Nylon?) disc would prevent any direct rotational contact; but that his real reason for the new design is that the original Kokomo kit "lost some of the original Garrard's character."  

"With the Kokomo Kit MK2, more of the original Garrard character is heard."

All these statements are by the Kokomo Kit designer and manufacturer, Robert Graetke, and reflect his opinions and beliefs, and may not express the views of Lenco Heaven, GP49 or any other Lenco Heaven member, or of Garrard.

[ebxb]

Here is an alternative.  You can save your precious original bearing from further damage and try the following.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Grease-bearing-Garrard-301-turntable-New-/350278607414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518e3b6236

I have no relationship with the seller.  The bearing looks really well made and the seller offers refund in case you don't like it.

[GP49]

Here is an alternative.  You can save your precious original bearing from further damage and try the following.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Grease-bearing-Garrard-301-turntable-New-/350278607414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518e3b6236

I have no relationship with the seller.  The bearing looks really well made and the seller offers refund in case you don't like it.

Isn't this our friend "Mirko" who makes replacement Lenco idler arms?

Note: it doesn't include the spindle though he can sell you a new one if need be.

[Chris65]

Isn't this our friend "Mirko" who makes replacement Lenco idler arms?

Yes, it is Mirko.

[icefox a.k.a. Emmanuel]

What he says first is that it wasn't the ceramic ball that was at fault, but a damaged or worn spindle, where the surface hardening had been abraded, allowing the ceramic ball to wear upon softer steel below.

He then says that the stories about Garrard spindles being irreversibly damaged were made up by "the marketing minds of individual people" who have "pushed the subject very cleverly."

Further, he claims that even should the ceramic ball cause wear on a Garrard spindle, the added contact area caused by that wear would immediately decrease the pressure at the contact point and wear would slow down.  Further wear would be contributed by worn-off particles and even a bronze ball would have that effect.

He explains that the Kokomo Mk2 is designed so that no wear will occur to the spindle because the plastic (Nylon?) disc would prevent any direct rotational contact; but that his real reason for the new design is that the original Kokomo kit "lost some of the original Garrard's character."  

"With the Kokomo Kit MK2, more of the original Garrard character is heard."

All these statements are by the Kokomo Kit designer and manufacturer, Robert Graetke, and reflect his opinions and beliefs, and may not express the views of Lenco Heaven, GP49 or any other Lenco Heaven member, or of Garrard.

Gene,

Thanks a lot for the translation. I wonder if you would be able to post in the Analogue Audio Forum asking Robert in German, what can he offer for those who have purchased the mk1 kit and concern about this spindle wearing?

I believe he did mentioned at the postscript about upgrade from mk1 to mk2 can easily be done.

If as a manufacturer, he is able to stand behind his own product and provide proper remedy for issues. He still deserves the praise.

[terriblet]

Hello GP49,
 I believe you changed your 301 thrust bearing over a year ago with a sintered bronze ball bearing type. Are you still using this bearing and have you had a chance to check on the wear on the spindle?
Regards,
David

[GP49]

Yes, I did change the bearing and when the reports of wear on the spindle from the Kokomo ceramic ball began to come in, I opened up my Garrard 301 and found no wear on the spindle from the brass ball.  I did, however, add a sacrificial steel "wear plate" to the spindle.

See Lenco Heaven post at:

http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=2916.45

The entire thread about the wear on the Garrard spindles from the Kokomo ceramic ball is at:

http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=2916.0

[autobayer]

Aloha.
I had 301s and 401s and tried the Kokomo. My conclusion was - forget it. I you have a good bearing, service it well and forget about upgrading. Really makes no sense unless you want to turn your Garrard into a SP-10 or so. Some things don´t need to be changed in my opinion unless they are damaged. 
C

[GP49]

The comments from the Kokomo's maker about how the new version makes it sound more "Garrardy" do suggest that those who enjoy the Garrard 301 and 401 for what they are, shouldn't bother!

[ebxb]

A 301/401 without the Garrard house sound is not a 301/401, even 10% missing is not acceptable. 

[daiwok]

I found my Garrard 301 sounded better with the Kokomo bearing, the extensions were better and bass less bloated ...... but that's just me. My Garrard will take another turn next year, but I will try and keep as much of the classic look it deserves.

[wesley]

       raise hxll and you shall receive.  here's mine.  i don't have the time nor the patience to install it.  i am too happy with my two lencos...

[icefox a.k.a. Emmanuel]

      raise hxll and you shall receive.  here's mine.  i don't have the time nor the patience to install it.  i am too happy with my two lencos...

That's great Wesley. Keep us post in case you try it on.