Before quality audio recording tape became viable in the mid to late 1950s (Pioneered by Ampex, and media makers like Irish Audio tape) -- the way to record audio with fidelity for broadcast was with one the large 16" recording turntables. The early leadership came from Presto and Rek-O-Kut, GE and RCA in the 1930s. When Disc recording took a backseat to tape, the new market for ultra high quality 33/1/3 and 78 rpm playback was still played ("transcribed" for on air radio "DJ" playback) on 16" studio broadcast style arms -- the best rim drive turntables were made during this period, from the 1940-1960s. The top turntables manufacturers for HiFi / Studio playback were Fairchild, Western Electric, RCA, Presto, Gates in the 1950s and later came QRK out of Fresno, California.
For playback / reproduction ...early on, the 16" turntable market was crowded -- one company mastered the top quality, high tech commercial segment of the 1950s ... : Gray Research and Development Co, in Manchester Mass. ... Their seminal product, defining the standard for all 16" arms of the late 1940s was the 106-SP. It's clever all mechanical articulated design, with thumb adjusted counterweight was an instant hit. They became the overnight standard, on any high quality 16" transcription setup. By the mid 1950's R&D at Gray saw advantages in going hydraulic -- the totally new oil / ball / pivot design gave stunning new advantages over the clever 1940's era mechanical designs... these Gray 108 / 208 arms gave quieter performance, and were smoother and easier to operate, and even less prone to skipping.
Diy audiophiles have scoured the USA looking for Gray arms, and they are now very scarce. They're rugged, simple and killer sounding -- Well suited for home use, when mounted to a 16" or 12" table of your choice -- these are a dream to use -- there are many clone designs there -- this is the real McCoy, made in the late 1950s, USA. It represents the best machining and casting quality of the era.
The 108 came out somtime in the early 1950's -- it many ways, it's the coolest version -- the very first models had gourgeous, shinny Bakelite clad over strong cast metal (a special hybrid anti-resonant design)and by the late 1950s, the more commonly seen types, with plain all metal / painted finish replaced this rarer type. The base has knurled leveling feet -- the ball pivot is all metal, and did not feature any plastic parts, and the ball is sturdily held in place by steel brackets (the later 208 model utilized a teflon collar that wore out and gets in the way sometimes and was held in by light weight aluminum).
This is a very decent looking survivor, in fair condition -- normal wear, and light oxidation areas in the paint and finish, still good looking for it's age... complete and original, leveling feet, mounting screws. The cart tray is present, and ready for installation -- you can use any type of modern Mono or Stereo cartridge (see exhibit E) -- of your chooseing (none included), it is clean, though does show a bit of wear and brassing --normal patina from use and age. The finely threaded adjustment screw works well as does the ball pivot -- you will need to add oil . During setup, after you've received you will want to fill with oil, (you can source locally (most any thick oil is OK, silicone fluid is best), directions are included (see exhibit I).
As shown in photos, included are many old reproduction papers -- with templates, measurments and complete setup instructions. Also included, 1.5 meters of vintage shielded Westrex phono wire to help complete your phono setup , the set is well matched, and long, made from 1940's vintage Westrex / Western Electric wire -- audiophile grade vintage metal connectors (see exhibit I) -- they are ready to be soldered into your system and sound amazing -- a big help in your DiY project.
All-in-all, this is a real find... is the real McCoy, and you don't see these early 16" viscous arms much... Clean it, wire it up, add viscous oil, make adjustments, tweaks -- 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 -- Gray Research only built to a very high standard, solid as can be, using the best machining that 1950s USA could produce.
Once you see and hear one of these in action, you too will lust after the silky smooth oil damped action... gliding over a sprawling 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 quality tone arm...built in USA, during the golden era-- this is the one -- Buy Now to avoid a bidder's war, will sell quickly.
Will be carefully prepared, double boxed, parts warapped and super cushioned for proper, guaranteed safe delivery. Packed weight 8 lbs.
Please email first before purchase, with special requests, instructions, or for direct service via EMS Express Mail to your country. Overseas shipping is via Ebay Global shipping program -- please refer to above estimates.
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