I'm sorry to high jack your video but please do this one more very very important test. 1) run the platter for at least 20 minutes let the board heat up. 2) now watch the strobes on the platter. Check for any sudden changes with the dots (this will happen quickly and then return to normal. And can be intermittent. The strobes may or may not slightly dim). 3) now slowly run the pitch knob up and down checking for anything other then the normal dots moving in conjunction with your adjusting the pitch controller. IF YOU NOTICE ANY ERRATIC PITCH WALK AWAY FROM IT. AS THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD THAT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. I have 27 years experience fixing, modding, or "pimping" out these 1200s. Everything else the op said is excellent advice as well. Pitch slider being out of calibration and no anti skate response aka bad tonearm bearings is a common problem that you will find on 80% of the used 1200s for sale these days especially in the states. If you only have limited money to play with then out of calibration pitch slider and slow or zero anti skate response make great negotiating tools to work with. If you are using Digital timecode vinyl like serato then anti skate really isn't a top priority because the software will correct any skipping from the tonearm. Anti skate is important with regular vinyl because not only will it skip it can also damage your records. So if you really want a set of these and your finances aren't perfect then use the anti skate issues as well as the pitch slider being out of calibration as bargaining factors to get the decks as a price to your liking. Then down the road you can purchase a new tonearm assembly. And there are multiple videos up here that show you how to recalibrate your pitch slider. All you need is a multimeter and a screwdriver. Good luck to whoever is TECH12 hunting. They are great units to spin with.
This is just so informative, buying a second hand turntable now seems much less daunting since we know what things to check and what problems to look out for. I cannot thank you enough!
I'm about to go buy 2-T1200s right now and I wrote down all your steps to check. I found 9 check points from your video to help me. Thank you for making this video. I'll let you know what happens with my inspection. Cheers! ~ Rob, San Francisco
I found an SL-1200M3D listed locally and felt like I was getting in over my head even though I wanted to take my vinyl listening to the next level. This video was invaluable in preparing me to go view/inspect it. I literally went through every item you described. In the end it appeared that I had found one in impeccable condition, super tight where it needed to be, mint platter & tonearm, and came with a Shure M44-7 stylus so I brought it home. Thanks for this awesome guide.
Good info. I'd float the tonearm to check the absolute antiskate and probably should power down before removing the platter, just incase. Hit the start button with no platter and you're screwed.
to hardramen, all you need do is get a small piece of hard wood not too heavy and gently tap the spindle , this will release the platter , as this some times gets stuck!
Theres a couple of Brass bushings in the gimble'd tonearm that wear over time. This will affect absolute skating. It's a few dollers of a fix; and it's a VERY delicate setup. I personally know of a guy that has a set of original (one of the first 100 made) sl1200mk2's. Over twenty years later and he still uses the same set. The deck should be unplugged when the platter is off. The motor will be damaged if it's powered up w/o the platter.
ellaskins, first of all thanks for the really useful vids. not many DJs are good at explaining and sharing the knowledge, so appreciate it. I did this test on my brand new Citronic PD-1 (Yep, the Technics wannabe) and that row of circles you point out in the video never stays stationary. In fact none of the rows stay 100% static. Is this something I should look into, maybe a faulty deck from the dealer or is this test not necessarily applying for my TT. Thanks in advance
The beautiful thing about these decks with some knowledge you can work on them. And dial them 100% thanks to viper jammes and some other guys there is plenty info on how to repair and do some work. Cheers mate
Hi there! Thanks for the video! Even though I bought my 1200MK2 after I saw this video I think I made a good deal. I checked everything the same way you did but the only thing that seems to be strange is the thing that holds the headshell on is spinning freely and moving back and forth just a couple of millimeters. I don't if that's normal or not. I can not check it with the headshell on because atm I don't have one. I'd be glad if you could help me out! Cheers!
