However, after nearly 30 years of standing idle since the early 1990s, I wanted to get the record player working again and restored to its former glory, but had no idea where to begin. Searching online, I luckily found Restore Galore and began an email exchange with Darren about how to proceed. He even recommended how to get it safely transported to his workshop half way across the country.
Once it was there, Darren was able to provide me with an initial assessment of what needed to be done and continued to provide updates throughout the work. He was also able to source like-for-like components, which is quite incredible considering the age of the unit.
I now have a fully working and beautifully restored record player which is proudly on display in my home. Darren, I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work. I can thoroughly recommend Restore Galore for anyone considering similar work.
Ross Williams - Ferguson 202RP
Ross Williams - Ferguson 202RP
Dave Stone - Dansette Monarch
Dave Stone - Dansette Monarch
Do I throw it away, or get it repaired?’ Well the answer was easy , get it repaired.
Looking for companies on the internet I found ‘Restore Galore’ and I am so glad that I did.
I had Speedy replies to my e mail enquiries,( that is defiantly a good star in my book). So I finally arranged to pack the Dancette up and post it to Darren . I was informed when it had arrived, and was kept updated with how the repair was progressing, the rough time scale as well as the estimated cost of repair.
All was good. My beloved Dancette has been returned to me in full working order. It has been cleaned up, now looking beautiful with a wonderful clear sound . I am so happy to have it back.
I had an excellent reliable service. I highly recommend Restore Galore for restoration work.
Thank you very much.
Lesley - Murphy A867G
Lesley - Murphy A867G
Joe Callan - Technics SL-230
Joe Callan - Technics SL-230
I would have no hesitation in coming to you again and recommending you to any one.
David - Kriesler Jumbo
David - Kriesler Jumbo
I asked Darren to replace the audio cable, which had developed a fault, which he did. He also cleaned the pitch control, which now works perfectly, and repaired the tone arm rest. A fantastic job, and top class service - above and beyond what I expected.
I would highly recommend Darren and Restore Galore!
Tony Couperthwaite - Kenwood KD2070
Tony Couperthwaite - Kenwood KD2070
Darren is so incredibly knowledgeable. It's clear he respects this old equipment a great deal, and cares about what it means to his customers. He not only fixed all the problems I'd told him about, but went out of his way to fix and improve many other issues he spotted too. One bit of the job turned out to be particularly tricky, but he wouldn't stop until he'd found a solution.
The turntable is like brand new and it sounds amazing. I'm delighted with Darren's service and won't hesitate to use him again in future.
Dave - Thorens TD-125
Dave - Thorens TD-125
So, when he looked at the record player and speaker, it was discovered that there was too much grease under the platter, notably known as a turntable, which had to be removed and cleaned; it also meant that the whole unit had to be removed for a complete overhaul. This also explained why the arm would not return back to its rest because of that. The operations of the platter work in conjunction with the arm too? Darren also discovered that someone tried installing another speaker inside the unit; he made necessary corrections professionally. Some of the parts including capacitors had to be replaced. The amplifier speaker, which accompanies the record player for stereophonic sound was also serviced and overhauled.
When I received these items I could not believe my eyes thinking how professionally this guy, Darren has done!!! I was so amazed looking at these two and that they looked almost like new. The mains light on the record player was working and restored in full working condition!!! Whoever reads this piece I highly recommend “Restore Galore” because wherever would you find people like Darren who specialises with these masterpieces!!!
Michaela - Ultra 6018
Michaela - Ultra 6018
This was after Darren had offered to find the parts needed. May l say at this point l found Darren very helpful, professional and always willing to go the extra mile, he was amazing!
Darren then offered me a Sony PS 6750 as a gesture, obviously a very sought after turntable. We agreed a figure. Darren then serviced and did what he had to do. I have now received the turntable and to say l am blown away would be a gross understatement. Darren has been a breath of fresh air and l only wish l had met him earlier, a true professional and wonderful person. Thanks so much it was a pleasure.
Graham Launder.
Graham Launder - Dual 731Q
Graham Launder - Dual 731Q
Contacted Darren and gave him the diagnoses and not only did Darren organise the collection of the boxed up Garrard, he fixed it and put it back to literally factory conditions and even went as far as cleaning the linkage in a special bath, so as to completely the clean the 50 year old grease that had solidified on them. The deck came back to me safely and was completely clean, as new.
Darren also fitted new RCA’s, cleaned all the bearings and wired the deck for stereo.
In all a fantastic job! I am over the moon with the Garrard, Darren’s work and professionalism.
Highly recommended.
Paul White - Garrard 4HF
Paul White - Garrard 4HF
Memories rekindled instantly when we played some old 45's over the weekend
Authentic sound from the Fidelity is just stunning.
So glad I found someone who was prepared to help with this the way you did.
Thank you so much, five star service......excellent stuff.
