So I wasn't planning on it, had other ideas where to go, but I fell into a pair of Technics SL-1200 MK2's today. Got the PAIR for $140. Got to love craigslist, don't think the guy knew what he had.
http://worcester.craigslist.org/ele/2430006665.html <~~~ that's the CL ad it you want to see. I saw it, immediately texted the guy, and picked them up this afternoon.
Need to buy carts/needles and whatnot, but I finally got something. And I'm totally fucking psyched about it lol. And hell, I need to buy a mixer as well, but I'm probably going to borrow one from a buddy this weekend for a couple weeks. (He has an extra one kicking around that he has no plans for at the moment).
They spin. And the platters don't have wild movement, checked them in comparison to youtube videos. They are used, but I didn't have a chance to test them with carts, but for the price, I wasn't going to say no. He said he was using them until recently, so at this point, even fixing them isn't going to kill my budget if they are busted, which I don't think they are.
I had been planning on going with a complete Ableton setup, but decided to learn on a traditional method first, and then slowly bring in Ableton as I progress as an actual DJ, rather than just a live performance as a producer. I was going to buy CDJ's at the end of the month, but... sometimes fate has it's place I guess. I didn't think I was going to be able to afford good tables and a DVS, and now I can. My working budget is $1000, and so this is almost too perfect.
But I don't know the first thing about setting up my tables. Straight up. I feel like a complete noob, which I am in this respect.
I'm planning at the moment on picking up a pair of:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002E2LZG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O"]Amazon.com: Shure M44-7H Scratch Cartridge with Headshell: Ace Photo Digital@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YVURlPH3L.@@AMEPARAM@@41YVURlPH3L[/ame]
Talked with my buddy who has a pair of MK5's, and those are what he's running with and is happy with, and so it seems like a solid enough investment. It also means that we would have the same carts, which would be good "just in case" for any given reason.
Anyone have any other suggestions for carts?
Any specific brands of slip-mats that are worth buying?
Anything else I need to know?
I'm thinking about taking them down to a local shop and having them calibrated and tested, and the pop-up lights need to be replaced (I know I /can/ do it, but I'm afraid of pulling them apart right away). I know it will run a touch, but there's something to be said for having someone who knows what they are doing look it over.
I'm still debating between Traktor and SSL for a DVS solution though. I won't be buying one until the end of the month, but shit. It's now a choice I really have to make.
So as someone who's been messing about with Ableton, has some experience with dealing and spinning on tables, but not the actual setup and upkeep, where the hell do I start?
Thinking get the mixer from my buddy, buy the carts, and buy a couple records and then just start from there.
Planning on going down to Boston to the record store over the weekend, pick up a few. http://www.trainspottersmusic.com/ is the shop, always have heard about it but never have been (never had tables before...) apparently the only DnB record shop in the USA and it's not far away, fuckin ill.
ugh. So fucking excited lol. I'm sure you guys know the feeling.
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