The history of the Technics SL1200 - Tried & Tested
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- In this special episode of Tried and Tested, DJ Holland looks back at the full range of Technics SL1200 and SL1210 turntables. Delving into the differences between the models and what made Technics the DJ turntable of choice. We take a closer look at what made these turntables, the single most important piece of DJ hardware there has ever been!
Sign up on our website to access free lessons, join our community forum and access free DJ music and resources.
bit.ly/wearecro...
Follow our socials:
Instagram - bit.ly/crossfad...
Facebook - bit.ly/crossfad...
Learn more about the Technics SL1200 range of turntables in our full guide:
wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/the-complete-technics-sl1200-turntable-guide/
This turntable gave me my famouse name DJ TURNTABLEKING
Looks like they got the mk4 right 👍🏻
Had my 1210s since 1998, used them all over on DJing and they are still going strong!! I love them to bits : )
1974-2010 says it all.....why I will take mine to the grave. Respect to you for making this vid!
@Jayo Delaware still going strong mate 💪
Great video! I love the SL. Bought a 1210 pair new in 1995 for DJ use. Bought a 1200 pair in 2010 for audio playback. I just can’t get enough of the beauty and feel of these turntables. One thing to add to the video: Technics also replaced the on off switch on later models. The original switch turned too easy so you could turn off the deck accidentally. Happened to every DJ from time to time
I bought a pair of M3Ds secondhand on eBay in 2003 (I did not know that this model was only six years old, until this video). I still have them and me & my DJ crew use these workhorses a lot. I have a DJ controller that I dig, but I am very thankful for my 1200s. Great video!
I’ve had 2 pairs, 1988 1210 MK2 they over in England still fully operational, as are my current 1997 MK3D. Turntables for life. Both pairs worth more than when they were new. Untouchable.
Bought my 1210s in 1996 and used them for 9 yrs then boxed them up and put them away. Got them out the other day after 15 yrs, plugged them in and off they went - no problem. Fantastic pieces of kit.
With that oil smell lol I bet
Great video! Got my pair in 1980. They replaced my Technic 1100's, those were huge and heavy. Don't use the 1200's as much these days but they are in my studio and always ready to go. They have been bulletproof all these years. The only problem I ever had with them was replacing the pop up light bulbs. Great craftmanship.
Japanese really know how to do things
Still loving my 1210s after 20yrs 🙏
My dad still uses his from 1977 daily and never broke down.
Mine is only 10 years old... Baught new mk2, very reliable.
Had my 1200 Mk2 for 26 years now, They still preform like the day i got em (maintained regularly).
How do you maintain it?
?
I miss my 1200mk2’s, simply the best I’ve had. Just got back into DJing going on 2 years and I’ve picked up on the new technology which is very cool, but 1200’s live on forever. I was just gifted a set of Al-dz1200’s and they bring back memories of my Mk2’s. I’ll be investing in a pair to complete my set up. Thank you for the video and explanation to all of the other upgraded models.
Started dj-ING with vinyl first, great feelings. All my work money was going to buying records. Every month there where lots of records delivered. Then going to the club with the big heavy record case. Good old times. I learnt later on dj ing with cdj’s. Nowdays i love the denon prime 4. Best controller on the market
The original wheels of steel
Yep, still love the Tec12
Great presentation, will make mandatory viewing my children , bought 2 new in 2002, then s other pair on eBay in 2008 , seller said bought 10 years ago used twice , immaculate, and got a early 200o mk2 still in box, favourite man made thing
I have had my 1210's since Aug of 1995!!!! I still play on them everyday!!! I had them cleaned up and the cables changed once in 2009 and they are still going STRONG!!!!!! #dj_dave
This thing is the best history that I've ever heard
I started with one Technics belt drive and one Goddard, with the spindle in the middle to stack records..I had to tape a penny on the headshell and with the Technics we would take the belt out and keep it in the fridge to tighten back up. We made slipmats from old LP covers or felt until the actual slipmats came out, Before then in club, they used Thorens, like in the Paradise Garage, which sounded good, did not vibrate that much, and sounded great. I was in a crew and we traded my partner's JVC boombox for semi Auto Technics 1800s, and we never looked back. Semi meant the tonearm would pick itself up so you had to watch it. Now I still have my 1210Mk2 decks and they are at least 35 years old, running well,and that's why Technics is the standard,no matter what else they make.
