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Like New, vintage Technics 1200. Picture is of actual product. Tracking light and pop-up light both work. No cartridge included.
The Technics SL-1200 is one of the most iconic and widely regarded turntables in the history of vinyl record players. Originally released in 1972, it was developed by the Japanese company Panasonic under the Technics brand. The SL-1200 was designed for professional DJs and audiophiles, and it became the industry standard for club DJs, radio stations, and home listening alike. Here's a deeper dive into its features and legacy:
Direct Drive Motor: One of the standout features of the SL-1200 is its direct-drive motor, which provides fast and consistent rotation speed. Unlike belt-driven turntables, direct-drive systems don’t have a belt that can stretch or wear out, which contributes to their durability and reliability. This was particularly important for DJs, as it ensured precise and immediate control over playback speed.
Quartz Lock: The SL-1200 models (especially the MK2 and later) feature quartz lock technology, which helps maintain the turntable's speed accuracy. The quartz lock ensures that the platter maintains a consistent rotation speed of 33 1/3 or 45 RPM, crucial for both casual listening and professional performance.
Durability & Build Quality: The Technics 1200 is known for its robust construction. With a heavy, die-cast aluminum platter and a sturdy body, it can withstand the rough handling that comes with DJing and live performances. The weight and solid feel give it excellent resonance control, reducing unwanted vibrations.
Pitch Control: The turntable has a pitch control slider that allows DJs to adjust the speed of the platter, which is key for mixing and beatmatching. This feature allows the user to adjust the playback speed slightly (around +/- 8% on the MK2 models), offering more flexibility when mixing records.
Tonearm Design: The SL-1200's tonearm is well-regarded for its precision. The tonearm uses a S-shaped design, which helps reduce tracking error and ensures that the stylus stays in contact with the grooves of the vinyl in a more consistent manner, reducing distortion and wear on records.
Anti-Skate and Counterweight: The turntable has adjustable anti-skate and counterweight mechanisms, which allow for better tracking and stabilization of the stylus. These adjustments ensure that the needle moves accurately across the record and doesn't cause excessive wear.
The Technics 1200 series has gone through several updates, with the most notable being the SL-1200MK2 (released in 1979) and later models like the MK3D, MK5, and the MK7. Some of these later versions introduced additional features like:
The Technics 1200 is synonymous with DJing. It revolutionized the art of turntablism, especially in hip hop and electronic music. The ability to perform scratching, backspins, and beatmatching made the 1200 a vital tool for DJs who were pushing the boundaries of what was possible with vinyl records.
Even though Technics stopped producing the SL-1200 for a period (from 2010 until 2016), the turntable's legacy lived on in the DJ community. The SL-1200 is still in production today, with modern updates and improvements, reflecting its enduring popularity.
The Technics SL-1200 remains a staple in DJ setups, vinyl collecting, and audiophile communities due to its precision, durability, and iconic status. If you're considering getting one, it's an investment in a turntable that has stood the test of time and continues to offer one of the best vinyl-playing experiences available.