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Save 12%

QRK Russco Model 17" Transcription Turntable 3 speed early 1960's

List price: $1,000.00
$880.00
You save: $120.00 (12%)
qrk171
Out-of-stock
Add to wish list
 

“ a very scarce find -- the QRK Model 17 -- one of the largest platters of any postwar transcription turntable. This one from an estate, just uncovered from time capsule like storage. I briefly plugged in, and the classy Bodine motor, runs well; -- it scrambled healithly to life, platter, shaft and bearings are very, very smooth. The table needs mild restoration and could benefit from fresh rubber parts, cleaning, This table has tons of potential -- speed change mechnicals also need need adjustments and restoration - it spins up and turns (see exhibit I), but I cannot get speeds to change smoothly and it hits the patter on 33rpm- it needs work you will be on the road with not too much effort. The table top, made of stellar quality ultra thick cast aluminum has it's original paint (many scuffs and nicks -- and original logo badge (see exhibit D. You will want to inspect the wiring, and install a new line cord as well.)”

Before quality audio recording tape became viable in the mid to late 1950s -- the way to record audio with fidelity for broadcast was with one the large 16" recording turntables. Early on, during the 1930s and 1940s two companies -- Rek-O-Kut in Long Island -- and  Presto Sound Recording - Paramus, NJ made the very best tables. In later years, the studio & broadcast segments grew huge, right as RCA, Western Electric and other giants, like General Electric lost their reign over all of broadcast pro audio.  

 By the early 1950s, broadcast, professional audio only companies Gates and Collins dominated the top tier of the market -- building some of the USA's best quality, nicest sounding recording equipment. By the 1950s and 60s -- even Presto and Rek-O-Kut lost their market in transcription tables to Gates. By then, Rek-O-Kut moved their factory production to New Jersey ... (long after the early black recorder machines -- ( that were produced in Long Island) -- to chance the then hot, home HiFi 12" LP market  -- they were one of the best makers, and eventually though some history I don't know, was acquired by a holding company CCA -- which then later became QRK and also Rek-O-Cut of Fresno, Calif.

QRK / Russco made the market in 12" and 16" turntables for broadcast. They also built transcription tables for Collins Radio.

QRK was the only manufacturer of the 1950s and 60s to built a true 17" transcritption machine....this is it, the model 17.

Early on, QRK earned the top quality reputation -- becoming the broadcast standard. They were fine tables suited for playback applications. King of the market for a very long time -- nearly 40 years  -- unlike it's roots back in NJ, QRK was interested in making the quietest, most rugged and smoothest to operate machine -- they were and may are still used daily by DJ's and broadcast stations and studios.

QRK, arguably used the best parts of any USA manufactuer at any time --  including Bodine motors, oilite shaft bushings and a special double ball-on-ball thrust bearing. Also, QRK / Russco made the heaviest platter seen in any post 1940's transcription table -- of it's era , totally overbuilt to the max -- ready to last generations and sound teriific. 

 By the early 1960s -- QRK startled the market with the model 17 .. a huge one piece casted 17" platter -- operating on the same beautiful and rugged drive system as their older 16" platter.

This model 17 is a rare find! With about the same footprint as any other transcription size table -- you can own this ultra cool looking, comfortable, and smooth (thanks to the thicker platter) 17" survivor!  

The shift lever, itsself a piece of mid century USA style. It is fairly unique in design and operation -- similar to the Gates CB500, but operating on a vertical plane, more comfortable for DJ's of the 1950s. 

 Nowadays sought after for home hifi...this QRK, when cleaned, refurbished and tuned with a good arm will deliver LP nirvana -- it's the real McCoy... and will sell quickly.

Collectors and audiophiles know how rare the Model 17 is (vs the 16" version) -- they are well worth the extra cost --as by the mid 1960's QRK's quality was at it's Apex. The shaft and bearing bushings were made of some of the nicest phospher bronze -- a special lifetime lubricated soft alloy called "Oilite" -- for super smooth operation and long life -- found in the USA during the 1930s through 1960s) The aluminum castings and platter are some of the thickest and heftiest you will ever see in vintage audio -- this helped damp any noise or rumble -- these tables when running clean and restored are dreamy and ultra quiet!

For drive -- QRK eclusively used Bodine motors -- just by looking..you know they are the best. They have finely crafted nickle plated spring capped oil wells, and baked black enamel -- so beautiful you wish the motor alone was out on display. They also last the longest, and run the smoothest of any motor the USA made during the golden years. They were high end -- only a few other extreme quality builders used Bodine -- like Ampex; for the best recorder they did - -the 350 deck. 

