Yamaha KT-3

[2ubes]

Having recently joined the Lenco community I've been on the prowl for a table to start my journey.
I have the opportunity to purchase a Yamaha KT-3 transcription table which is very simple in its design
and extremely well built. What little information I have is that it was produced specifically for the domestic
market and used mostly in small stations (college/university) and coffee houses. Would any member know/have
any information or experience which would be helpful while I search for that elusive Lenco ?
Thanx

Dan.

[willbewill]

Hi Dan

Welcome to LH

Wasn't the KT3 an idler drive broadcast turntable from the 60s?

I quick google brought up this
http://audio-heritage.jp/YAMAHA/etc/kt-3.html

Looks good

[2ubes]

Yes it was, 1964.
That link is the only item I can find on the web.
Physically looking at the table it is very well built,
solid and very simple in its operation.
Thanx for your response.
Dan.

[2ubes]

Well, I did it. Just got home with the KT-3.
Going to snap a few pics and upload to the community.
Perhaps someone may have had some experience or
knowledge of this, or may know of someone who may
be able to help.

Thanx

Dan.

[lexi]

   I don't know about this model but many Yamaha record decks were made by Micro Seiki.

[2ubes]

A few pics of my new (first) project.

Dan.

[olddog]

Nice and simple looking layout - easy project to plinth this!
Have fun.
Cheers.

[pde2000]

Wow, that's a beautiful machine; looks so well made.  Could be a very fine sounding deck - hope so.  Those rubber wheels look like new.  In fact it all looks like new.

[awty]

Yes nice looking turntable.

Would imagine it has a very heavy platter.

Whats the bearing look like?

Why the second wheel?

[2ubes]

 The purpose of two idler pulleys are for 33.3 and 45. The motor is mounted to
a concentric plate and shaft assembly (transmission). When the desired speed
(33.3) is selected the motor pivots on its axis and engages with the idler
associated with that speed and engages the platter. The second idler pulley is
passive. When 45 is selected the motor pivots on its axis in the opposite
direction, engages with the idler pulley associated with that speed and engages
the platter. The idler pulley for 33.3 then becomes passive.
 The top plate is made from a cast alloy approx. 6mil in thickness, very well
supported with reinforcing ribs.
 The bearing is approx. 13mil in diameter and shaped with a conical shaft.
This point rests on a thrust plate (shim) with a fibrous backing and a small
circular piece of felt at the cap end. I could only guess the fibre and felt are
used not only to absorb any transmitted noise but also to act as a wick for
the bearing lube.
 Going to spend a bit of time building a simple mock-up while searching for
a tone arm.  Looking at a 12" arm, considering starting with a Jelco.
Any and all opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanx

Dan.

[SteffenD]

cool find!
If you want to trade, I have some lencos here....
reg. jelco
I also went for a 750 LB, still happy with my decision. Just a very elaborated and bullet proof arm. A Thomas Schick would look nice on that deck.......

[arched]

This turntable looks amazing. Following this thread with great interest!

[needlekiller]

interessting is the badge on the motor! in big letters "teac" and on the left side, "onkyo-denki"!

[pde2000]

An almost identical deck is shown here labeled teac em-301  http://aucview.aucfan.com/yahoo/f156397265/

Seems Yamaha outsourced the whole machine.

[2ubes]

  Stephen
 I'm looking for a Lenco in original condition or close to it as
I'd like to experience each modification through its metamorphosis.
Trade for what ? 
 The Jelco arm makes a lot of sense as they are not terribly expensive
I'm assured that everything is intact (bearings et al) and it will have
residual value for when I move up the ladder. Yes, a Schick 12 is what
I'm ultimately after, Hi-Fi Jewelry.

  Rasmus
 Thanx for showing your interest in this project. I'm thinking of a few
different ideas for a plinth. Baltic birch ply or plyboo with an alloy and
a composite in a CLD configuration. I ran the motor for about 6hrs
continuously and it gets quite warm, not overly though. I'm thinking
of devising a way to extract the heat through ventilation as my test
was in a large open cabinet. Ideas are endless, application is the test.

Dan.