Keith - Fidelity HF45
Keith - Fidelity HF45
All was explained to Darren via Email and calls. He told me what the fault was almost certain to be, and what he would do.
My player has now been fully restored mechanically and cosmetically, with other diagnosed faults also rectified. More importantly a major electrical safety issue was discovered and rectified.
The result is I now have a record player that actually looks like it should, but works as it should, and the improvement in sound is unbelievable.
Thank you Darren, you are a credit to your chosen profession.
Ronnie McGuire - Fidelity HF41
Ronnie McGuire - Fidelity HF41
A few months ago whilst having a clear out I got it down and whilst it worked, the speaker was obviously broken. I wondered if it could be mended and found Darren from Restore Galore and asked his advice.
Darren has kept me informed every step of the way and whilst initially having trouble sourcing the part he needed, eventually found it as he always said he would. So, if you have an old record player and you're wondering what you should do with it then please give it to Darren.
His costs are very reasonable and you will find yourself reliving all those bygone days when the music was fabulous and a day lasted a fortnight! I can't praise Restore Galore high enough, remember the name.
Valerie Philips - Hacker Rambler
Valerie Philips - Hacker Rambler
I am more than happy to recommend Darren at Restore Galore.
Suzanne Farrar - Garrard 50 Mark II
Suzanne Farrar - Garrard 50 Mark II
Darren completely rebuilt the turntable, serviced the amplifier, cleaned everything and even replaced the lens and bulb of the little pilot light which had not worked for years. Importantly, he also arranged collection and return.
I am delighted with the result and that I can still play our large collection of records and enjoy the mellow sound.
Sue - HMV 2030
Sue - HMV 2030
I needed them sorting after years of neglect or gash servicing. Restore Galore seemed the place to go from feedback and after speaking to Darren.
It was the best choice I could have made, both players serviced, repaired as required and returned in perfect working order. I have played them non-stop for the last few hours and I could not be more pleased. It's like the first time I received mine for christmas.
I am loving them and still have lots of vintage vinyl, nicely cleaned, to play.
Steve - Dansette Bermuda
Steve - Dansette Bermuda
It now looks as new and sounds fantastic. Once again I am enjoying playing my 45s and 78s effortlessly on my classic Garrard record changer.
This has far exceeded my expectations thanks to such a brilliant service from Restore Galore
Harry Poskitt - Hacker Cavalier
Harry Poskitt - Hacker Cavalier
Nothing is too much trouble for Darren. 5* rating.
Claire Shields - Fidelity HF45
Claire Shields - Fidelity HF45
Darren gave the turntable a thorough rebuild, including adding a new plug and stereo cartridge suitable for modern LPs. He also uncovered and fixed some questionable DIY repairs by the previous owner. It’s now back to sounding incredible – I’m looking forward to spinning records on it for another 50 years.
The man really knows his stuff: If you’re lucky enough to have a vintage record player or amp in the garage that you’d like to see working again, don’t hesitate to give him a call – he’s the expert your turntable deserves!
James - Dansette Bermuda
James - Dansette Bermuda
Darren came to take the turntable out of the cabinet and fixed it within a week before returning to refit the mended turntable. Our daughter is now enjoying listening to our old records as well as some new ones. We would recommend Restore Galore, a great service at a fair price.
Richard & Julie - Ultra 588
Richard & Julie - Ultra 588
A few weeks later I had another trip to York and collected my now fully working player. It now works a treat and sounds brilliant and I fully recommend Restore Galore to anybody, great service and communication.
Peter - Dansette Major Deluxe 21
Peter - Dansette Major Deluxe 21
Mark - Hacker Cavalier
Mark - Hacker Cavalier
Sid Hopper - Dansette Major Deluxe
Sid Hopper - Dansette Major Deluxe
He is so knowledgeable and had excellent communication with me throughout the process. I found his quote really reasonable and I'm so happy with the results. My record player had a full clean and rebuild. It's now playing my records with perfect clarity and is really making me appreciate what a quality machine it is, the sound is just brilliant. It means so much to still be able to listen to my favourite records on this precious machine. I'd absolutely recommend Restore Galore.
Joanne - ITT KP036
Joanne - ITT KP036
With the addition of legs, a recovering of the outside and the cabinet itself being sorted out honestly I couldn’t be happier! It sounds as good as the bluetooth player I have in my household but looks 10x better!
Since having gotten it back there have been smiles and tears and Darren has made two women very happy with his work! Thank you!
Danielle - Dansette Major Deluxe
Danielle - Dansette Major Deluxe
What I received back was a fully stripped, dipped, cleaned and restored piece of British engineering. Darren’s workmanship, skill, care and passion for his work is outstanding. I thoroughly recommend him.