I just restored a pair I bought in 1998. I had them in storage from 2004. Work like new.
Good video on a legendary turntable
Only thing you missed out was Pitch slider change from Analog to digital controller in the new Technics versions from the Mk5G etc I've got 4x Technics turntables ( 2 X SL1210 MK2 & 2 x SL Mk5s ) I find myself mixing on the older deck more because of the platter & Analog pitch , they are the same but just what I prefer the MK2 original for vinyl mixing I got my original decks in 94 then I got Mk5s later , I've mixed on Technics Mk5G & SL1210 Mk7 but they are not as good I feel .
How I managed to miss the analogue to digital pitch fader change I'll never know! My apologies! - Holland
@@Crossfader no worries mate ,
Good video all round liked it I'm sure most will know the big change !! Many vinyl DJ's prefer the Technics SL MK2, Mk5,M3D to the newer ones with vinyl Mk5 G was first digital pitch so they was kind of begining of the next turntables direct drives .
@@FSwiftDJ Thanks! Myself, Jamie and Loz in the office all have our own pairs of Mk2's. Only played on MK5's once so far so never had chance for much hands on experience to feel the difference in the pitch
@@Crossfader Oh right Holland mate all good , Yea MK2 is my favourite deck out of all of them just a prefer it but Mk5 is exact same really but I just prefer the MK2 myself as a vinyl DJ .
3:50 love this description
Bought my set of 1210's back in Sept 1992 and they're still going strong.
Great to hear 🙌🏻🙌🏻
how many times have you had to replace lights, tonearms, cables, etc?
@@NOCDIB I've replaced both pitch controls and both target lights only once. All other components are original parts.
First set I bought used, I owned for 5 years. Heavily regretted selling them. Bought another used set of mk2s that I’ve owned for 7+ years, and not I just purchased a set of M5Gs used. I’ll keep my mk2s for gigs, and the M5Gs will stay in the studio. These things a bulletproof and iconic
Excellent video very good description of the story of turnable, for me they will continue to be the best
I had a brand new pair of 1200 MKIIs, first pair back in 97 and regret selling them a few years later and stopped DJing. I got back into it but got a pair of Denon 3500 then the 3700, then the 3900s. The 3900s were the closes to the 1200 feel and, IMO, the blueprint for the Rane 1200s. While in California the Pioneer PLX 1000s came out and my wife bought me a pair as a gift. I sold them within 30 days and picked up a pair of used 1200 M3D and still use them out in gigs...these will not be sold but given to either my son or I will keep them.
These are tanks and a reason why DJs still use them today.
Love both my SL1200 MK3-K
Have M5G still mint, original owner. A work of art. Sounds incredible 20yrs later. Would never part, son agreeded will own once I'm gone.
Thumbs up, and I thank you for the video.
There was a lot of waffle, however, and I have seen a lot more detailed information on Technics turntables from other uploaders.
Just Technics is the best UA-camr for anything Technics related.
Did a great job on the history and information on this great and influential DJ player...#1200 respect and love
Much appreciated, thanks for watching!
I have a pair of SL1200 mk5. Love them
Can't beat a Technics!
What about the GR?
still have my babies..the last sl100 mk 2's in 2010..my {original)1210 mk 2's are in a box after nearly 30 years..im 49/50..
Thanks for doing this video. Awesome job and info.
