I have just decided that I want to give the MIDI controllers a break and look into scratching. It just seems so fun and challenging but gives you a more gratifying experience. In the past week I have probably watched about 100 YouTube videos just on DMC Champions and Traktor Scratch and Serato Scratch Technology.
The actual moment when I fully decided I wanted to start on Turntables, was at the end of this video:
And I guess now that my favourite scratcher would have to be DJ Shiftee.
But I do have some concerns… It seems a little expensive to get into Turntabalism.
I have been looking at the Stanton T62 Direct Drive Turntables from StoreDJ which are only $249 each which seems pretty cheap in comparison to everything else. So that is already close to $500.
For the mixer I was considering the Stanton SMX311 which looks like an entry level scratch mixer that would look good next to my Stanton Turntables and only costs $229. But now we are already at $727.
Last thing I need is Traktor Scratch A6 which is $339 brand new. I have a few questions about it though. Does it come with the Native Scratch Technology Vinyls or do you have to purchase them separately. And also, does it come with a free upgrade to Traktor Scratch Pro? If not I will have to pay extra and it seems nearly impossible for me to fathom that much money for such a simple Turntable setup.
So spending a maximum of $1066, do you guys have any ideas how I can start scratching for less or any help would be greatly appreciated.
If you want to star scratching/juggling, I’d get some used TTXs or likewise for maybe $400 a pair off eBay/Craigslist/GuitarCenter used section, very good turntables for cheap. For a scratch mixer, I’d try a used Stanton SK series, Vestax PMC series, or a used TTM56. You get get a great scratch mixer for maybe $150 - $200 (PMC05Pro2, Pro3, PMC07Pro, SK2F, SK6F) and up to $300 - $400 for a used TTM56. If the used turntables don’t have carts/headshells, get a pair of M44-7Hs for $120 off Amazon for the best scratch cart ever made. For Traktor, you can get the A6 Scratch kit for $300 or so new in box, so there you go. Don’t forget to get some good slipmats like Butter Rugs and start rocking! You can for sure find cheap gear if you look around (I got a Numark DXMPro for $90 of eBay. Good deals are to be had. If you buy anything from GuitarCenter, buy the extended coverage. Hope I could help, but that’s just what I would do.
If your gona get into turntablism, seriously, used technics mk2’s, a ttm56s (make sure you get the S, the 56 had power problems) and shure m477H carts, then youve got to decide between traktor and serato. or you can get a rane ttm57sl, which has serato built into the mixer, im not too sure on prices as im UK but you can get that lot pretty damn cheap, and its all top end reliable gear.
Ebay and craigslist will be your best friend. dont need to buy new TTs or mixers, the old reliable gears still the best.
Op, gonna have to spend some $$ if you want to get into turntables. Numark TTX are good, Gemini PT series are good too, but ONLY the PT series. Or see if you can find some technics cheap. The Shure carts mentioned are great for scratching, and relatively cheap. If you want to save a bit, hold off on Traktor and Serato, and use regular vinyl over timecode. QBert has battle records that you can learn on that are packed full of samples, as well as a few other DJs have put out battle records.
dude be nice hipnopath’s crab style has been known to cause tremors in far off worlds, he’s an ill ablist and a good dude, so before you start walking around like some swinging d*ck, you best know who you talking to
but i had a ttm56 for yearrrrsssss and even modded a few to fit SL1 boxes in em, and have never had a power problem with em aside from Rane’s stupid as idea for a power cable connector
Pretty dick move for OP to trash the one guy who gave him good and honest advice.
Here is my advice:
Don’t get into turntablism. You don’t have the stones for it. It is a very tight knot community which has zero tolerance for disruptive dicks like you. If you do, you will have many more questions, and if you respond to everyone like you did to Hipno, you will get hurt.
I recommend buying New technics M5Gs. Not used. Only new. For the mixer, get a Rane 62 Z Trip edition. No other mixer will do. Make sure you buy 100’s of records before learning any scratching. No point in practicing until you have a ton of ammo. Lastly, don’t buy the M447. Male sure to buy the Ortofone Qbert edition limited yellow neon carts. They are proven to hold better for beginners based on the square tip stylus with the groove in the center that rides the peak of the cut. :tup
Lol, your post shows how much of a hypocrite you are. Not only that, but you told me not to get into Turntablism and then proceeded to give me information on how to get into it.
now there is a true and honest answer… dont forget the most important thing to learn when scratching is how to do it EXACTLY like q bert or shiftee. if you develop your own style you will surely be hated on and excluded from your next car show/flea market/fish fry dj battle.
