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RCA BQ-2C MI-11830 Transcription 3 Speed Turntable from early 1950s

$1,500.00
rcabq2c1
Out-of-stock
Add to wish list

“ Non local buyers please note, shipping info is for the top turntable only, with out lower  storage cabinet  --- seldom seen RCA BQ-2C (MI-11830-C) 16" transcription turntable, from an Audio Engineer's estate. Nice and complete, needs restoration .... It was retired working from a broadcast studio a many years ago. When plugged in, the silent rocker switch was not working. It may need a new switch, so it did not turn on, no further investigation. The platter spun by a push by hand hand, for a very long time -- it is buttery smooth & has effective shifting from 33, 45 to 78 rpm. The mecanical parts are complete and move OK. In addition to electrical repairs,  though it likely needs minor adjustments (see the table on and spinning in exhibit photos).  It looks good already, though needs mild restoration & TLC... the  (3) idler wheels looked OK,  and motor mounts seemed OK ...   originals are working for now, though may need replacment for perfect operation. The black bakelite top is original and present well, with only minor blemishes from age. The removable top is in overall nice shape, it has holes that were drilled for an arm, and rest, as well as a few from compensation controls and a couple of electrical cover plates (see photos) The lower cabinet is in fair condition, with many nicks and wear areas (see photos). )”

Unless you are local / pickup,  buyers please note, you are purchasing the top turntable -- (for home mounting on a custom plinth), no shipping on the lower storage cabinet (pickup is OK).... This turntable needs some cleaning, TLC, minor restoration. The top is good looking, complete turntable will make an excellent, quick, summer or fall project. Needs rewiring and a new switch. Motor does not turn on because it needs an new switch and perhaps other repair. Top platter is beautiful, with faded, though original RCA TV blue felt. It spins smoothly by had for a very, very long time.  .. It has normal accessory holes on top wood, for the arm, arm rest, and other electrical connections (see exhibit A,C,E),.. overall it presents really nicely (it was from a audio engineer's estate, who rescued from an active broadcast service life)  The overall table needs some cleaning -- there are blemished and dings in some areas, along with light oxidation that will come clean with polish and time. Thankfully the mechanicals and motor look to be in in nice shape (motor did not turn on, I think it was the switch), as you can see in (exhibit B). 

 The platter spins with a slight push, it is smooth, quiet and the bearing and shaft seem nice move in a  buttery, reassuring fashion with no shaft play. It will all be even better after minor adjustments and cleaning.  The runout (levelness) is OK, though not totally perfect. With will be even better after cleaning. 

Line cords, switches and start caps are original from mid 1950's -- they should be replaced for safety. The speed change mechanicals are free and operate smoothly, though they will benefit from cleaning and adjustments. 

  As the broadcast markets boomed in postwar america, these large tables, thanks to their superior durability and quality, became the reproduction standard in station studios all over the world. Studio audio for radio stations and recording studios nationwide ... RCA was the markey leader of broadcast at this time -- selling the most well known and famous designs for recording and playback of commercial audio. Their products were over engineered, and quite uniquely designed -- scrutinized by the  Camden, NJ research braintrust for superior audio quality. RCA built these in house (other mfrs, like GE, Raytheon, Collins, etc, did not make tables themselves, selling others , made by companies like Fairchild, Presto and Rek-O-Cut, and later Gates and QRK). Of the big audio outfits, the only other company that was this serious about design, was Western Electric  / Westrex -- they were fading out by the 50's. RCA owned nurtured this field, and was more ambitious about cutting edge design -- RCA's golden age was during this time. Taking a que, from ideas coming out of Europe ... by the late 1950's it became clear to RCA, that a more reliable, streamlined and ultimately great sounding transcription table did not need a heavy steel cabinet, or ultra expensive geared transmission mechanisms.

RCA  introduced the BQ-2 series, sometime in the early 1950s, it was one of the first of it's generation, by the 1960s, all manufacturers (incliding the Gates CB-500) would be built with rubber idler / rim drive wheels -- the BQ-2 was one of the first. RCA's early design put allot of emphasis in a  super heavy (14lb!) solid, aluminum billet platter, with ultra long multisection shaft -- all this riding in a massive oilite (sintered bronze) bushing, with equalliy massive thrust bearing at the bottom. Instead of a single idler pushing against a shaft, these RCA's used (3) wheels, moving along a complex mechanism in tandem...

Large shafts and heavy platters are the secret behind the sound of these early transcription tables. Other early tables had big platters and some have nice shaft designs... however The RCA BQ-2 series stands with superiority platter design -- probably the thickest the industry produced ... (see exhibit photo)

Over the course of nearly 50 years, RCA made and consequently perfected some of the best heavy transcription size tables the USA ever produced, out designing everybody else -- only Western Electric, Fairchild made such high quality.  Other companies also made nice tables  Rek-O-Cut, Presto, QRK .. also popular with diy audiophiles -- who scour the USA for these, then restore them -- they're rugged, simple and killer sounding -- and have huge, heavy, quiet platters,  the biggest shaft and bearing and other special designs not seen in other makes (like the "quiet" smooth rocker switch, and reinforced platter structure). Well suited, and surprisingly compact for home use, when mounted to a plinth (original cabinet is not space efficient, and difficult to ship, so not recommended) -- these are a dream to use -- they are frequently used with the now highly collectible Gray Research arms, among others.

