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! 😊
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
1210 MKII's bought mine in 92' and still going strong today ... by far the best decks to mix and scratch with ... love em to bits probably the best purchase of my life .... propz for making this vid though .. Bless!
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.
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!
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.
Excellent video, I'm not a DJ but still found it very educational. Back in 1980, I bought a Sony PS X65 which has just been retired and a Technics SL1500C has taken on its role, pleased so far. The other 2 choice I had when buying the Sony were a JVC Victor or a Technics SL1200. I loved the look of the Technics but knew that slider thingy would never get used and it was more expensive than my Sony. Great video, well done.
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
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
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
Excellent presentation...and very appreciated as I’m a new owner of a SL 1200G ... once had a Dual back in 1970! Nice upgrade! Keep delivering quality and informative chats! thanks
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.
Still got mine 1200 m2 gray since 89 we are in 2020 n still working like a champ i did some clean n put the light back is the only think that get mess up but the motor is a champ 3 decade unbelievably the king of truntable
I have a pair of 1200MK2's I bought in 1993 in Chicago and they still look brand new. I never had to get them serviced and never had a problem. I paid $750 for the pair.
I have a Technics SL1200MK2 in black (yes they exist) manufactured in 1999. It was in exceptional condition with a brand new Technics dust cover... a little pricey at around $700 but I have not seen another deck anywhere close to that price, new or used, which I would rather have rocking my ears (and eyes)! The only issue I've had is that over time the dampening stopped working and the VTA adjustment ring became frozen. Got that fixed and it's good as new! No turntable has as much industry service and parts support as this machine! It has ALWAYS been a decent player for me! I use it as my main deck and it sounds wonderful with the Ortofon 2m blue!
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
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! 😢
I own a SL1210 Mk2 since 1990 but i don't use it. This video made me want to see if it still works so I just plugged it and 30 years later all is fine !
My first resident DJ gig was in 1979, the club had original 1200s and a silver face Bozak. When the mk2 came out in 79 DJs hated it because of the quartz lock. It didn’t take long for people to figure out how to disable the quartz lock portion of the circuitry making the mk2 much more user friendly and more like the original 1200 only better ergonomics. Virtually every top nightclub here in the northeastern US used quartz disabled 1200s and typically a Urei 1620 right through the 80s and 90s, that was the industry standard setup for most all large nightclubs. Personally I find it very difficult to beat match with quartz lock engaged on modern 1200s especially on pre drum machine recordings when the the bpm goes up and down because the drums are being played by a drummer not a computer.
My MK2s are from the late 90s and picked them up in the early 2000s quite heavily gigged. Recently got them extensively serviced as a few faults had developed and things had worn out. They run like new again.
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.
I purchased a 1998 Technics sl-1200 MK5 in 2016 for $450 and have put over 12,000 hr's on it. 100% trouble free. Using ortofon 2m black, Audio-Technica 440 MLB and kab ortofon om 40 Fritz Geiger 70 run through a project tube box s phono preamp and using audioquest interconnect. High-dollar audiophile turntables of today sometimes do not meet the mechanical noise induced specifications of Technics lowest grade automatic turntable in 1978. Just saw that in a video recently! Disproving everything that was being said about belt drive turntables being great at eliminating noise created by Motors, bearings and such.
I was trying to find a mint 1200 mk2 but struggled, so I bought a SL1200G, it nearly broke my back carrying it up 4 flights of stairs to my flat, you don't realise just how heavy the G model is , but once set up it looks and sounds amazing. It'll probably be the last record deck I ever buy.
Hi Josh if you have the money do it , I never really had the funds as losing my job at end of March 21 , but the quality and service is remembered long after the cost is forgotten. My advise would be the 1200G it's the Grandaddy of the bunch. The GAE is nice too but more costly and its exactly the same as the G apart from a little badge, silver coloured feet and maybe one or two small details. The G is something that would last you a lifetime depending on how old you are , and if you went for let's say the GR you would forever wonder if you did the right thing or not. There is alot of difference between these two models. Don't get me wrong all technics 1200s 1210s are works of art , technics got it dead right back in 79 with the MK 2 and the aesthetics are still the same 42 years later, what a testament not only that Abbey road studios have a couple of Gs and so do many radio stations. And remember there are no pockets in shrouds . If you love music as much as I do then I believe you need to hear it as close to the original source as possible and the 1200G does that in spades , without spending stupid money , i hope you find my words helpful.
