Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

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o0o
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Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by o0o » Thu Dec 01, 2011 6:46 pm

planning on a gift, which model of this turntable is the most sought after for djs
and what are the best altnernatives that a dj in the know would be equally happy with?

as well, is this something I should only buy new or is used ok?




:)
rabbit


JuanSOLO
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by JuanSOLO » Thu Dec 01, 2011 7:23 pm

I've only bought used ones SL-1200's and they always seems to hold up forever if taken care of.

Cowlash
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by Cowlash » Thu Dec 01, 2011 7:28 pm

They're all the same, the MK5 has a couple of extra features, but the MK2 will still play a record just as well.

They are very expensive these days since they got discontinued.

The main reason for sticking with 1200's (apart from the obvious durability) was not due to the features (they dont have any) but because most club setups would have them. So if you practiced at home on a different set, it would take some adjusting to in a club environment.

Nowadays most clubs do not have 1200s as the main setup so having those turntables specifically is not longer a necessity imho.

If I had to buy something now I would choose something I would make the most of, not something I felt had the biggest following - You wont need the best of the best if all you are doing is playing a record and mixing, but you might need something with more torque if you plan on scratching / juggling etc - and if you are using it for turntablism, there are decks out there with more torque than the 3.5lbs that a 1200 has

:)

o0o
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by o0o » Thu Dec 01, 2011 8:25 pm

this purchase will be a gift for someone steeped in the dj life and culture, he might already have them but he would appreciate one more as if it was
his only turntable. I always here the technics name but I would not know the difference. and yes he is a scratch dj.
rabbit

Warrior Bob
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by Warrior Bob » Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:07 pm

Since 1200s are getting more expensive, and I hear the patent on the direct-drive system has long since expired, are there other brands/models tables that DJs and turntablists have been pretty happy with?

nuxnamon
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by nuxnamon » Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:26 pm

this one.. can't buy but must be won!
Image

but really, all 1200's are roughly the same, but the orignal 1200's with the pitch lock at 0 tends to fluctuate near that speed (pitch drift).. it's fine when the turntable is in good condition but it's one of the few issues that arise as the turntable gets old. mine showed up after about 15 years..

lasers and their beams
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by lasers and their beams » Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:40 pm

If Dick Cheney were a turntable he would be a 1200 ... pragmatic, does it's job with aplumb, no fuss, to the degree that you can forget about it. The downside is that I have no idea what else is out there nor do I care. What I can say is, as a dude with a vast collection of rare funk 45s, I would welcome any device that helps me celebrate my records. It could be another 1200 (I would love a spare, so I could fix little things or do some mods to the others) or a cool new portable for digging. I am currently lusting for something like a GE Wildcat portable stereo record changer, just so I could, for once, enjoy a stack o' records while I do the dishes.
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Tone Deft
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by Tone Deft » Thu Dec 01, 2011 9:57 pm

not a DJ but I have a 1200 and a Numark TTX1 and the TTX is a lot of fun to play with. quick spin up (little faster than the 1200) and the reverse button kicks in fast. learn a routine in one direction, kick in reverse and you have a new sound. also has SPDIF out, pitch correction and more.
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rbmonosylabik
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by rbmonosylabik » Thu Dec 01, 2011 11:17 pm

1200 if you can find them for a good price. I got 2 MK2, one for around $250 and the other for $400 recently. Funny enough, the $400 one has needed much more mainenance, in part because it did seem to get a bit of club use and had not so great repairs done on it. Still, after opening it up, fixing it up and calibrating it, it's working great.

Check out viperfrank's youtube channel. He has tons of videos on giving 1200s maintenance. Incredibly useful if you find one not in the best condition:

http://www.youtube.com/user/viperfrank
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hacktheplanet
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by hacktheplanet » Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:13 am

Ah yes, the venerable SL-1200. My all time favorite model is the M3D. I've had mine for years and years. Highly recommended.
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skatr2
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by skatr2 » Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:28 am

had the m3ds originally until they got jacked. replaced em with the m5g's....still my fav turntable ever made.

STRATEGY_510
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by STRATEGY_510 » Fri Dec 02, 2011 3:52 am

1200's are great, but depending where you are might be hard to come by.

The best alternative, and arguably a better build (more torque and just plain heavier/solidier), more pitch range and some other nice to have's like pitch lock would be none other than the Stanton STR8.150 / ST.150. Stanton is not generally known for high-end stuff, but these definitely are:

http://www.stantondj.com/stanton-turnta ... 8-150.html

Should cost roughly what 1200's (used to?) cost, $500 or so

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ollyb303
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by ollyb303 » Fri Dec 02, 2011 8:32 am

1200s. The mk2 are great and if you're prepared to do a little drilling, you can swap out the pitch fader for the mk5 fader for serious smooth manoeuvres...
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o0o
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Re: Technics Turntable Recommendations ?

Post by o0o » Mon Dec 05, 2011 10:21 am

and what are the best turntables for scratch djs?
rabbit

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