 Here is an example of of how nice these can be when restored... (this is *not* this table, this is LAJAzz audio, a professional West Coast dealer (if you seek a restored, perfect one, you should contact him, you will pay more, but his service is well worthwhile if you wish to avoid a project). This unit was sold off for top dollar years ago.. of course this one can be even better after minor cleaning / TLC and nicer looking in original finish !)


                      

 

All-in-all, this is a real find... is the real McCoy, and you don't see these early 16" tables much... Clean it, oil it, install some new rubber, fix the motor electricals, fresh line cord, and add the arm... perhaps something else -- and you will have a solid, killer sounding and deluxe  turntable of a rare breed and bygone era.  Sounding as fine as many of the most expensive new types. Only really serious audiophiles set these up. Quite a bit of work, and well worth it. The effort shows and plays --  listeners leave not talking about your amp and speakers...but your turntable. They were expensive -- Gates built to a very high standard, solid as can be, using the best machining and bearings that 1950s USA could produce.

Once you see and hear one of these in action, you too will lust after the silky smooth, sprawling 16" 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 photo shows the top mounted to the lower cabinet -- it will be removed for shipping. The cabinet is available for free, to buyer who wishes to pickup, or have me drop of a crating / freight forwarding company. For local interested buyers, delivery / meet  is also possible on East Coast USA, I95 corridor, Washington DC, Baltimore, down to Raleigh, NC -- I will be wiling to deliveror meet buyers for free up to 200 miles in radius from Richmond VA, 23218 . 

The factory wood is removable, from the cabinet, which is in fair condition ... the top measures approx 25" x 25" x about 15" deep ( counting the motor of course, which adds another depth -- all ready to fasten to your custom plinth or cabinet. Packed dims are 25 x 26 x20, weight will be about 55lbs. USPS EMS required to most countries. Certain countries require Global Express Guaranteed or FedEx, cost is higher (Russia and Vietnam will be around $280). Japan, China and most of Europe will be closer to $200 (please refer to shipping calculator above)

Will be carefully prepared, double boxed, platter removed and cushioned for proper, guaranteed safe delivery. Shipping ASAP after payment received,see my 100% feedback.  We know how to properly pack for safe arrival, it requires a large box -- please see these photos for our careful service...  

Description and Photos © 2015 

All vintage USA audio 1930s ~ 1980s

RCA BQ-2C MI-11830 Transcription 3 Speed Turntable from early 1950s

$1,500.00
rcabq2c1
Out-of-stock
Add to wish list

“ Non local buyers please note, shipping info is for the top turntable only, with out lower  storage cabinet  --- seldom seen RCA BQ-2C (MI-11830-C) 16" transcription turntable, from an Audio Engineer's estate. Nice and complete, needs restoration .... It was retired working from a broadcast studio a many years ago. When plugged in, the silent rocker switch was not working. It may need a new switch, so it did not turn on, no further investigation. The platter spun by a push by hand hand, for a very long time -- it is buttery smooth & has effective shifting from 33, 45 to 78 rpm. The mecanical parts are complete and move OK. In addition to electrical repairs,  though it likely needs minor adjustments (see the table on and spinning in exhibit photos).  It looks good already, though needs mild restoration & TLC... the  (3) idler wheels looked OK,  and motor mounts seemed OK ...   originals are working for now, though may need replacment for perfect operation. The black bakelite top is original and present well, with only minor blemishes from age. The removable top is in overall nice shape, it has holes that were drilled for an arm, and rest, as well as a few from compensation controls and a couple of electrical cover plates (see photos) The lower cabinet is in fair condition, with many nicks and wear areas (see photos). )”

Unless you are local / pickup,  buyers please note, you are purchasing the top turntable -- (for home mounting on a custom plinth), no shipping on the lower storage cabinet (pickup is OK).... This turntable needs some cleaning, TLC, minor restoration. The top is good looking, complete turntable will make an excellent, quick, summer or fall project. Needs rewiring and a new switch. Motor does not turn on because it needs an new switch and perhaps other repair. Top platter is beautiful, with faded, though original RCA TV blue felt. It spins smoothly by had for a very, very long time.  .. It has normal accessory holes on top wood, for the arm, arm rest, and other electrical connections (see exhibit A,C,E),.. overall it presents really nicely (it was from a audio engineer's estate, who rescued from an active broadcast service life)  The overall table needs some cleaning -- there are blemished and dings in some areas, along with light oxidation that will come clean with polish and time. Thankfully the mechanicals and motor look to be in in nice shape (motor did not turn on, I think it was the switch), as you can see in (exhibit B). 

 The platter spins with a slight push, it is smooth, quiet and the bearing and shaft seem nice move in a  buttery, reassuring fashion with no shaft play. It will all be even better after minor adjustments and cleaning.  The runout (levelness) is OK, though not totally perfect. With will be even better after cleaning. 