@@peterstudley1804 Actually when I'm ready to pull the trigger I have just screenshotted your comments and I very very much appreciate the input!! Thank you!!!!!
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 .
@@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 .
I own a brand new SL 1200 MK2. Its never been in a club and is used for playback only with a 2M red Ortofon cartridge. It is a stunning turntable and I've been using them in clubs for 40 years. The 1200 can stand up proudly against turntables costing 50.000 bucks. I will never sell it. Cheers.
Forget the mk7s but anything before that is great.They are still the best and I still use them when I have them.Currently I don’t have a pair but I will still seriously consider a pair of Technics for my next set of decks as I use dvs and vinyl
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
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 TH-camr for anything Technics related.
The spindle approach was always kinda sloppy. The pitch fader was so smooth, I would find about where the pitch should be and adjust in the range. It worked so much better for me especially when the cross fader was crossed, the gain in the right spot... and both tracks were going on the soundsystem. 2000 through 2005 was a great time for me discovering mostly breaks. I now had cdjs; still got the pitch but I have tricks for that which take away some of the excitement. On a %10 pitch range, %0.75 × plus or minus the bpm difference and bingo :) Get to spend more time on the eqs and effects of my djm900. Its such blast these days especially when life is boring during this time
Got my first 1200 off Delancy Street back in the 80s for $350ea. Still got one of them. Disassembled it and took out the weights. Thing was too heavy hauling both in a coffin with mixer. One note: That first 1200 rendition was not "press play and instantly plays to speed" That was only achieved with the release of the MK2
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
Check out dj city, test of mk7. Also some others that are so fed up with the mk7 they also made some vids just about the specific problem with the mk7. Overall this video is really detailed and accurate 👍🏻 . Don’t have one, get mk2-mk6
I have to correct something the guy in the video said, or false information. He said when the pitch is at zero and the speed is at 33, that the big middle row of dots stay constant or look like they arnt turning (yes that's correct) But what isn't correct is to say "that it then changes to the dots above when at 45." It's still the same big middle row of dots on both 33 and 45. The change of rpm speed doesn't change anything to do with the dots. It's the change of position of the pitch slider that depends on which row of dots you then look at or which row of dots then stay constant . As indicated by the little diagram next to the on/off switch. That's what the diagram is showing you. That diagram is basically showing you 4 different numbered pitch ranges for each row of dots. And the dots will stay constant when positioned at those pitch ranges. (iv found that they don't quite stay 100% still or constant on the 3 other rows, but that's normal and not a fault. But they do stay 100% still though when at zero for the big middle row)
I know what you mean. For instance, if an original BPM 120 track has been pulled up to BPM 124 (120*1.033), as 17:10 indicators say, players should observe the small dots that above big-middle ones.
@@drinmo3776 Yeah you're 100% correct and it was just a brain fart saying that the 45rpm changes the dot that is constant. The lower dot should be constant when the pitch fader is set to -3.3, the upper dot at +3.3 and the top dot at +6%
I got my first one in 85. I did a lot of low paid gardening work to earn the money for it (it was 690DeutschMarks = 350€) to finally make this dream come true, using before some old Belt driven HiFi Decks from "Dual". In the 2000s I then owned max 6 of them running a sound rental company. I sold them all....but not that very single first one. And I NEVER will!! Guess what: I still have the original lid for it somewhere.
My original 1200 mk2s are from the 80s and are still being used by a friend, currently have 2 mk5s and they are just fantastic. Look for a video by hivinyws where he compares a mk5 to a modern 1000$+ turntable and the mk5 blows it out of the water.
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.
Recently imported a MK4 from Japan and replaced the internal 110v power supply with an external 230v Precision Sound Lab power supply. Feel like this is the ultimate 1200. Based on MK2, user replaceable phono cables, no internal power supply to cause interference, last model with analogue pitch fader.