Hi. The head shell shouldn't move at all. Sounds like some one over tighten the part that screws and hold in place the head shell. If it rocks left to right you will be able to fix it using a L extension with the smallest screw driver bit and see underneath there is 1 small screw it's a bit hard to do so. Good luck
Love your videos dude. I'd like to find some entry level turntables to try mixing my funk, soul, and disco at home. A video talking about budget models like those belt driven ION tables etc you always see, and what styli to get etc, and what you are compromising on when you compromise on price, would be really helpful.
i'm new to turntables and want to buy something used (technics 1200 is on my list). i have no clue how to check them out. this video is a big help. wish there were more online. thx.
i noticed when u took the platter off, the deck was still turned on,i allways thought this would fnck up the deck,obviously not,,any chance you can post a video on how to set the pitch control pots back to factory specs using a multi meter ?
Awsome review and advises! I'll take that in consideration... Keep up with the good work, I'll keep "Practising and Enjoying"!!! By the way, is the Tenminmix competition going on for January? Best regards. Dj D-Backs
Awesome video dude. I'm new to the turntable market, as I have just found out when I went looking for my fathers that he sold his. I am on a real budget here and was wondering what you think is the best kind of turn table to buy 2nd hand, or maybe even new that wont cause me too much of a headache. I am not looking to spin or scratch, just listen to old records for the best sound quality. Cheers
My only (minor) Technics gripe here is > initial (user) thoughts would be > pitch 'slider up' = 'speed up' / pitch 'slider down' = 'speed down' < could this be altered (for preference) by simply turning the slider unit around...internally < just curious ':/
Hi! I bought a Technics SL-5 (home use, direct-drive, tangential, P-mount), it seems pretty solid and it works well, is there anything that I should check for service or any liabilities that I should be aware of?
Hi all. Does anyone know of any shops in Dublin, Ireland that fix 1210's? I'm in dire need of a new tonearm! Also how much would it cost to buy it & have them install it? Thanks. Peace.
you don't need a Overpriced Turntable just to play Records, there's a tons of more good TT out there that waiting for you to experience, Technics is just a name that DJ promotes where it was the first Direct Drive TT ever made but not anymore from this time.
I'm sorry to high jack your video but please do this one more very very important test.
1) run the platter for at least 20 minutes let the board heat up.
2) now watch the strobes on the platter. Check for any sudden changes with the dots (this will happen quickly and then return to normal. And can be intermittent. The strobes may or may not slightly dim).
3) now slowly run the pitch knob up and down checking for anything other then the normal dots moving in conjunction with your adjusting the pitch controller.
IF YOU NOTICE ANY ERRATIC PITCH WALK AWAY FROM IT. AS THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE MAIN CIRCUIT BOARD THAT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. I have 27 years experience fixing, modding, or "pimping" out these 1200s.
Everything else the op said is excellent advice as well. Pitch slider being out of calibration and no anti skate response aka bad tonearm bearings is a common problem that you will find on 80% of the used 1200s for sale these days especially in the states. If you only have limited money to play with then out of calibration pitch slider and slow or zero anti skate response make great negotiating tools to work with. If you are using Digital timecode vinyl like serato then anti skate really isn't a top priority because the software will correct any skipping from the tonearm. Anti skate is important with regular vinyl because not only will it skip it can also damage your records.
So if you really want a set of these and your finances aren't perfect then use the anti skate issues as well as the pitch slider being out of calibration as bargaining factors to get the decks as a price to your liking. Then down the road you can purchase a new tonearm assembly. And there are multiple videos up here that show you how to recalibrate your pitch slider. All you need is a multimeter and a screwdriver.
Good luck to whoever is TECH12 hunting. They are great units to spin with.
11 years later and Mr Lewis is still helping me out. (Selling a mk2 and needed to know how to test the pitch) Thank you Sir
man you tube tutorials are normally 90% filler and no content. this was pure content! i couldnt keep up taking notes in notepad - all gold. Byesy-bye!
