Technics 
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I’m a digital dj looking to possibly make a switch! After my research I’ve pretty much decided I want some technics. If anyone would be willing to take some time and shoot a couple of pms with a complete beginner to help me answer a few questions I can’t find the answers too id be forever grateful! I have aim also if thats easier. Lmk thanks!
just ask them here! People have very different opinions on equipment, technique, and starting points. We don’t bite…much promise!
Well for starters, you made the right path in choosing Technics. Some people will lead you to Stanton, Numark, Vestax and other super OEM turntables, but that’s just about 2% of the DJ turntables users worldwide. Technics 1200s are very reputable not only because it’s an industry standard but because it has proved its worth for the last 3 decades. Sturdiness, accuracy, parts availability, and most important of all, reliability.
Second, I would highly suggest in looking for a used pair instead of buying new ones because the prices are just insane. You can find a good working pair for $400-500.
Lastly, remember to get SL1200/1210 MK2, MK3, M3D/MK3D, MK4, MK5, MK6, and M5G/MK5G models only. If someone tries to sell you other Technics models aside from SL1200/1210, don’t settle. Also, don’t get carried away by reviews. Majority of DJs recommendations are based on experience and not biased reviews.
Good luck on the hunt. 
Original model
SL-1200 The SL-1200 was introduced in 1972 as an evolution to the popular SL-1100. It represented a culmination of all Technics innovations to the world of Hi-Fi. It was dubbed as “The Middle Class Player System”.It was delivered in 2 different versions:The SL-1200 came complete with a tonearm section. The SL-120 came without a tonearm section. A SME™ tonearm was the usual chioce for the audiophile.::Innovations:: The Worlds First Metal Die Cast Chassis System. The Worlds First Direct Drive Servo Motor System which Technics developed in 1969. ::Control Section:: The power selector has 3 positions: ON(33rpm), OFF, ON(45rpm) There was no “Brake” as we know it today, you would simply switch off the unit. Notice that the SL-1200 has 2 dial-type pitch controls: One for 33rpm and one for 45rpm.
MK2 models
The SL-1200 Mark 2 was introduced in 1979 . It was an update to the popular SL-1200 series. It again represented a culmination of Technics Turntable Innovations. It was dubbed as “The Middle Class Quartz Direct Drive”. It was not released as a "Professional Model, but became popular with pioneering hip-hop DJ’s. It soon after found its way into Disco’s as well as Radio Stations for airplay because of its increased Vibration Damping Ability and resistance to feedback.
Features and Innovations::
An ON/Off Control Knob A START / STOP button Updated Grounding System Improved Direct Drive Motor Improved Integrated Circuitry Quartz Synthesized Motor Lock Improved Drive Motor Insulation A Single Straight Pitch Control Variable Resistor Pure Rubber Chassis Base for Anti -Vibration Plackback Stylus Illuminator Lite for placement of Stylus in low light conditions A new Computer Designed, Fully Balanced Tonearm Gimble System
Control Section::
A START / STOP button provided quick starts as well as quick stops The power selector was changed to a knob which rotates clockwise to engage system power A single Fader Slide Variable Resistor controls Pitch Variation of +/- 8% of selected platter speed Also The MK2 models were sold in Europe with different model numbers indicating a different colour; the 1200 (silver) and 1210 (matte black). This was the same in the USA (and Japan) initially, however later the 1200 was available in both silver and matte black finishes.
SL-1200MK2 (released in 1979) comes in both silver and matte black (see above comment). Technics improved the motor and shock resistance, added a ground wire, and changed the rotary pitch control to a slider style. This is now the base model and is the oldest whose production was done until 2010. The older version of this model which was sold in the 1970s and 1980s has a large 4-inch-diameter (100 mm) plate where the RCA and ground wires enter the unit, while the newer version has a smaller 2-inch-diameter (51 mm) hole in the rubber where the RCA and ground enter.
SL-1210MK2 comes in matte black only (see above comment), and is nearly the same in function as the SL-1200MK2, although some of the circuitry inside is updated to use fewer different types of pots and resistors.[7] The Technics 1210 series also had a switch to change between voltages on the underside of the platter, whereas the 1200 series did not. It used to be unavailable from official Panasonic dealers in the United States.
SL-1200MK2PK has a matte black finish, and was only available in the USA.
MK3 models
SL-1200MK3 (released in 1989) has a matte black finish like the MK2, gold RCA plugs, and a small gold-foil Technics label on the back. It was destined only for the Japanese market.
SL-1200MK3D (available in Japan only, factory gold RCA cables, black finish)
SL-1200M3D (released in 1997) has a silver finish like the MK2, a detached dust cover (no hinges), and no detent (“click”) at the zero point of the pitch adjustment slider, allowing more precise control of pitch near that point. It also has a reset button which sets the pitch adjustment to 0, regardless of the actual position of the pitch adjustment slider.
SL-1210M3D is the same as the SL-1200M3D except with a matte black finish like the MK2, except for the voltage switch.
MK4 models
SL-1200MK4 The SL-1200 Mark 4 was introduced in 1996. It was an update to the popular SL-1200MK2 series.
Only available in Japan / SE Asia Markets Price in US funds is about $650.00. It has a matte black finish like the MK2, This model is aimed at the hi-end audiophile market rather than for DJs. This is the last model made with the detent (“click”) in the middle of the pitch adjustment slider. It has a third button added for 78 RPM located to the right of the 33 RPM and 45 RPM buttons. It is also designed to be used with regular removable RCA cables (along with a removable ground/earth cable) rather than having hard wired RCA cables like all the other 1200/1210 models.