The use of it as a instrument was the most ingenious thing ever. It effectly became a Hip Hop violin. 🙂
bought my first turntables in 97 and couldn't afford technics so got a set of belt drives which were a fucking nightmare to mix on. when i could afford a set of 1210s a year later it was a walk in the park by comparison. still have them now. built like fucking tanks
Great Video!.....If U love these tables!?...it feels like 12 seconds!
I always wonder being how popular it is. How come their's not a 1200 emoji.
A 1200 emoji would be awesome!
Great idea
Great summary of the history of the SL-1200! I am curious to know if when the models subsequent to MK2 were being released up to 2010, was the MK2 actually still in production or was production dedicated to the models as they came out?
The MK2 was in production parallel with other models until 2010.
For both 33 and 45, the dots that must be still on picht zero are the same.
how to know from what year is your deck ?
All in the serial numbers. There is a website that shows you how to decode the serial number of your 1200 to see the month and year of production.
Are MK3d better than the M5? Are they more valuable?
no mention of the Japanese market mk3? MK6k1 was/is exactly the same as a black MK6, a MK6K1 came in a box and inside that box was the gold record etc. and a standard boxed MK6. The MK6K1 was released before the MK6, same as they do with most "special" versions
I’ve a pair of imported silver Mk6’s, luv ‘em loads, they’ve seriously accurate pitches.
2:16 In 1976 a company called Citronic Released a DJ Deck called the "Thames mk2" this still had the Dreaded Bouncy Belt drive Garrard SL-Lab-35's, It also had a Rotary Pitch control for Both Decks. Though not Perfect, it gave the Mobile DJ (Like Myself) Who could not Afford the Luxury SL-1200's, the Opportunity to Play one Record Into another for Continuous music. Like I said this was Not perfect but It worked. I still have My SL-1210mk2.s and they still look and work like the day I took them out of the Box around 1980 when the price was Right to Buy. I do all the Maintenance Myself. Sod risking damage In the Post or Not getting the same Deck You sent away back. I have another one that was In poor shape when I bought It for next to nothing. It looks like New Now and I use It for My main Audio Kit In the Front room. And with Little tweaks It sounds better than My Rega P-3 did (In It's Box In the loft Now). Thanks for the History that I have Lived through and remember all the Gigs I played with Affection. I am a Vintage Video DJ nowadays. But If a place wants Me to Rave the place to the Ground, I can do that No Sweat. I still have all the records and they are Ready to go on Request.
I also had a rega, p6, and it sounded muffled compared to my tec12mk2
They are wonderful things
The addition of pitch fader was not added to the 1200 mk2. I own 2 of the original 1200's which had hand adjustable pitch knobs. The power to get the record to speed was there for the first time. Some music changed pitch dramatically that quartz drive would not able to slow down and speed up as the non-quartz 1200's. I hated the 1200 mk2 and never converted to them.
hello, my name is Vinicius I am from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I have a pair of Mk2 1210 purchases in 1996 very conserved until then I am a vinyl lover I am not a performance dj. My question is that I want to make an upgrade for SL-1210GR my dream of consumption plus my budget is more for MK7 I want a help to decide.
there's not really an upgrade, they don't make turntables like that anymore man... you got the best!
After the SL-1200G, the SL-1200GR was released, *then* the MK7 was released.
Qorax at ludicrous prices
@@ingenfestbrems Meh, it's a home audio pricetag, not a DJ pricetag.
Qorax it is. Anyway don’t think it’s better than mk4 that sold for 650$, 590£. Today’s price about the same as mk7
@@ingenfestbrems In terms of sound quality, both the Pioneer PLX-1000 and SL-1200G are better than the SL-1200MK4.
Despite of the MK4 having a titanium tonearm.
I've never owned an MK7 though, but from the looks of it, it's a ripoff. Especially the vibration insulation of the plinth is just not up to the job. Should be half the price.
Qorax no way the pioneer beats mk2 ➡️ mk6. Think you’re pretty alone on that statement.