  Right in the league with Fairchild, Gates, Rek-O-Cut and RCA...diy audiophiles all scour the USA for these, then restore them -- they're rugged, simple and killer sounding -- and have very hefty platters on an incredibly thick shaft, and large bearing. This turntable is so smooth, a slight push and it turns quickly for more that a minute with no power alone!

Well suited for home use, when mounted to a plinth of your choice -- these are a dream to use -- they are frequently used with the now highly collectable Gray Research arms, among others.

 This turntable has some  patina, the original crinkle grey paint is still very nice, with only a few nicks.  The table top has a few extra holes, some drilled for an arm and rest. Overall it presents quite beautifully, (it was from a audio engineer's estate, now just out of long time, careful time capsule storage!) The old brown felt mat is old, though still seems fine to use..

The platter and overall table need cleaning -- the original paint thankfully survives -- it's cool 1960's era grey krinkle. Has the original QRK, Fresno Calif. logo, bottom corner, right by the chrome shifter (see exhibit A)  The motor mounts and rim drive rubber looks to have survivied  -- they need cleaning, and may some of the rubber parts may need to be replaced.... I did not give the speed mechanisims any type of inspection or test,  it also needs cleaning and adjustments to function properly. The line cord is temporary, and straight wired so plan on installing a nicer one later when you install on your plinth... (exhibit D and H). 

 The motor started up when I plugged in (briefly), and seemed very smooth. The platter shaft and bearing likewise are liquid-smooth, the platter spins freely for more than a minute after a mere slight nudge ... quality and heft!

The shifting mechanism needs cleaning and adjustments, it is not working properly -- along with idler wheel which has a firm bushing that needs cleaning. It currently shifts, but is stiff and hangs in places. It will be up and running with a bit of attention, which I will leave for the new owner -- a great winter project here -- with a bit of mild restoration you will have a world class machine in your system!  

 Line cord is serviceble and original  -- it should be replaced for safety, and the power light and switch are unwired. . 

All-in-all, this is a real find... is the real McCoy, and you don't *ever* see these  larger than life 17"  turntables much... Clean it, oil it,  maybe some new rubber, line cord, and install a nice arm or arms(s) (plenty of room for two!)... perhaps something else -- and you will have a solid, killer sounding and deluxe  turntable of a rare breed and bygone era.  Sounding as fine -- much better than many wimpy high end turntables cound ever imagine! 

 Many ask how older rim drive turntables can be so sought after by audiophiles.... one secret,  is the massive quality of the thick and heavy 17" platter -- it's rim is 1/2" thick (12mm) !  -- big rim drive tables like this sound fabulous -- the large shaft, and big thrust bearings (3/8") of these broadcast studio quality transcription tables are dead smooth -- none of the sounds come through that typically would on cheaper machines.  In todays's dollars .. these machines were extremely expensive -- many thousands of dollars.... Broadcast oriented pro audio companies sparred no expense in materials or craftsmenship. 

 Only really serious audiophiles set these up. A bit of work, and so well worth it. One of the most impressive upgrades to any audiophile system.  The effort shows and plays --  listeners leave not talking about your amp and speakers...but your turntable. They were expensive -- QRK simply built better.... a very high standard -- even better than others of 1940s & 50's america, they are as solid as can be, using the best machining and bearings.

Once you see and hear one of these in action, you too will lust after the silky smooth, sprawling 17" platter spinning with authority...that's why they are so sought after. If you are looking for a cool winter project, and are in need of a real table built in USA, during the 40's and 50s -- this is the one -- Buy Now to avoid a bidder's war, will sell quickly.

The factory cast (in house by QRK) top measures approx 20" x 20" x about 13" deep -- all ready to fasten to your custom plinth or cabinet. Packed weight will be about 42lbs. USPS EMS required to most countries.

If available, this turntable will ship via eBay's Global shipping service (a professional forwarding service via USPS Airmail, and full tracking) If available to your country, the cost as well as customs clearance are shown above.

For direct service, please contact me via email with special requests.  Certain countries require Global Express Guaranteed or FedEx, cost is higher (Russia and Vietnam may cost as much as $280). Japan, China and most of Europe will be closer to $225 (please refer to shipping calculator above)

Will be carefully prepared, double boxed, platter removed and cushioned for proper, guaranteed safe delivery. Packed weight 42lbs. Shipping ASAP after payment received,see my 100% feedback. 

