We get many calls and e-mails from long time Thorens owners regarding availability of parts and repairs for their venerable machines. Let us start of with a bit of sad news. Thorens no longer makes or stocks replacement parts for models over ten years of age. Having said that, the good news is that we can suggest some alternative sources.
For parts for the older models we have a few suggestions beyond the usual E-Bay, etc. A contact that we made over the phone has allowed us to release his name for those of you who may need a vintage part for Thorens. Tim Larsen has been tinkering with vintage turntables, especially Thorens, for quite a number of years now. He has been buying old units in various states of repair and compiling them into a single working model, which he sometimes sells. The net result is that he has a stockpile of unused parts in his basement and he would be willing to sell some to needy individuals. You can reach Tim at 570-897-7945 or thorensjunkie @ gmail.com . Another way of developing contacts for a particular item might be to make a posting on the Internet. There is a place called Steve Hoffman Music Forums that seems to have produced quite a bit of success for a number of people. This site may also be useful for collectors and historians that need some knowledge about certain vintage pieces they may own. At any rate, go to: www.stevehoffman.tv and once there select "discussion forums" and make a posting there. Another site that caters to the needs of vinyl devotees is the Vinyl Engine. Go to: www.vinylengine.com and make a posting on their forum. This is also an excellent source for info about specific turntables and arms. They have an on line library that includes owner’s manuals and some service manuals as well.
If you are looking for repairs or service advice, we have some additional contacts. We have authorized service centers located on the East and West coast and one in the Midwest who handle our warranty work. To get warranty service, one of these three shops need to contacted for consultation to determine if it is indeed a warranty problem. Sometimes they can simply handle it over the phone. Remember, you will have to send a copy of your receipt with the repair so that it can be validated as an eligible warranty repair.
These three shops are:
Audio Specialist in Studio City, CA, 818-995-8648, ask for Howard
or
SG Custom Sound in Douglaston, NY, 718-224-5083, ask for Scott
or
Vinyl Renaissance in Shawnee, KS, 913-962-0014, ask for Dave.
Of course these three shops do non-warranty work as well. Due to their considerable experience they would be a good source of advice with everyday technical problems and may also be able to help you source parts or install parts you have found. They may also be able to save the part that is malfunctioning.
There are many of you just seeking replacement drive belts. Below is a list of replacements that are available and the models they fit. These can be ordered from any authorized Thorens dealer and of course from the two service centers mentioned above.
Thorens standard belt 02: (6800574) fits models 105-115, 125-127, 145, 147, 150, 158, 160-166, 170, 190, 226, 240, 280I-III, 290, 295, 316-321, 325, 520, 2001, 3001 (belt length is 510mm)
Thorens belt for TD280mkIV (6800284) (belt length is 360mm)
Thorens 800 series belt: (9800866) fits models 800, 810, 850, 2010, 2030, 350 (belt length is 900mm)
Hopefully this will help the majority of you resolve your parts and service needs.