Funny guy 😁
i own two technics sl120 turntables,,1200 without a tonearm. I used Thorens tonearms
Got some technics 1200GR brand new in the box never opened had them since they came out. got some cdj2000's but really fancy a denon prime 4 as my next purchase!
Lucky guy!
You missed the SL 1200GR, released at the start of 2017. Also not sure if the GAE or G has resonance issues?
I know, sadly it was too late by time I had realised I'd missed the GR. I believe I read the G had some issues at launch but not 100%! - Holland
@@Crossfader No damage mate. I enjoyed the video regardless. Cheers
@@Crossfader MK7 has little resonance problem. G and GAE is dead quiet however djs had issue with shaky legs and digital pitch. Is terms of sound quality these are the Kings. Great movie
Can you do the some video but on the DDJ1000?
The pioneer 1000 came close to it i don't know if the motor will last like the technics but it was a very good close to the technics the feeling it was the same to me
mine are still going,issues with the anti skating spring ,I've reset the anti skating but its not the best ,if anyone can help that would be awesome,love my 1210s
Thanks for the video,
Can anyone recommend a great audiophile MM cartridge for the SL1200MK2 ? I’m not a DJ that will be doing scratching or any of that stuff, but just want very nice sound from my vinyl. My current cartridge is the discontinued Shure M44-7. Thank you to anyone for their recommendations.
I recently bought a pair of 1995 1200MK2s. Legends! All the Super OEMs feel cheap and nasty by comparison.
What about the SL-1200GR?
The better version of the MK2
I had my 1210s since 1987
They started to discontinue the deck because their patent for the direct drive motor was coming to an end and other manufacturers could then use the design.
Difference between MKII SL 1200 and MKII SL 1210 is the color. 1200 is Silver and 1210 is Black (Charcol)
I wanted a pair so bad. Couldn't afford it. Clubs used these exclusively. Also radio stations
Perfick review """" 👍
cool
I had a pair of Technics SL 1200mk2 and they were king until 2010 but upon the release of the Technics mk7 I'd have to say I like the Reloop RP 7000mk2 better than anything that Technics currently makes. The Reloop RP 7000mk2 is everything the Technics mk7 SHOULD have been.
The new Kings are for the DJ the Technics SL1210GR , after using more than 20 years the MK2 i,ll go go the GR and they are a better version of the MK2
@@MrTechnarchy The GR might be nice but is it $1,700 EACH nice? ..... or is Technics just price gouging again?
@@jamessouthworth1699 yeah that money is the turbtable worth it !
owned stanton st-150 and now techniks 1210mk2. Not even close! Techniks are miles ahead, work beautifully and with the perfect m44-7 shure, they are just perfect. Never selling mine. 2007 edition.
I have two I got fr 830 us bucks. still, work after 20 years. have to fix a few things but they work !!!
Built like tanks!
I got my MK2 back in 1986 for $250 for each pair I remember got it with my income tax return😍😍😍😍😍😍
Greetings!
I must correct you on the first offering of the SL1200.
Although the direct drive did ad torque it DID NOT add speed.
I had my SL220s ❤ back in '78 and my partner got some Brand New 1200s from an insurance claim.
He Bragged and Boasted and I was curious to find out that those things Sucked!
My 220s spun up faster and regained speed after record manipulation(scratching)
Only after the MK2s were introduced did the 1200s gained ALL of the, much deserving, accolades.
But the first plain 1200 WERE NOT a great DJ Turntable.
Maybe Radio DJs but not Street or Hip-Hop
SL1200s Full Speed after an entire rotation and a half.
SL220 Belt Drive
Full Speed 1 rotation
SL1200 MK2
Full Speed in 1/3 rotation
As you can see it was almost instantaneous once you lifted your hand off of the platter.