Recently i buy SL1210Mk2 for $690 with mint condition, is it worth it? I'm a DJ in 1995 and and I used to think that this turntable was just ordinary when im using it in 1995, because it was provided by my boss at the place where I work, and now I feel that memory is back again, and I want to feel holding this turntable again, a memory that will not be forgotten.😔
I was one of those few to get a pair of the LTD editions in 96. They had a piano black finish to go with the gold plating, and came with an engraved plaque and a set of headphones. Kicking myself that I sold them in the naughties though
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 have 4x 2004 sl1200 m5g golds. Never unboxed. Let me know if youd like to see them i might make a video. I still have them in their original boxes, which are pretty cool in themselves (compared to the boring mk2 box anyway) at the time, i was 4 years into my club career, had a friend who owned a dj shop, and i dropped my life savings on 4x technics m5g gold turntables, all with serials matched. my intent at the time was to buy 2 golds, store them, and then buy a djm 600 with 2x mk2 ogs for real world usage. But I ended up buying 2x 1210 used for my own usage. So i could buy 4x golds. I really wanted 4x golds at the time as dj craze was flexing his lol . I really wanted to set them up one day and very nearly came close to opening one. But chose to instead keep the boxes sealed. The serials are on the outside of the box. And yeah. I literally just have them for when im an old man. Maybe i will create a technics museum. I know what I have is special. And one day may share more on them. For now. Their very safe. I plan to keep them and never ever sell them no matter the price. The guy that sold them to me was also a dj i idolised, and that alone means more to me than selling them. I do often think what would would be the first thing I played on them. Im guessing id play prodigy. Given my first good taste of dance music was prodigy. I dunno. I shall ponder longer. 🙂 Side note. There was only ever 10 supplied and sold at this store, as supply was limited. Obviously. And the only reason I found out about them. Was cos I worked there part time and had the funds to pay for them👍🏻 also fun fact, there was 1 other guy who bought up the other 6. Who, was a bit of a baller. But also a husler, and he went on to sell 2, for profit. And also used 2. And yeah, that dude bought 6. And he also has a couple to this day. So out of the 3000, i know where 10 are. Lol I think one of the cool things, is you could still buy some 1200mk2s design unchanged much of its lifecycle. When you bought them, you were more worried about things like cartidges, and slipmats. Not the product. I cant stand reloops and all the pioneer decks. Nothing like a technics. Nothing beats japanese manafacturing. Even the boxes and instructions were in japanese.
I literally bought my SL1200 MK2's in the eighties and besides the LED light, which was always its Achilles heel, they still work flawlessly. Which was probably a problem for Technics/Panasonic: They were built like a tank and never needed replacing. Next stop: Pls do the Sennheiser HD 25
Our review of the HD25 was before the "Tried & Tested" series but follows a similar format! Check it out here, th-cam.com/video/f4ZFd88L5ZE/w-d-xo.html
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 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
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! 😊
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.
Had my 1210s since 1998, used them all over on DJing and they are still going strong!! I love them to bits : )
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.
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
Bought my set back in 1988 and until now I'm using it, love it.
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
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 💪
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!
1210 MKII's bought mine in 92' and still going strong today ... by far the best decks to mix and scratch with ... love em to bits probably the best purchase of my life .... propz for making this vid though .. Bless!
Still loving my 1210s after 20yrs 🙏
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
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!
The flowing pattern of the platter, the curve of the tone arm. One day I’ll own one!!!
Been using SL1200s since 1985. Bought one for my 16th Bithday. Treated myself to one .Blood sweat n tears. Bought the 2nd one 2 weeks later.......
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.
Excellent video, I'm not a DJ but still found it very educational. Back in 1980, I bought a Sony PS X65 which has just been retired and a Technics SL1500C has taken on its role, pleased so far. The other 2 choice I had when buying the Sony were a JVC Victor or a Technics SL1200. I loved the look of the Technics but knew that slider thingy would never get used and it was more expensive than my Sony. Great video, well done.
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
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
Got mine SL1210mk2 in october 1991 and it's still running perfect
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
Excellent presentation...and very appreciated as I’m a new owner of a SL 1200G ... once had a Dual back in 1970! Nice upgrade! Keep delivering quality and informative chats! thanks
My pair of 1200's are now 22 years old and they are still great ...didn't have any issues with them. The best decks ever.
Had my 1200 Mk2 for 26 years now, They still preform like the day i got em (maintained regularly).
How do you maintain it?
?
Voted (by me) the best explanation out there regarding the SL 1200 series player.
My dad still uses his from 1977 daily and never broke down.
Mine is only 10 years old... Baught new mk2, very reliable.
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.
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.
