The 301 is a heavy duty high performance transcription turntable and was first produced in1954 by the Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company Ltd of Swindon in the UK. The 301 remained in production until it was superseded by the 401 in 1964. There were a small number of variations of the 301 and this is the first and most desirable 'schedule 1' type with silver-grey hammerite finish and a grease bearing. The 301 found its way into broadcasting studios and the homes of high fidelity enthusiasts.

The 301 came onto the scene after the introduction of the long play polyvinyl chloride record (1948) for the consumer market and prior to the introduction of stereo. The only rival to Garrard 301 was the Thorens 124 and these rim drive turntables dominated the upper end of the market for two decades before the appearance of belt drive turntables.

Campbell Bickerstaff, 2009

Disc record player, A.M. radio player receiver system, (Australia/UK, [1952])

Made: 1954

88/584

1954