Larger than LP turntable platter?

I have seen numerous TTs where platter is smaller than an LP. Did anyone make a TT with the platter way larger than an LP?

 

EMT 927F

 

Years ago I remember seeing Gates turntables in a couple of radio stations. IIRC the platter were larger than 12 inches. Probably 15 or 16 inches?

 

Yes some broadcast turntables were equipped with 16" platters for transcription records.

 

That is a piece of art. I am assuming 2nd tone arm for mono or 78's?

 

Yes, and if you must ask it's price, you know the rest. EMT 927F, the Rolls-Royce of Idler Driven transcription turntables. Cost in excess of $8,000 new in early 1960's money.

 

I am open to correction on this but I think SME had an 'oversize' platter on one of its models in the recent past? I seem to recall somebody telling me later that they had gone back to regular size afterwards though. I would not favour a larger than normal platter at all as it would make 'centering' discs on the spindle more difficult than it ought to be. Apart from the turntables used by radio stations I cannot think of any other turntables that used larger than standard platters.

 

IIRC, there was also a JVC TT with what looks like a 14'' platter.

 

they must be built like a tank at these used prices

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EMT-930-TUR...pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item3399541965

 

They are tanks. Cost was no object build and engineering when European State Radio broadcasters had pretty well unlimited budgets to spend.

 

There are several aftermarket modders who make oversized platters for the Garrard 301 and 401 (though not as large as the one in the EMT picture above).

 

I posted this ques some time ago. One member responded that a larger than lp platter would make it hard to grip the lp to remove it fr the platter. Never occurred to me.

 

Just try removing a 10" EP from an acrylic 12" platter, when you have no nails!