By Michael Miguest
Dave Archambault is the Vintage Turntable Guru at Vinyl Nirvana and is presently offering a Special Order Opportunity:The Legend Lives! A Vintage Thorens TD-125 Long Base, Two Choices of 12″ Tonearm, and Custom Plinth in Your Wood Choice, Starting at $3195 plus shipping (Only six available for 2015)
The new SME M2-12 Tonearm Option ($3195 plus shipping)
The SME tonearms have been lauded for their excellence for over 40 years. The M2-12 and M2-12R were made to pay homage to the legendary SME 3012. Each of these tonearms incorporates many of the classic SME characteristics, yet belong solidly in the here and now. (The M2-12 with its straight arm styling and magnesium headshell and the M2-12R with its J-arm and magnesium headshell). It can easily handle cartridges in a multi-thousand dollar range. Quite possibly, these are the nicest arms he has ever offered on his turntables. (All packing, and literature is included.) The tonearms retail for $2300. If you purchase this table, you can discuss cartridge options as part of the sale. He has several recommendations. If he mounts and aligns your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the peace of mind it’s been done right. Overall, this is a stunning table with serious arms capable of handling cartridges in the $500 to $2000 range with ease. As Dave is a dealer, you can even consider an Ortofon SPU cartridge, though some may require an auxiliary weight.
Dave's Story
In the back of my mind I knew that there was a Thorens TD-125 turntable that accommodated a 12 inch tonearm, however, it wasn’t until a faithful customer named Scott D started talking about the “Long Base” model that I realized it was something that Thorens actually produced themselves, direct from the factory. At first, I spent a few weeks trying to search out a TD-125 Long Base that Scott could purchase. There were various owners who had pictures of their prized possession on various forums and websites. One long base model even came up for sale on eBay, but it turned out to be just a chassis, with no plinth.In my research, I began to realize that there was very little difference between the stock TD – 125 and the Long Base model: 1) larger plinth; 2) larger armboard; 3) larger aluminum switch/fascia plate. The first two differences were very minor, a matter of woodworking. However, the larger switch/fascia plate was going to take some planning to implement. First there was the actual manufacturer of the plate, and then there was the reproduction of the silk-screening. After three months, working with a variety of companies getting estimates and discussing various plans for implementation, the switch/facia plates were done and looked fantastic.While that process carried onward, I had extended plinths made and a series of extended armboards. The plinths were three-quarter inch solid hardwoods. The armboards were three-eighths birch plywood painted satin black. As a final touch, because I have always hated the battleship gray/green color of the 125’s top plate, I had the tops professionally finished with automobile grade paints/coatings. Like the “Baby Grand” AR projects, this will be a turntable of which I only offer a limited number on an annual basis. This is the opportunity to own one of six Long Base models to be produced in 2015. First delivery in early January.
The Table
The solid wood plinth in your choice of wood* will be made by my finish carpenter. Unlike the original TD-125 plinth which was veneered, yours will be solid 3/4 wood. It will be finished with three coats of finish highly recommended to highlight the beauty of your wood. Additionally, modern adhesives and reinforcements ensure this will become an heirloom. As mentioned above, the metal plate was sandblasted and powercoated. The brushed aluminum faceplate is new. The arm board is new. A new 1/2″ MDF bottom has been added.The TD-125 features three speeds: 16, 33, and 45. There is a pitch controller and a stroboscope for precise speed adjustment. The speed control unit has been completely serviced, with the caps and transistors most likely to fail replaced! After replacement, it is completely reset to original spec. It is now ready for another 40 years of service! Here is a detailed list of how a TD-125 is serviced by Vinyl Nirvana. See here for thorough TD-125 documentation. The turntable can be converted to 220v/50hz and shipped overseas, if interested.