Still got mine 1200 m2 gray since 89 we are in 2020 n still working like a champ i did some clean n put the light back is the only think that get mess up but the motor is a champ 3 decade unbelievably the king of truntable
I have 7 of these turntables and I would never get rid of my mkII’s
I have a pair of 1200MK2's I bought in 1993 in Chicago and they still look brand new. I never had to get them serviced and never had a problem. I paid $750 for the pair.
Tks, from Brazil! I have my pair, for 30 years, and works very weel!!!
Great video Holland you're passion really comes through
This thing is the best history that I've ever heard
Great video! I have a Audio Technica version which I must say I do like. However I always wanted a Technics SL-1200 and now I'm going to purchase one!
The original wheels of steel
Yep, still love the Tec12
I just restored a pair I bought in 1998. I had them in storage from 2004. Work like new.
I have a Technics SL1200MK2 in black (yes they exist) manufactured in 1999. It was in exceptional condition with a brand new Technics dust cover... a little pricey at around $700 but I have not seen another deck anywhere close to that price, new or used, which I would rather have rocking my ears (and eyes)! The only issue I've had is that over time the dampening stopped working and the VTA adjustment ring became frozen. Got that fixed and it's good as new! No turntable has as much industry service and parts support as this machine! It has ALWAYS been a decent player for me! I use it as my main deck and it sounds wonderful with the Ortofon 2m blue!
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
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
Love my M5Gs but wished i had the chance to get the M5G LTD or even the 1200 LTD. what a beauty
MK2 was what got me into DJing. Great history lesson 👍
I own a SL1210 Mk2 since 1990 but i don't use it. This video made me want to see if it still works so I just plugged it and 30 years later all is fine !
My first resident DJ gig was in 1979, the club had original 1200s and a silver face Bozak. When the mk2 came out in 79 DJs hated it because of the quartz lock. It didn’t take long for people to figure out how to disable the quartz lock portion of the circuitry making the mk2 much more user friendly and more like the original 1200 only better ergonomics. Virtually every top nightclub here in the northeastern US used quartz disabled 1200s and typically a Urei 1620 right through the 80s and 90s, that was the industry standard setup for most all large nightclubs. Personally I find it very difficult to beat match with quartz lock engaged on modern 1200s especially on pre drum machine recordings when the the bpm goes up and down because the drums are being played by a drummer not a computer.
My MK2s are from the late 90s and picked them up in the early 2000s quite heavily gigged. Recently got them extensively serviced as a few faults had developed and things had worn out. They run like new again.
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.
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....
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.
I purchased a 1998 Technics sl-1200 MK5 in 2016 for $450 and have put over 12,000 hr's on it. 100% trouble free. Using ortofon 2m black, Audio-Technica 440 MLB and kab ortofon om 40 Fritz Geiger 70 run through a project tube box s phono preamp and using audioquest interconnect. High-dollar audiophile turntables of today sometimes do not meet the mechanical noise induced specifications of Technics lowest grade automatic turntable in 1978. Just saw that in a video recently! Disproving everything that was being said about belt drive turntables being great at eliminating noise created by Motors, bearings and such.
I remember buying my first pair in 1980 for $340 each. Spent all summer working to save up. They prob still work today if I still had them. Legends!
Bought one this week from an FM radio station.
Great video! We still have one in our house dad ex liverpool 70s80s dj, he said thou carrying all them records was nightmare 😂
Really appreciate the knowledge you shared!
My pleasure!
I was so proud of myself when I knew about this 25 years ago
back in the rave days.
I was trying to find a mint 1200 mk2 but struggled, so I bought a SL1200G, it nearly broke my back carrying it up 4 flights of stairs to my flat, you don't realise just how heavy the G model is , but once set up it looks and sounds amazing. It'll probably be the last record deck I ever buy.
@@peterstudley1804
Actually thank you for sharing that...
I am thinking about the same thing myself right now..
To purchase one or not to purchase one
Hi Josh if you have the money do it , I never really had the funds as losing my job at end of March 21 , but the quality and service is remembered long after the cost is forgotten. My advise would be the 1200G it's the Grandaddy of the bunch. The GAE is nice too but more costly and its exactly the same as the G apart from a little badge, silver coloured feet and maybe one or two small details. The G is something that would last you a lifetime depending on how old you are , and if you went for let's say the GR you would forever wonder if you did the right thing or not. There is alot of difference between these two models. Don't get me wrong all technics 1200s 1210s are works of art , technics got it dead right back in 79 with the MK 2 and the aesthetics are still the same 42 years later, what a testament not only that Abbey road studios have a couple of Gs and so do many radio stations. And remember there are no pockets in shrouds . If you love music as much as I do then I believe you need to hear it as close to the original source as possible and the 1200G does that in spades , without spending stupid money , i hope you find my words helpful.