This gave birth to the "Dribble Scratch"
Although Technics 1200s are the pinnacle of Turntables in the late 1990s Numark introduced the TT2. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This Turntable had Everything that you thought you wanted, and some things you didn't know you wanted, on the 1200.
💯
1210 till i die🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
Does anybody know how the MK7 and MK5 compare fidelity wise?
I have a mk2 and mk5, they sound identical.
If your buying today, the mk5 is the way to go. You keep the analog pitch and you know it won’t be an old unit from the 70’s / 80’s. The MK5g unfortunately went with digital pitch.
I prefer the 2010 and prior models of the 1200s!
The information is not completely accurate. A SL1210 could be pitched up as well by removing the wheel and the plastic under the wheel, where the brake could be set to accommodate it to 33 or 45 and the pitch could be set wider to 16%
The best truntable in the world n last long i got my for 35 years it still work like a champ vestax would be better if they would make them like a tank but they make out of plastic that mess up the truntable that my second choice but nothing like the technics every on go back to technics when they finish other truntable out there 😁
Best turntable but shame that they were £500 a Pop which was a lot of money in the 90s
to all digital djs
sell all your gear
invest in these
you wont look back
Technics relaunches the classic 1200's with their cheap tacky MK7's. It's the equivalent of relaunching Rolls Royce but they're actually Lada's...
Yeh.. the base is not as solid so the bass not as good... apparently the motor is better and arm wiring is too.. but I like my bass thanks
SL 1200 is not the same as SL1200 '"MKII"" plus SL1500 MKII was the king in those 70s and early 80s.... In my opinion SL1500 MKII superior for accurate mixes with 3 or more turntables, also is good to mention that 1200mkII have better botton anti hum or feed back.Also SL1200 MKII or Mark II was the most popular in scracth era of DJs. How ever lots of people don t know about SL1500MKI and even SL1800 MKII both manual 1500MKII became the preffered of professional DJS in nigh clubs and mobile DJ in countries (back in late 70sand 80s) where Avaliable and could be afforded, since they were expensive a very hard to find one, since they were limited edition. how ever only 1200 mkII remained I remeber in Canada the call them SL150 MKII in Venenzuela Caracas the called 1500 MKII and in Europe 1510 stupendous mixes back in HIgh energy, eurodisco or euro dance, funky, R&B. and House techno.. To bad you don t talk about this, wold be nice/ ( ME DJ Giorgio Taddei) Dj from 1979 2001.
It is unfortunate that the most recent versions released are not to par with their predecessors
Antiskate and tracking force are not the same thing.
"would engage a lot of wow"....doesn't sound so bad :)
yeah where are they now lololol
Nothing compares. Don't bother buying any the new turntables with digital pitch as they just don't cut it. I have had reloops and build quality is good but the digital pitch again is pants. The MK7 feels cheap and again doesn't feel like it will last long and again the digital pitch is pants. Buy a set of 1200s and get them serviced and you will be happy.
That’s a 1210
Pioneer didnt own Technics it was a Panasonic company...Panasonic and Pioneer is an easy slip of the tounge..I realise you probably ment to say Panasonic
DAMPING, not dampening!!
Too bad the mk7’s are lacking in build quality. Mk2’s FOREVER!!!
I owned and mixed with Mk2's back in the mid 80's owning 3 of them at one point. Life happened in the late 90's and I sold them all, something I have literally always regretted decades later. However, I'm going to say this, because its somewhat toxic imo, which is expecting a new generation to be exactly the same as 50 year old models is simply unrealistic. Literally everything mass produced, goes through innovation and cost cutting, but that doesn't mean quality or performance has to suffer. Most of the negatives of the MK7's is nitpicking to the extreme, and doesn't affect the functionality or overall sound and ability to DJ. I recently picked up a ML7 anniversary edition and it is fantastic, and granted yes its lighter, the buttons are plastic, etc, but I would still take it over any of the "clones" out there and for the price, its accessible to literally everyone who wants a genuine Technics DJ grade table without paying a fortune. Point being they can't please everyone, but a lot of the negatives are simply overblown on a great piece of equipment. Just my opinion though.
