Gates Broadcast Turntable

Gates broadcast turntable, 1972. Used for "Radio 1 Club". Normally fitted with grey pickup arm and a Goldring G800 cartridge (arm and cartridge missing).

Gates transcription turntable used by the BBC for Radio 1 Club.

In the 1930s, radio content was often recorded or ‘transcribed’ onto disc, to be sent abroad for later transmission. A ‘transcription turntable’ is one considered of suitable quality to reproduce radio content in this recorded format. The term subsequently became commonly used as an indicator of high-quality sound reproduction.

Gates turntables were built for continuous professional use. The cost- effective units were used by pirate radio station Radio Caroline in the 1960s. The heavy weight of the unit improved its stability onboard the boat.

Many former pirate radio DJs transferred to the BBC following the establishment of youth-focussed Radio 1 in 1967. Gates turntables were installed to provide familiarity for the new DJs. The cheaper units were considered adequate at the time for pop records, while larger, industrial turntables were used elsewhere at the BBC for orchestral recordings.

The unit can run at three speeds. This example is missing its grey pickup arm and Goldring G800 pickup cartridge.