 

All vintage USA audio 1930s ~ 1980s

Save 12%

QRK Russco Model 17" Transcription Turntable 3 speed early 1960's

List price: $1,000.00
$880.00
You save: $120.00 (12%)
qrk171
Out-of-stock
Add to wish list
 

“ a very scarce find -- the QRK Model 17 -- one of the largest platters of any postwar transcription turntable. This one from an estate, just uncovered from time capsule like storage. I briefly plugged in, and the classy Bodine motor, runs well; -- it scrambled healithly to life, platter, shaft and bearings are very, very smooth. The table needs mild restoration and could benefit from fresh rubber parts, cleaning, This table has tons of potential -- speed change mechnicals also need need adjustments and restoration - it spins up and turns (see exhibit I), but I cannot get speeds to change smoothly and it hits the patter on 33rpm- it needs work you will be on the road with not too much effort. The table top, made of stellar quality ultra thick cast aluminum has it's original paint (many scuffs and nicks -- and original logo badge (see exhibit D. You will want to inspect the wiring, and install a new line cord as well.)”

Before quality audio recording tape became viable in the mid to late 1950s -- the way to record audio with fidelity for broadcast was with one the large 16" recording turntables. Early on, during the 1930s and 1940s two companies -- Rek-O-Kut in Long Island -- and  Presto Sound Recording - Paramus, NJ made the very best tables. In later years, the studio & broadcast segments grew huge, right as RCA, Western Electric and other giants, like General Electric lost their reign over all of broadcast pro audio.  

 By the early 1950s, broadcast, professional audio only companies Gates and Collins dominated the top tier of the market -- building some of the USA's best quality, nicest sounding recording equipment. By the 1950s and 60s -- even Presto and Rek-O-Kut lost their market in transcription tables to Gates. By then, Rek-O-Kut moved their factory production to New Jersey ... (long after the early black recorder machines -- ( that were produced in Long Island) -- to chance the then hot, home HiFi 12" LP market  -- they were one of the best makers, and eventually though some history I don't know, was acquired by a holding company CCA -- which then later became QRK and also Rek-O-Cut of Fresno, Calif.

QRK / Russco made the market in 12" and 16" turntables for broadcast. They also built transcription tables for Collins Radio.

QRK was the only manufacturer of the 1950s and 60s to built a true 17" transcritption machine....this is it, the model 17.

Early on, QRK earned the top quality reputation -- becoming the broadcast standard. They were fine tables suited for playback applications. King of the market for a very long time -- nearly 40 years  -- unlike it's roots back in NJ, QRK was interested in making the quietest, most rugged and smoothest to operate machine -- they were and may are still used daily by DJ's and broadcast stations and studios.

QRK, arguably used the best parts of any USA manufactuer at any time --  including Bodine motors, oilite shaft bushings and a special double ball-on-ball thrust bearing. Also, QRK / Russco made the heaviest platter seen in any post 1940's transcription table -- of it's era , totally overbuilt to the max -- ready to last generations and sound teriific. 

 By the early 1960s -- QRK startled the market with the model 17 .. a huge one piece casted 17" platter -- operating on the same beautiful and rugged drive system as their older 16" platter.

This model 17 is a rare find! With about the same footprint as any other transcription size table -- you can own this ultra cool looking, comfortable, and smooth (thanks to the thicker platter) 17" survivor!  

The shift lever, itsself a piece of mid century USA style. It is fairly unique in design and operation -- similar to the Gates CB500, but operating on a vertical plane, more comfortable for DJ's of the 1950s. 

 Nowadays sought after for home hifi...this QRK, when cleaned, refurbished and tuned with a good arm will deliver LP nirvana -- it's the real McCoy... and will sell quickly.

Collectors and audiophiles know how rare the Model 17 is (vs the 16" version) -- they are well worth the extra cost --as by the mid 1960's QRK's quality was at it's Apex. The shaft and bearing bushings were made of some of the nicest phospher bronze -- a special lifetime lubricated soft alloy called "Oilite" -- for super smooth operation and long life -- found in the USA during the 1930s through 1960s) The aluminum castings and platter are some of the thickest and heftiest you will ever see in vintage audio -- this helped damp any noise or rumble -- these tables when running clean and restored are dreamy and ultra quiet!

For drive -- QRK eclusively used Bodine motors -- just by looking..you know they are the best. They have finely crafted nickle plated spring capped oil wells, and baked black enamel -- so beautiful you wish the motor alone was out on display. They also last the longest, and run the smoothest of any motor the USA made during the golden years. They were high end -- only a few other extreme quality builders used Bodine -- like Ampex; for the best recorder they did - -the 350 deck. 