At it day but not today. New Technics is rubbish and overpriced. Parts are not available. You are paying for antique. Weight, insulation, tonearm, torque and speed control, wow, pitch, sound quality for example all are better on Reloop and Pioneer for less than half the price. I wouldn't even piss to the direction of Technics. It is an overpriced scam cheap and nasty if you open it up. Nightmare for the service guy. Get an Audio Technica for same quality and save a lot of money. 2010 Pioneer got the rights for the Technics but never used them as they are rubbish old tech. Pioneer redesigned the turntable completely and it only looks the same outside. Other than that it is night and day difference yet half the price and I would even put it against the 1200G that is 7 times more expensive but cheap crap inside.
I bought my 1210 mkII's almost 25 years ago, brand new. Now I can sell them for the same price. Although they will never be for sale lol.
Don't forget about the miserable digital pitch fader today. They suck..
I just came here to say Technics is overrated. I love crossfader but I'm not watching this video cuz I don't care since it's always being recommended to me, so I clicked just to type this. I'm never using technics ever again not cuz I think it's a bad turntable but cuz O'G DJs have made me hate it. PLX 1000 for life (plus any other advanced turntable) since i tested it and bought it when it came out. Just get some good cartridges and your real/old vinyl will sound fine, plus the motor is just better than old ass techs. "Technics is better" is just a stupid mindset (it's all in your head) A real dj should be able to work with any turntable meant for DJing without complain. Whether analog or digital pitch, work with that shit. Technics is dead, other competitors are just as good.
I have 7 of these turntables and I would never get rid of my mkII’s
Had my 1210s since 96 and still going strong! Hands down the most important piece of DJ equipment I've ever had. Great to still use them with timecode
I love mine,bought a set in 2001 sold them in 2005 and bought the mk5s and iv 3 of them now still perfect never even had them serviced
Sold my 1210s 15 years ago 😢 probably one of my biggest regrets 😔
Yup, same here but about 12 years ago. Long sad story
me too... 6 years ago.. one of my biggest mistakes in my life.. :( i miss both of them..
Sold mine in 2017, along with my Vestax pdx d3's and some vinyl... It felt like I was tearing the flesh from my body. I can never forgive myself, and nor will I ever forgive my wife that needed the money. I still love her, but she ain't worth nearly that much! 😢
@@nicklloyd9291 lol
2013 sold my babys
The flowing pattern of the platter, the curve of the tone arm. One day I’ll own one!!!
My dad has been a mobile DJ for over 45 years. He just gave me his Technics SL-1200MK2 that he purchased in 1979 and used on the road for over about 20 years. It's pretty beat up but works and sounds like new. I'm just starting to get into records and I love it! Thanks for the video!
What's the serial number of the turntable Alex? Should be a sticker underneath.
Bought my Technics SL1200 MK2's in 1995. Still going strong in 2023!! 🔥👊🏾😊
I got my 1210MK2’s 3rd hand (!) 19 years ago in 2005 & apart from having to get new RCA’s installed on one they’re still working perfectly. I’m so happy with them! They’re absolute tanks! 😊
Bought my set back in 1988 and until now I'm using it, love it.
My wheels of steel have been going strong for over 20 years!!! Not sure the life they had before I purchased them used in 2000....
The 1210 gr is the best modern technics. Some poor reviews on internet. Just take a bit of getting used to. The quality of engineering in these decks is phenomenal
I've had the same pair since 1991, and they were bought from a pawn shop used. Replaced the RCA wiring on them, that's it.
Oh yeah, I've had many sets of MKII 1200 and loved how I could actually speed up the motor inside the platter to be even better for scratching and mixing. Lift the needle to not skate and take different weights. BEST TT'S EVER!