Here is Dave's answer to why should you buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
When you buy a restored turntable from Vinyl Nirvana, the table has undergone a multistep inspection, tuning, and detailing regimen. The work is performed by me, someone who has worked exclusively on belt driven, suspended subchassis turntables such as Thorens, Linn, and AR for over a decade. I know these models intimately, and have developed techniques over my lifetime to restore them to the best condition possible. In addition, since I have probably the largest selection of parts for these turntables in North America, if it is determined by inspection that something needs to be replaced because it is missing, broken or worn, it happens.Though all of the turntables I sell will be 100% functional, because of their age, cosmetic condition will vary. It is my pledge to you that any and all cosmetic defects will be pointed out in the item description, and whenever it is possible, photographs will be provided. When you buy from me, it is not like eBay where you have to wonder if you are getting what you are really getting. If there is a flaw cosmetically, you will know it is there.As a potential buyer, you should know I don’t just service these turntables, I love them. Though I have restored hundreds of them, I still find great joy in bringing a vintage turntable back to its glory. Likewise, if the turntable has been customized, I cared deeply that those items are the best possible ones I can source. For example, my custom plinths are built by a finish carpenter with over 30 years of experience, someone who cares as much about their sound construction as their beauty. Likewise, when something is custom painted or powercoated, I go to a professional company, one of the most highly regarded in New England. Those are just two examples, but I have made it my mission, when I do farm out work, to get people who care about their finished product the same way I do.Finally, because none of the above will matter if the turntable doesn’t reach you in one piece, I have extensive experience in safely shipping vintage turntables. I know the tricks and the techniques to get your turntable to you without incident. I literally ship over 100 turntables per year, and my success rate is over 99.7%. In the fractional amount of cases where there is a problem, it is always resolved with your complete satisfaction as my goal. A lot of businesses make that claim; with me you will find it is a way of life.
The Details
Generally, a fifty percent deposit is due at time of order and the balance is due at time of shipment. Check or money order for exact amount. Paypal adds 1.5 percent. (Splitting fees) *Note some wood choices may incur a surcharge. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. The dustcover will ship separately, also double boxed. I prefer UPS. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there. Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Any new parts (tonearms and cartridges) are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.
Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana. Ben owns a TD-125 Long Base himself!
Dave Archambault is the Vintage Turntable Guru at Vinyl Nirvana and is presently offering a Special Order Opportunity:The Legend Lives! A Vintage Thorens TD-125 Long Base, Two Choices of 12″ Tonearm, and Custom Plinth in Your Wood Choice, Starting at $3195 plus shipping (Only six available for 2015)
The new SME M2-12 Tonearm Option ($3195 plus shipping)
The SME tonearms have been lauded for their excellence for over 40 years. The M2-12 and M2-12R were made to pay homage to the legendary SME 3012. Each of these tonearms incorporates many of the classic SME characteristics, yet belong solidly in the here and now. (The M2-12 with its straight arm styling and magnesium headshell and the M2-12R with its J-arm and magnesium headshell). It can easily handle cartridges in a multi-thousand dollar range. Quite possibly, these are the nicest arms he has ever offered on his turntables. (All packing, and literature is included.) The tonearms retail for $2300. If you purchase this table, you can discuss cartridge options as part of the sale. He has several recommendations. If he mounts and aligns your cartridge, it makes set-up in your home incredibly easy, plus you get the peace of mind it’s been done right. Overall, this is a stunning table with serious arms capable of handling cartridges in the $500 to $2000 range with ease. As Dave is a dealer, you can even consider an Ortofon SPU cartridge, though some may require an auxiliary weight.
Dave's Story
In the back of my mind I knew that there was a Thorens TD-125 turntable that accommodated a 12 inch tonearm, however, it wasn’t until a faithful customer named Scott D started talking about the “Long Base” model that I realized it was something that Thorens actually produced themselves, direct from the factory. At first, I spent a few weeks trying to search out a TD-125 Long Base that Scott could purchase. There were various owners who had pictures of their prized possession on various forums and websites. One long base model even came up for sale on eBay, but it turned out to be just a chassis, with no plinth.In my research, I began to realize that there was very little difference between the stock TD – 125 and the Long Base model: 1) larger plinth; 2) larger armboard; 3) larger aluminum switch/fascia plate. The first two differences were very minor, a matter of woodworking. However, the larger switch/fascia plate was going to take some planning to implement. First there was the actual manufacturer of the plate, and then there was the reproduction of the silk-screening. After three months, working with a variety of companies getting estimates and discussing various plans for implementation, the switch/facia plates were done and looked fantastic.While that process carried onward, I had extended plinths made and a series of extended armboards. The plinths were three-quarter inch solid hardwoods. The armboards were three-eighths birch plywood painted satin black. As a final touch, because I have always hated the battleship gray/green color of the 125’s top plate, I had the tops professionally finished with automobile grade paints/coatings. Like the “Baby Grand” AR projects, this will be a turntable of which I only offer a limited number on an annual basis. This is the opportunity to own one of six Long Base models to be produced in 2015. First delivery in early January.