Line cords, switches and start caps are original from mid 1950's -- they should be replaced for safety. The speed change mechanicals are free and operate smoothly, though they will benefit from cleaning and adjustments. 

  As the broadcast markets boomed in postwar america, these large tables, thanks to their superior durability and quality, became the reproduction standard in station studios all over the world. Studio audio for radio stations and recording studios nationwide ... RCA was the markey leader of broadcast at this time -- selling the most well known and famous designs for recording and playback of commercial audio. Their products were over engineered, and quite uniquely designed -- scrutinized by the  Camden, NJ research braintrust for superior audio quality. RCA built these in house (other mfrs, like GE, Raytheon, Collins, etc, did not make tables themselves, selling others , made by companies like Fairchild, Presto and Rek-O-Cut, and later Gates and QRK). Of the big audio outfits, the only other company that was this serious about design, was Western Electric  / Westrex -- they were fading out by the 50's. RCA owned nurtured this field, and was more ambitious about cutting edge design -- RCA's golden age was during this time. Taking a que, from ideas coming out of Europe ... by the late 1950's it became clear to RCA, that a more reliable, streamlined and ultimately great sounding transcription table did not need a heavy steel cabinet, or ultra expensive geared transmission mechanisms.

RCA  introduced the BQ-2 series, sometime in the early 1950s, it was one of the first of it's generation, by the 1960s, all manufacturers (incliding the Gates CB-500) would be built with rubber idler / rim drive wheels -- the BQ-2 was one of the first. RCA's early design put allot of emphasis in a  super heavy (14lb!) solid, aluminum billet platter, with ultra long multisection shaft -- all this riding in a massive oilite (sintered bronze) bushing, with equalliy massive thrust bearing at the bottom. Instead of a single idler pushing against a shaft, these RCA's used (3) wheels, moving along a complex mechanism in tandem...

Large shafts and heavy platters are the secret behind the sound of these early transcription tables. Other early tables had big platters and some have nice shaft designs... however The RCA BQ-2 series stands with superiority platter design -- probably the thickest the industry produced ... (see exhibit photo)

Over the course of nearly 50 years, RCA made and consequently perfected some of the best heavy transcription size tables the USA ever produced, out designing everybody else -- only Western Electric, Fairchild made such high quality.  Other companies also made nice tables  Rek-O-Cut, Presto, QRK .. also popular with diy audiophiles -- who scour the USA for these, then restore them -- they're rugged, simple and killer sounding -- and have huge, heavy, quiet platters,  the biggest shaft and bearing and other special designs not seen in other makes (like the "quiet" smooth rocker switch, and reinforced platter structure). Well suited, and surprisingly compact for home use, when mounted to a plinth (original cabinet is not space efficient, and difficult to ship, so not recommended) -- these are a dream to use -- they are frequently used with the now highly collectible Gray Research arms, among others.

 Here is an example of of how nice these can be when restored... (this is *not* this table, this is LAJAzz audio, a professional West Coast dealer (if you seek a restored, perfect one, you should contact him, you will pay more, but his service is well worthwhile if you wish to avoid a project). This unit was sold off for top dollar years ago.. of course this one can be even better after minor cleaning / TLC and nicer looking in original finish !)


                      

 

All-in-all, this is a real find... is the real McCoy, and you don't see these early 16" tables much... Clean it, oil it, install some new rubber, fix the motor electricals, fresh line cord, and add the arm... perhaps something else -- and you will have a solid, killer sounding and deluxe  turntable of a rare breed and bygone era.  Sounding as fine as many of the most expensive new types. Only really serious audiophiles set these up. Quite a bit of work, and well worth it. The effort shows and plays --  listeners leave not talking about your amp and speakers...but your turntable. They were expensive -- Gates built to a very high standard, solid as can be, using the best machining and bearings that 1950s USA could produce.

Once you see and hear one of these in action, you too will lust after the silky smooth, sprawling 16" 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 photo shows the top mounted to the lower cabinet -- it will be removed for shipping. The cabinet is available for free, to buyer who wishes to pickup, or have me drop of a crating / freight forwarding company. For local interested buyers, delivery / meet  is also possible on East Coast USA, I95 corridor, Washington DC, Baltimore, down to Raleigh, NC -- I will be wiling to deliveror meet buyers for free up to 200 miles in radius from Richmond VA, 23218 . 

The factory wood is removable, from the cabinet, which is in fair condition ... the top measures approx 25" x 25" x about 15" deep ( counting the motor of course, which adds another depth -- all ready to fasten to your custom plinth or cabinet. Packed dims are 25 x 26 x20, weight will be about 55lbs. USPS EMS required to most countries. Certain countries require Global Express Guaranteed or FedEx, cost is higher (Russia and Vietnam will be around $280). Japan, China and most of Europe will be closer to $200 (please refer to shipping calculator above)

Will be carefully prepared, double boxed, platter removed and cushioned for proper, guaranteed safe delivery. Shipping ASAP after payment received,see my 100% feedback.  We know how to properly pack for safe arrival, it requires a large box -- please see these photos for our careful service...  

Description and Photos © 2015