Threaders : Following years of owning a Maplenoll and collecting information on the 'Noll line, I feel compelled to offer a warning to newbies who have seen several NOS Maplenolls offered for sale on the Web.
From the pictures and descriptions I have viewed I am greatly concerned that the average Mary or John may fail to understand that while these tables are occassionly associated with the name of LLoyd Walker, they in no way should be considered bargain basement versions of his $$$$$$ turntable. The only fair comparison is that they are air bearing and that is where all similarities end.
Many of the so called NOS tables, at least in my opinion, appear to a mis-match of parts from different era's in the evolution of the turntable. I am suspicious that they could have been packaged recently, regardless of the condition of the box. Only someone with years of experience with the 'Noll line could view differences not even the seller. I may be mistaken but recently I viewed a NOS table that appeared to have been manufactured in the 1980's but included improvements made years later.
Also , keep in mind that no one has published a master index of the Noll serial numbers; #1689 could stand for the total number of tables manufactured to that time , or perhaps January 1st, 6th made that day, 1989 or have no meaning .
All the Maplenoll tables I have viewed for sale in the recent past I believe have been offered for sale with air pumps manufactured for different tables but not suited as exact matches for that table they are paired with . For instance, the Ariadne turntable was initially manufactured with a 10 pound platter; therefore, PSI pressure @ 10-13 PSI was considered acceptable. However, as the weight of the platter increased it was understood that the air pumps needed to produce more air to smooth out the movement of the arm that were always designed as a match with a high pressure manifold. The quiet air pumps produce 40+ PSI, yet all recently sold Ariadnes do not have the hi-pressure pump. These hi-pressure pumps are EXPENSIVE. Be prepared to shell out $$$-$$$$ in addition to the cost of the table. The early air pumps are very noisey, be prepared to build quiet housings , expect potental pump issues and perhaps the arm "hanging-up" during play.
My greatest concern is that newbies are going to be in for kilo-buck shock when they learn that these tables demand significant investment of time and money before they will approach what any Pro-Ject or Rega table can produce plug 'n play. I mean what I say. I have learned over the years that you must have SOTA air control system and speed controllers,as well as a near complete re-build to approach the playing abilty some of these tables have been claimed to perform out-of-the-box. I believe the suspended tables have finite limits to what can be expected no matter how much money one spends to buy them. Be aware !! The money you lose may be your own.