Frank Bauer - Ferguson 3414
Frank Bauer - Ferguson 3414
Graham Peck - RGD Portable Record Player
Graham Peck - RGD Portable Record Player
Jeremy - Hacker Centurion
Jeremy - Hacker Centurion
After a few days he pinpointed the problem. The return spring had come away from the tracking adjustment. He also cleaned up the drive rails as the grease on them was about ready for giving up. I’m now back with my beloved record player, the sun is shining, I’m listening to tunes on way too loud and grinning from ear to ear, so thank you Darren for bringing music and joy to me and my wife in these weird difficult times. I could not recommend Restore Galore enough. Darren provided a thoroughly A star service and excellent communication from beginning to end. I will be recommending him and Restore Galore to anyone I know.
Luke - Technics SL-6
Luke - Technics SL-6
Restore Galore did an excellent job and it now works extremely well.
John Parsloe - Hacker Gondolier
John Parsloe - Hacker Gondolier
There I found a professional music maker who's as passionate about sound quality as he is with aesthetics.
My restored player is now an audio and visual masterpiece! Massive thanks!
Dennis Rollins, MBE - Dynatron Carnival
Dennis Rollins, MBE - Dynatron Carnival
an identical Bush player 50 years ago as a present along with Buddy Holly's greatest hits.
The deck I purchased needed a good overhaul, and I contacted Restore Galore about doing this work. I sent Darren the Bush player
and he gave it a detailed check before reporting back as to what was required. I went with the recommendations, Restore Galore did the
work, and last week I was reunited with the Bush player.
I'm thrilled to bits. I never expected such a positive outcome. The refurbished player and the electronics are immaculate, and sounds gorgeous.
Everything from the first time I used a Bush player 50 years ago, was exactly as I remembered it.
Hats off to what Restore Galore have done. Its perfect, and the Bush player is currently playing more vinyl than my modern expensive German system!!!
Steve Iredale - Bush SRP31
Steve Iredale - Bush SRP31
I contacted Darren and we had a chat about what could be done to get it working and of all the repair companies I tried, it was obvious that this one was passionate about its work.
The mid century record player had been thoroughly repaired and converted to Uk voltage and I was kept Informed of the player’s progress throughout by phone. Good old fashioned honesty and approachable is this guy.
I now have the record player in perfect, no in better working order, and it is now one of a kind and sounds fantastic. I would without hesitation recommend Restore Galore as the best service I have had in years.
Michael Roberts - Zenith B55SW
Michael Roberts - Zenith B55SW
This machine had been in my husband’s family for over 50years, so it was vital that the player looked the part but not taking away any originality and sounded terrific. Darren kept me well informed every step of the restoration and sent me photos too.
When I received the player back, I was amazed at finished Player before my eyes it looked and sounded amazing, I knew my husband would be so pleased when he opened his present on Christmas morning.
A fantastic service from a totally dedicated person, whose passion for the job shines through, I cannot recommend his services enough.
Denise Elder - Bush SRP31
Denise Elder - Bush SRP31
Darren is definitely in that ‘old school’ branch of real engineers that will repair something rather than just swapping out parts to see if it works! Turnaround was fast and extremely reasonable for the technical nature of the repair. I’d would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone who may need them.
Matt Cranwell - Sony PS-4750
Matt Cranwell - Sony PS-4750
The care he has taken with the restoration has been heartening. It is now fully functional and plays my records well, but more than that, it has been carefully restored to a nice condition with the old charm still remaining. This is tough to achieve so I am thrilled that Darren has been able to and will treasure it for a long time to come.
Jo - Bush SRP51
Jo - Bush SRP51
In the end, not only did I get my record player back in full working condition, but it sounded twice as good! I can't recommend Restore Galore highly enough. If you want a guy that really knows his stuff, you've just found him.
Jamie Hutchinson - Dansette HiFi
Jamie Hutchinson - Dansette HiFi
Barry Cosker - Dansette Conquest
Barry Cosker - Dansette Conquest
A great service from a truly dedicated individual, and the attention to detail is second to none. Fully in contact with me throughout the whole process.
I cannot recommend his services enough.
Wayne Cornish - Decca RP-205
Wayne Cornish - Decca RP-205
Darren took on the project of restoring the record player. I was keen to maintain the patina of the Hacker, but also wanted to unlock that rich depth of sound you just don’t get with digital equipment.
When I visited Darren at his workshop after he’s completed the work, we played the first movement of Beethoven’s 5th piano concerto on a record I’d brought up for the occasion, which was one of my grandfather’s favourites and – I was knocked out by what Darren had achieved.
Thank you Darren for completing a very sensitive restoration and unlocking a truly great sound that I’ll enjoy for decades to come and for doing so within the budget we agreed.
I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone ‘Restore Galore’ for its excellent customer service; attention to detail and expertise.
Robert - Hacker Gondolier & External Amplifier
Robert - Hacker Gondolier & External Amplifier
Darren was so accommodating and kept us up to speed throughout the process. I have faith that the player will keep going for another 50 years, bringing lots of joy and I cannot thank Darren enough for his kind and thorough approach.
Hannah - Dynatron Cordova
Hannah - Dynatron Cordova