After 12 years doing restorations full time, I have a much better handle on the time it takes to complete the work for each model. Before I adapted a more “one-size-fits-all” attitude figuring it would all equal out in the end, but it really hasn’t, and in 90% of cases, the work takes longer than I’ve priced out. For this reason, I have had to resort to making the pricing list more specific. The new pricing also better reflects the true amount of time I spend not only completing the work, but also packing/re-packing and communicating with the owners before, during, and after.
As always, prices do reflect the basic parts needed to complete the restoration, and if anything else is needed, functionally or cosmetically, you are given the chance to “yea or nay”.
Typical turnaround time is 8-10 weeks, but there are peak times where it’s been harder to meet that timeline.
Note: I do my best to ascertain while your turntable is on my bench as to whether there are any areas where glue is failing. These include wood to wood joints as well as some areas where Thorens used glue on metal, for example the strobe mirror of the TD – 125 models. If there is any appearance of loose glue/joints, I will notify the owner and make a diligent repair. Unfortunately, I cannot look inside of joints, so if by outward appearance everything is solid, and something happens during return shipment, I cannot be held responsible for that damage or repair. If the customer wishes to have me perform the repair, he/she will pay shipping both ways, and we will come to an agreement on the cost of the repair depending on the extent of the work.
Thorens Models
Thorens TD-125/125 MKII Models What’s Included?
Base Price $595 (Does not include shipping either way or return packaging, if needed.)
There is a $45 surcharge for SME tonearms which are labor intensive to dismantle and clean.
You may opt to have your SME tonearm rewired with Cardas wiring to a 1.2m RCA for an add’tl $250
There will be a $45 surcharge for units in especially bad condition featuring smoke or corrosion.
Note: I do not accept units with mold/mildew.
AR Turntables
ES-1, AR the Turntable, EB-101 What’s Included?
Base Price $295 (Does not include shipping either way, or return packaging, if needed.)
This service does automatically include replacing springs/studs. ($60 parts value)
Subtract $15 if no dust cover
There will be a $45 surcharge for units in especially bad condition featuring smoke or corrosion.
Note: I do not accept units with mold/mildew.
Note: I cannot repair chipped/loose veneer
Be wary of other restorations services that charge only for labor and then parts are extra. Once your table is in their hands, are you really going to be in a position to say ‘no’? In the pricing above, I’ve included the essential parts I typically replace in the units I restore to sell.