@@peterstudley1804
Actually when I'm ready to pull the trigger I have just screenshotted your comments and I very very much appreciate the input!!
Thank you!!!!!
Many people not good for money right now that is for sure.
😕
Excellent video very good description of the story of turnable, for me they will continue to be the best
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.
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 .
Still got my pair of Technics 1210's & 1200-3D...👍🏻
I own a brand new SL 1200 MK2. Its never been in a club and is used for playback only with a 2M red Ortofon cartridge. It is a stunning turntable and I've been using them in clubs for 40 years. The 1200 can stand up proudly against turntables costing 50.000 bucks. I will never sell it. Cheers.
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!
The use of it as a instrument was the most ingenious thing ever. It effectly became a Hip Hop violin. 🙂
Forget the mk7s but anything before that is great.They are still the best and I still use them when I have them.Currently I don’t have a pair but I will still seriously consider a pair of Technics for my next set of decks as I use dvs and vinyl
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
3:50 love this description
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 TH-camr for anything Technics related.
I love my XDJ700s and DJM450 but I love my SL1200M3D's with a A&H Xone 22 even more!
Love both my SL1200 MK3-K
Should have mentioned the SLDZ 1200 as well, it’s a wicked piece of kit.
Guess it’s about vinyl players
Why would anyone dislike this..?
Cause they bought a reloop or a pionner instead.
The true successor for build and price to the MK2s are the GRs
Nope, the pitch is awful. Watch Just Technics channel for the truth.
th-cam.com/video/RdiNK_fxAcU/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JustTechnics
Great VT of an iconic turntable
Great video bro, I didn't even know there was a MK6
19:19 he scratched his leg. Thanks much for the video!
Haha that he did! Thanks for watching!
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..
The spindle approach was always kinda sloppy. The pitch fader was so smooth, I would find about where the pitch should be and adjust in the range. It worked so much better for me especially when the cross fader was crossed, the gain in the right spot... and both tracks were going on the soundsystem. 2000 through 2005 was a great time for me discovering mostly breaks. I now had cdjs; still got the pitch but I have tricks for that which take away some of the excitement. On a %10 pitch range, %0.75 × plus or minus the bpm difference and bingo :) Get to spend more time on the eqs and effects of my djm900. Its such blast these days especially when life is boring during this time
Got my first 1200 off Delancy Street back in the 80s for $350ea.
Still got one of them.
Disassembled it and took out the weights. Thing was too heavy hauling both in a coffin with mixer.
One note:
That first 1200 rendition was not "press play and instantly plays to speed"
That was only achieved with the release of the MK2
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!
Check out dj city, test of mk7. Also some others that are so fed up with the mk7 they also made some vids just about the specific problem with the mk7.
Overall this video is really detailed and accurate 👍🏻 . Don’t have one, get mk2-mk6
I have a pair of SL1200 mk5. Love them
Can't beat a Technics!
Great video on these classic icons
Yup, still got SL-1200 MK2 and only the light has gone of course!
I have to correct something the guy in the video said, or false information. He said when the pitch is at zero and the speed is at 33, that the big middle row of dots stay constant or look like they arnt turning (yes that's correct)
But what isn't correct is to say "that it then changes to the dots above when at 45." It's still the same big middle row of dots on both 33 and 45. The change of rpm speed doesn't change anything to do with the dots.
It's the change of position of the pitch slider that depends on which row of dots you then look at or which row of dots then stay constant . As indicated by the little diagram next to the on/off switch. That's what the diagram is showing you. That diagram is basically showing you 4 different numbered pitch ranges for each row of dots. And the dots will stay constant when positioned at those pitch ranges.
(iv found that they don't quite stay 100% still or constant on the 3 other rows, but that's normal and not a fault. But they do stay 100% still though when at zero for the big middle row)
I know what you mean. For instance, if an original BPM 120 track has been pulled up to BPM 124 (120*1.033), as 17:10 indicators say, players should observe the small dots that above big-middle ones.