Features and Innovations::
78 RPM speed selector A Titanium Tonearm Section Female RCA connectors and Ground Knob
Control Section::
A START / STOP button provided quick starts as well as quick stops The power selector was changed to a knob which rotates clockwise to engage system power A single Fader Slide Variable Resistor controls Pitch Variation of +/- 8% of selected platter speed.
MK5 models
SL-1200MK5 (released in 1 November 2002) has a silver finish like the MK2, increases the range of anti-skate settings from 0–3 grams-force (0–30 mN) to 0–6 grams-force (0–60 mN). Also has a white LED target light (previous versions only had a globe and burnt out over time). Current MK5 models have a removable lid with magnets as opposed to the MK2 and MK3 removable hinged lid.
SL-1210MK5 has a matte black finish like the MK2, and is exactly the same as the SL-1200MK5, aside from the voltage switch, like the other decks in the 1210 series.
SL-1200MK5G Similar to the SL-1210M5G.
SL-1210M5G (released in 1 November 2002) has a glossy piano-black finish with silver speckles, was a special 30th-anniversary edition. It was initially launched in Japan only (together with the MK5) but is now internationally available. The difference from the MK5 model is the ability to switch between ±8% and ±16% ranges for pitch adjustment, and the pitch control in this model is completely digital. It also features blue target lights and blue pitch-number illumination. The brake strength potentiometer, although still located beneath platter, can now be adjusted, unlike previous models, without the need for a screwdriver thanks to the addition of a small plastic knob. Minor improvements over Mk2, Mk3, Mk4, & 1200LTD also include improved tonearm mounting and oxygen-free copper wire being used for the signal, improved vibration damping in the body, improvements to the pitch control accuracy and better LEDs.
MK6 models
SL-1200MK6-K & SL-1200MK6-S (released in February 2008 in Japan) with minor improvements including improved tonearm mounting and oxygen-free copper wire being used for the signal, improved vibration damping in the body, improvements to the pitch control accuracy and better LEDs. -S model has a silver finish like the MK2.
SL-1200MK6K1 is the same as the SL-1200MK6 except with a matte black finish like the MK2. Released in 12 December 2007 (in Japan) as a special 35th-anniversary edition, in a limitation of 1000 only.
Special models
These were limited edition versions, with 24 karat gold plated metal parts including tonearm and buttons.
SL-1200LTD The SL-1200 Limited Edition was introduced in 1997 It marks the 25th anniversary of the SL-1200 series.
There were only 10,000 made and sold worldwide. These units sold out in less than 1 year time. wholly based on the MK3, it has a piano black gloss finish and Tonearm & accessories have been 24K Gold Plated. Price in US funds was about $1200.00.
SL-1200GLD (released in 2004), another limited edition model, with only 3,000 units manufactured, 1,500 of them were sold in the U.S. and the other 1,500 overseas. The GLD has a piano black gloss finish. It is based on the MK5G model, with blue (instead of the regular white) target lights.
most popular ones are mk2, mk5 and m5g
Oh yes, parts. If something breaks, you can find a spare part for it and common sticking points are thoroughly documented.
A year after switching to DVS + buying my friend’s unused Vestax PDX TTs for cheap and seeing the pitch faders become more and more unreliable, I figured there is literally no worthwhile spare part market for these decks, not even for the PDX 2300/3000.
On top of that, should you become tired of turntables, the resale value remains stable for Techs ; for anything else you’ll have a harder time.
In short - GO 1200s!
I got 2 sets of the 1200mk2 (one silver and one black) and i love them!
You are making the right choice
What type of stylus should a beginner be looking at?
shure m44-7 .. thats what i started off with and what i use @ home. if i’m at a gig i use my ortofons
As suggested, the M44-7 is the best all-around cartridge. Good sound and good for scratching too.
Same here!
Disclaimer: Currently using ST-150s. Been around my fair share of 1200s and PDXs.
Props on your decision to go Technics - they’re a great table - but it never fails to amaze me…
I’d be surprised if a majority of digital DJs on this forum haven’t cycled through their setup more than a few times (Numark ↔ Vestax ↔ NI ↔ Stanton ↔ Allen & Heath) yet when it comes to turnies, it’s almost always “Technics 4EVA”.
I think the only thing going for Technics at the moment is their resale value.
You can easily get a pair of Stanton ST-150, Numark TTX-USB or Vestax PDX-3000Mix for the cost of a single 1200M5G new (the only comparable table based on features) with coin to spare on decent needles.
If someone is prepared to spend their coin on newest controller to replace their existing one, why not the same for a phonograph every 3-5 years?
Because they haven’t changed significantly since the m3d came out.
Not even the Super OEM tables, nor vestax’s “huge innovations”.
Also, I’m convinced that Digital DJs constantly changing setups means that nothing in the computer world works as well in that world as 1200s and a mixer do in theirs.
(this post is 100% serious, but look at my sig before you flame me or you’ll wind up on my ignore list)
What questions do you have then???
I agree on this.
Starting with Techs is a good way to go. I started with Gemini’s in 2000, then “upgraded” to Numark TT-1’s in 2003. While I absolutely love my Numarks, and preferred them over Techs for quite a while, servicing and maintaining them proved impossible. As with most decks at the time, Numark and many others concentrated on “innovations” over stability, and models as well as replacement parts became discontinued quickly . I now have my kids using my Numarks (yes they are learning to mix). The leaky tonearms and loose mounts mean nothing to them, but with my two Techs (and a spare acquired at a yard sale), I have reliability and easy access to spare parts when needed.