  Right in the league with Fairchild, Gates, Rek-O-Cut and RCA...diy audiophiles all scour the USA for these, then restore them -- they're rugged, simple and killer sounding -- and have very hefty platters on an incredibly thick shaft, and large bearing. This turntable is so smooth, a slight push and it turns quickly for more that a minute with no power alone!

Well suited for home use, when mounted to a plinth of your choice -- these are a dream to use -- they are frequently used with the now highly collectable Gray Research arms, among others.

 This turntable has some  patina, the original crinkle grey paint is still very nice, with only a few nicks.  The table top has a few extra holes, some drilled for an arm and rest. Overall it presents quite beautifully, (it was from a audio engineer's estate, now just out of long time, careful time capsule storage!) The old brown felt mat is old, though still seems fine to use..

The platter and overall table need cleaning -- the original paint thankfully survives -- it's cool 1960's era grey krinkle. Has the original QRK, Fresno Calif. logo, bottom corner, right by the chrome shifter (see exhibit A)  The motor mounts and rim drive rubber looks to have survivied  -- they need cleaning, and may some of the rubber parts may need to be replaced.... I did not give the speed mechanisims any type of inspection or test,  it also needs cleaning and adjustments to function properly. The line cord is temporary, and straight wired so plan on installing a nicer one later when you install on your plinth... (exhibit D and H). 

 The motor started up when I plugged in (briefly), and seemed very smooth. The platter shaft and bearing likewise are liquid-smooth, the platter spins freely for more than a minute after a mere slight nudge ... quality and heft!

The shifting mechanism needs cleaning and adjustments, it is not working properly -- along with idler wheel which has a firm bushing that needs cleaning. It currently shifts, but is stiff and hangs in places. It will be up and running with a bit of attention, which I will leave for the new owner -- a great winter project here -- with a bit of mild restoration you will have a world class machine in your system!  

 Line cord is serviceble and original  -- it should be replaced for safety, and the power light and switch are unwired. . 

All-in-all, this is a real find... is the real McCoy, and you don't *ever* see these  larger than life 17"  turntables much... Clean it, oil it,  maybe some new rubber, line cord, and install a nice arm or arms(s) (plenty of room for two!)... perhaps something else -- and you will have a solid, killer sounding and deluxe  turntable of a rare breed and bygone era.  Sounding as fine -- much better than many wimpy high end turntables cound ever imagine! 

 Many ask how older rim drive turntables can be so sought after by audiophiles.... one secret,  is the massive quality of the thick and heavy 17" platter -- it's rim is 1/2" thick (12mm) !  -- big rim drive tables like this sound fabulous -- the large shaft, and big thrust bearings (3/8") of these broadcast studio quality transcription tables are dead smooth -- none of the sounds come through that typically would on cheaper machines.  In todays's dollars .. these machines were extremely expensive -- many thousands of dollars.... Broadcast oriented pro audio companies sparred no expense in materials or craftsmenship. 

 Only really serious audiophiles set these up. A bit of work, and so well worth it. One of the most impressive upgrades to any audiophile system.  The effort shows and plays --  listeners leave not talking about your amp and speakers...but your turntable. They were expensive -- QRK simply built better.... a very high standard -- even better than others of 1940s & 50's america, they are as solid as can be, using the best machining and bearings.

Once you see and hear one of these in action, you too will lust after the silky smooth, sprawling 17" platter spinning with authority...that's why they are so sought after. If you are looking for a cool winter project, and are in need of a real table built in USA, during the 40's and 50s -- this is the one -- Buy Now to avoid a bidder's war, will sell quickly.

The factory cast (in house by QRK) top measures approx 20" x 20" x about 13" deep -- all ready to fasten to your custom plinth or cabinet. Packed weight will be about 42lbs. USPS EMS required to most countries.

If available, this turntable will ship via eBay's Global shipping service (a professional forwarding service via USPS Airmail, and full tracking) If available to your country, the cost as well as customs clearance are shown above.

For direct service, please contact me via email with special requests.  Certain countries require Global Express Guaranteed or FedEx, cost is higher (Russia and Vietnam may cost as much as $280). Japan, China and most of Europe will be closer to $225 (please refer to shipping calculator above)

Will be carefully prepared, double boxed, platter removed and cushioned for proper, guaranteed safe delivery. Packed weight 42lbs. Shipping ASAP after payment received,see my 100% feedback.