@@drinmo3776 Yeah you're 100% correct and it was just a brain fart saying that the 45rpm changes the dot that is constant. The lower dot should be constant when the pitch fader is set to -3.3, the upper dot at +3.3 and the top dot at +6%
Cool video thank you for the history lesson much appreciated
Thanks for doing this video. Awesome job and info.
I got my first one in 85. I did a lot of low paid gardening work to earn the money for it (it was 690DeutschMarks = 350€) to finally make this dream come true, using before some old Belt driven HiFi Decks from "Dual". In the 2000s I then owned max 6 of them running a sound rental company. I sold them all....but not that very single first one. And I NEVER will!! Guess what: I still have the original lid for it somewhere.
Thank's for this cover up!
My original 1200 mk2s are from the 80s and are still being used by a friend, currently have 2 mk5s and they are just fantastic. Look for a video by hivinyws where he compares a mk5 to a modern 1000$+ turntable and the mk5 blows it out of the water.
Saving up for a pair of MKII hopefully this year
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.
Recently imported a MK4 from Japan and replaced the internal 110v power supply with an external 230v Precision Sound Lab power supply. Feel like this is the ultimate 1200. Based on MK2, user replaceable phono cables, no internal power supply to cause interference, last model with analogue pitch fader.
Recently i buy SL1210Mk2 for $690 with mint condition, is it worth it? I'm a DJ in 1995 and and I used to think that this turntable was just ordinary when im using it in 1995, because it was provided by my boss at the place where I work, and now I feel that memory is back again, and I want to feel holding this turntable again, a memory that will not be forgotten.😔
I was one of those few to get a pair of the LTD editions in 96. They had a piano black finish to go with the gold plating, and came with an engraved plaque and a set of headphones. Kicking myself that I sold them in the naughties though
No way !!!!!!!! These LTD 1200 are worth a fortune now & they looked wicked. Yes facepalm Oh well that's life John. Don't stress bro !
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
I have 4x 2004 sl1200 m5g golds. Never unboxed. Let me know if youd like to see them i might make a video. I still have them in their original boxes, which are pretty cool in themselves (compared to the boring mk2 box anyway) at the time, i was 4 years into my club career, had a friend who owned a dj shop, and i dropped my life savings on 4x technics m5g gold turntables, all with serials matched. my intent at the time was to buy 2 golds, store them, and then buy a djm 600 with 2x mk2 ogs for real world usage. But I ended up buying 2x 1210 used for my own usage. So i could buy 4x golds.
I really wanted 4x golds at the time as dj craze was flexing his lol . I really wanted to set them up one day and very nearly came close to opening one. But chose to instead keep the boxes sealed. The serials are on the outside of the box. And yeah. I literally just have them for when im an old man. Maybe i will create a technics museum. I know what I have is special. And one day may share more on them. For now. Their very safe. I plan to keep them and never ever sell them no matter the price. The guy that sold them to me was also a dj i idolised, and that alone means more to me than selling them. I do often think what would would be the first thing I played on them. Im guessing id play prodigy. Given my first good taste of dance music was prodigy. I dunno. I shall ponder longer. 🙂
Side note. There was only ever 10 supplied and sold at this store, as supply was limited. Obviously. And the only reason I found out about them.
Was cos I worked there part time and had the funds to pay for them👍🏻 also fun fact, there was 1 other guy who bought up the other 6. Who, was a bit of a baller. But also a husler, and he went on to sell 2, for profit. And also used 2. And yeah, that dude bought 6. And he also has a couple to this day. So out of the 3000, i know where 10 are. Lol
I think one of the cool things, is you could still buy some 1200mk2s design unchanged much of its lifecycle. When you bought them, you were more worried about things like cartidges, and slipmats. Not the product. I cant stand reloops and all the pioneer decks. Nothing like a technics.
Nothing beats japanese manafacturing. Even the boxes and instructions were in japanese.
Still got mine!....Silver Tank(Shark)🤘
i own two technics sl120 turntables,,1200 without a tonearm. I used Thorens tonearms
I literally bought my SL1200 MK2's in the eighties and besides the LED light, which was always its Achilles heel, they still work flawlessly. Which was probably a problem for Technics/Panasonic: They were built like a tank and never needed replacing.
Next stop: Pls do the Sennheiser HD 25
Our review of the HD25 was before the "Tried & Tested" series but follows a similar format! Check it out here,
th-cam.com/video/f4ZFd88L5ZE/w-d-xo.html