7 years have passed and this is still the best vid for buying advice.
@@tattoomaniacsalina 14 years and counting bought a 1200 today with this advice
This is just so informative, buying a second hand turntable now seems much less daunting since we know what things to check and what problems to look out for. I cannot thank you enough!
I'm about to go buy 2-T1200s right now and I wrote down all your steps to check. I found 9 check points from your video to help me. Thank you for making this video. I'll let you know what happens with my inspection. Cheers! ~ Rob, San Francisco
Rob Gongora what happened?
I found an SL-1200M3D listed locally and felt like I was getting in over my head even though I wanted to take my vinyl listening to the next level. This video was invaluable in preparing me to go view/inspect it. I literally went through every item you described. In the end it appeared that I had found one in impeccable condition, super tight where it needed to be, mint platter & tonearm, and came with a Shure M44-7 stylus so I brought it home. Thanks for this awesome guide.
14 years later mate, you in my special spiral circle ✌🏼
really the only video answering the question correctly, thnx
you are the man . These videos are starting a new generation of DJ's off to the races and putting knowlege ahead of glitz .
Good info. I'd float the tonearm to check the absolute antiskate and probably should power down before removing the platter, just incase. Hit the start button with no platter and you're screwed.
to hardramen, all you need do is get a small piece of hard wood not too heavy and gently tap the spindle , this will release the platter , as this some times gets stuck!
Theres a couple of Brass bushings in the gimble'd tonearm that wear over time. This will affect absolute skating. It's a few dollers of a fix; and it's a VERY delicate setup.
I personally know of a guy that has a set of original (one of the first 100 made) sl1200mk2's. Over twenty years later and he still uses the same set.
The deck should be unplugged when the platter is off. The motor will be damaged if it's powered up w/o the platter.
Yes a few people have said that! re power off befor taking off the platter!
thanks!!
cheers mate. good advice in a non-condescending manner for those who aren't part of the self-proclaimed hardcore vinyl mafia.
dont forget to check the Arm it may be bent,...!!
You can see them straght away on ebay.
Very good advice sir.
You look at the two, and if one is not so good you eather walk away or get them to lower the price
ellaskins, first of all thanks for the really useful vids. not many DJs are good at explaining and sharing the knowledge, so appreciate it.
I did this test on my brand new Citronic PD-1 (Yep, the Technics wannabe) and that row of circles you point out in the video never stays stationary. In fact none of the rows stay 100% static.
Is this something I should look into, maybe a faulty deck from the dealer or is this test not necessarily applying for my TT.
Thanks in advance
If you type in, q bert , i think he explains this on one of his video's. But i may in the nr future do a vid on this.
The beautiful thing about these decks with some knowledge you can work on them. And dial them 100% thanks to viper jammes and some other guys there is plenty info on how to repair and do some work. Cheers mate
A world of info goes a long way. Thanx mate!!!
could be down to the A skating spring in the arm housing being loose or not attached.
j
you gotta love this guy
Hi there! Thanks for the video! Even though I bought my 1200MK2 after I saw this video I think I made a good deal. I checked everything the same way you did but the only thing that seems to be strange is the thing that holds the headshell on is spinning freely and moving back and forth just a couple of millimeters. I don't if that's normal or not. I can not check it with the headshell on because atm I don't have one. I'd be glad if you could help me out!
Cheers!
Hi. The head shell shouldn't move at all. Sounds like some one over tighten the part that screws and hold in place the head shell. If it rocks left to right you will be able to fix it using a L extension with the smallest screw driver bit and see underneath there is 1 small screw it's a bit hard to do so. Good luck
Love your videos dude. I'd like to find some entry level turntables to try mixing my funk, soul, and disco at home.