The Table
The solid wood plinth in your choice of wood* will be made by my finish carpenter. Unlike the original TD-125 plinth which was veneered, yours will be solid 3/4 wood. It will be finished with three coats of finish highly recommended to highlight the beauty of your wood. Additionally, modern adhesives and reinforcements ensure this will become an heirloom. As mentioned above, the metal plate was sandblasted and powercoated. The brushed aluminum faceplate is new. The arm board is new. A new 1/2″ MDF bottom has been added.The TD-125 features three speeds: 16, 33, and 45. There is a pitch controller and a stroboscope for precise speed adjustment. The speed control unit has been completely serviced, with the caps and transistors most likely to fail replaced! After replacement, it is completely reset to original spec. It is now ready for another 40 years of service! Here is a detailed list of how a TD-125 is serviced by Vinyl Nirvana. See here for thorough TD-125 documentation. The turntable can be converted to 220v/50hz and shipped overseas, if interested.
Here is Dave's answer to why should you buy a restored vintage Thorens turntable from Vinyl Nirvana?
When you buy a restored turntable from Vinyl Nirvana, the table has undergone a multistep inspection, tuning, and detailing regimen. The work is performed by me, someone who has worked exclusively on belt driven, suspended subchassis turntables such as Thorens, Linn, and AR for over a decade. I know these models intimately, and have developed techniques over my lifetime to restore them to the best condition possible. In addition, since I have probably the largest selection of parts for these turntables in North America, if it is determined by inspection that something needs to be replaced because it is missing, broken or worn, it happens.Though all of the turntables I sell will be 100% functional, because of their age, cosmetic condition will vary. It is my pledge to you that any and all cosmetic defects will be pointed out in the item description, and whenever it is possible, photographs will be provided. When you buy from me, it is not like eBay where you have to wonder if you are getting what you are really getting. If there is a flaw cosmetically, you will know it is there.As a potential buyer, you should know I don’t just service these turntables, I love them. Though I have restored hundreds of them, I still find great joy in bringing a vintage turntable back to its glory. Likewise, if the turntable has been customized, I cared deeply that those items are the best possible ones I can source. For example, my custom plinths are built by a finish carpenter with over 30 years of experience, someone who cares as much about their sound construction as their beauty. Likewise, when something is custom painted or powercoated, I go to a professional company, one of the most highly regarded in New England. Those are just two examples, but I have made it my mission, when I do farm out work, to get people who care about their finished product the same way I do.Finally, because none of the above will matter if the turntable doesn’t reach you in one piece, I have extensive experience in safely shipping vintage turntables. I know the tricks and the techniques to get your turntable to you without incident. I literally ship over 100 turntables per year, and my success rate is over 99.7%. In the fractional amount of cases where there is a problem, it is always resolved with your complete satisfaction as my goal. A lot of businesses make that claim; with me you will find it is a way of life.
The Details
Generally, a fifty percent deposit is due at time of order and the balance is due at time of shipment. Check or money order for exact amount. Paypal adds 1.5 percent. (Splitting fees) *Note some wood choices may incur a surcharge. I will carefully pack the table in extra sturdy boxes and bubble wrap. The dustcover will ship separately, also double boxed. I prefer UPS. I love introducing someone new to the joys of vinyl, getting someone back into vinyl who left it for the “superiority” of cds, or helping someone else who does appreciate it to “move up.” In that regard, I do what few sellers do…if the buyer needs it, I can supply up to one hour of help by phone with set up. (At a mutually arranged time.) In general, most buyers don’t need it, but if there IS a problem, I am there. Your table is guaranteed to look and work as described, or you may return it within ten days of arrival for a full refund, minus return shipping charges and a 5% restocking fee. After ten days, all returns are for merchandise credit only. Any new parts (tonearms and cartridges) are under full product warranty as I am a dealer.
Read what Ben Folds and others have had to say about buying from Vinyl Nirvana. Ben owns a TD-125 Long Base himself!
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