Fully Restored 1968 Hacker GP42 Gondolier Plays Russ Conway's 'Conway Capers No1' 1963 45rpm

Russ Conway Playing 'Conway Capers No1' on my Freshly Restored Hacker GP42 Gondolier. They said back in the day that this machine was the Rolls Royce of Record Players...I can confirm without any doubt that it is!
Everything about this machine is quality...The amp is beautifully laid out and the valves sit an their own shielded compartment to the rear and get Great air flow.
This machine came to me in nice cosmetic condition but with a seized motor and leaky capacitors. Also a missing knob.
I have done all the required work and even splashed out on a 'New' set of Mullard ECL86 valves and EZ80 rectifier valve. The machine came with Mazda ECL86's which were working...But I've been saving these pair of Mullards for a special occasion and this machine deserves them!
I've also removed the original ACOS cartridge and replaced it with a far Superior 'new old stock' 60's BSR 12M and ST16 flip over LP/78 stylus.
I have the ST16 styli made for me, which makes replacement trouble free and ideal for playing 78rpm records. The ACOS GP91 original cartridge is grey in colour and looks really out of place on this Garrard 2025TC Turntable. I'm also sorry to say, in my opinion, the ACOS sounds awful!
The Styli for the ACOS are hard to find now also and can only easily be bought as LP/LP with no 78 stylus.
Needless to say, the sound quality is far superior now compared to when the machine was new...Even on old 60's and 78rpm records!
I really did enjoy bringing this old Beauty back to what I would seriously consider...'Better than New Condition'...Shame my camera can't show how good the audio quality really is!
Thanks For Watching! :)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 1986
• Hacker
• GP42
• Gondolier
• Russ
• Conway
• Capers
• 1963
• Rolls
• Royce
• Record
• Player
• Superb
• Quality!
• Garrard
• 2025TC

[davidpidge]

I'm trying to find a replacement needle/stylus (are they the same thing?) for my hacker gp42. Do you know where I can get one? I'm in Surrey. I've got a problem with the needle sliding over new records. Plays old records perfectly and this has only just started happening. Any ideas whats causing it? Cheers.

[GarrardAT6]

@davidpidge The standard cartridge in the Gondolier is an Acos GP96.

It is a flip over design...One side for Mono records and the other for stereo records.

When a stylus skates across a record it normally indicates that the tip is worn or broken.

If you can play old records ok it sounds like you are using the Mono stylus.

If you want a replacement for your Acos they are available on eBay. Search for 'Acos GP96'

Need any more help, or a better cartridge upgrade. Send me a personal message :)

[727JeffN]

WTF? You guys over there have to have all your power cords inspected?

Awesome and beautiful looking and sounding machine!

[GarrardAT6]

@727JeffN Thanks Jeff...Means a lot coming from you!

No you don't need things tested for home use...But it is good, as it proves the equipment is electrically safe and sound...The 1974 Portable Appliance Test must be used in these instances though.

1. Where appliances are used by employees.

2. Where the public may use appliances in establishments such as hospitals, schools, hotels, shops etc.

3. Where appliances are supplied or hired.

4. Where appliances are repaired or serviced.

I'm No4 :)

[honkytonkpiano]

Thanks for posting this! It's great to be reminded of the excellent Hacker quality. Even better, perhaps, with a Decca Deram cartridge, which I fitted to my Hacker Cavalier record player in the 1960's (gosh, was it really so long ago???)

[GarrardAT6]

@honkytonkpiano Thanks Mike! Next one on the bench is a GP15 Cavalier.

Same amp and speaker as this one but with a Garrard AT6 turntable...I may even fit a Deram in it just for you!

Thanks for commenting! :)

[loyboy1979]

what a awsome machine and clip! this tune thou reminds me of..sounds similair to .Johnny kidd and the pirates-.ill never get over you although guitar is played. and vocals..intresting. Great clip 5/5 for me thumbs up.