A video talking about budget models like those belt driven ION tables etc you always see, and what styli to get etc, and what you are compromising on when you compromise on price, would be really helpful.
i'm new to turntables and want to buy something used (technics 1200 is on my list). i have no clue how to check them out. this video is a big help. wish there were more online. thx.
yo thanks alot man this is very vital info. when buyin a second hand turntable.
keep up the good work
i noticed when u took the platter off, the deck was still turned on,i allways thought this would fnck up the deck,obviously not,,any chance you can post a video on how to set the pitch control pots back to factory specs using a multi meter ?
Awsome review and advises! I'll take that in consideration... Keep up with the good work, I'll keep "Practising and Enjoying"!!!
By the way, is the Tenminmix competition going on for January?
Best regards.
Dj D-Backs
nice vid,
When you move the pitch a little bit from the center position, should i look for a wobble in the middle ring or wobble in the pitch button
Awesome video dude. I'm new to the turntable market, as I have just found out when I went looking for my fathers that he sold his. I am on a real budget here and was wondering what you think is the best kind of turn table to buy 2nd hand, or maybe even new that wont cause me too much of a headache. I am not looking to spin or scratch, just listen to old records for the best sound quality. Cheers
Hey there jonathan , what about CDJs do u have a video explaining about buying second hand cdjs ... thanks , ur extremley helpfull , keep it up !
Great video and extremely helpful... thanks for the heads up. Ciao.
"And that means......buyer beware"
short and sweet :P
Great info man
Pretty good quickie lesson. Thanks much
Yep, did say a few times this was the big NO NO that i did!!!
thanks
To be honest there is not much diference, with todays technology just as long as you go for direct drive you can't go wrong.
My only (minor) Technics gripe here is > initial (user) thoughts would be > pitch 'slider up' = 'speed up' / pitch 'slider down' = 'speed down' < could this be altered (for preference) by simply turning the slider unit around...internally < just curious ':/
damn 2006 it looks like 1996 this video but thanks for the advice
I agree. Technics is really a worthy investment. You will not outgrow it in your entire DJ career. So if you have the money, get a brand new deck.
Good "sound" advice.Thanks for sharing :)
Hi! I bought a Technics SL-5 (home use, direct-drive, tangential, P-mount), it seems pretty solid and it works well, is there anything that I should check for service or any liabilities that I should be aware of?
thx for the video, hey what if a turntable fell down, should I still buy it if it works ?
This was really helpful. Thank you!
very well put together, nice video.
Wow, that was mad helpful! Thanks so much for this!
Hi all. Does anyone know of any shops in Dublin, Ireland that fix 1210's? I'm in dire need of a new tonearm! Also how much would it cost to buy it & have them install it? Thanks. Peace.
@turntablewiz Haha
Semi-auto TT tend to do that near the center of the record ;)
what are some good brands for turntables
are technics 1200 M3D good turntables ellaskins? Direct Drive?
Very helpful. Thanks!
I was told you should never take the platter off when it was turned on?
Yes you can. As long you don't press the play button. I don't know what will happen but that's a No No. I won't even bother to try it.
hey i was looking at those audio technica turntables thats build like 1200's ...are they any good?
whats the average lifespan of a turntable?
Many thanks. Very helpful
TO djlee12345, to be honest no diference, one is black 1210 the other silver thats it! .
I also thought the 1210 was for EU/UK and 1200 was for the US.....
awesome advice, cheerz!
Love this guy
Thank you very much for this video!
Such a good video
You are awesome :-) thank you
thanks alot for this video it helped me alot
adjust the weight
Top bloke. Cheers
look how young u look back then
search for youtube downlaoder at youtube
great vid!
great, you're the man:)
Very helpful :)
Thanks for the video J, like the hat :]
great
You rock!!!
Now you get rolled when you try to buy a second hand 1200 off ebay
good ★★★★
holy shit he got hair
you don't need a Overpriced Turntable just to play Records, there's a tons of more good TT out there that waiting for you to experience, Technics is just a name that DJ promotes where it was the first Direct Drive TT ever made but not anymore from this time.
YOU HAD HAIR :O