Technics SL1210 Turntable - Quick Fixes

[@williamtaylor5193]

So here is a tip that I wanted to share. From day one of owning my SL1210GR, I had what I thought was an anti-skate and/or tracking force issue. Every time the tonearm got to the inner grooves, I started to get more pops/clicks, and even skips/repeats. It was driving me nuts. I also had difficulty with cueing. The tonearm was always drifting slightly toward the armrest when I raised it or lowered it with the cue lever. I assumed this was an anti-skate issue, and adjusted it numerous times, adding, subtracting, yet the problem persisted. After doing a lot of reading online, someone mentioned that the wires that run from the cartridge, through the tonearm, and down into the plinth can occasionally be tangled or tight, particularly straight out of the box. This can create resistance in the tonearm as it travels. Given this possibility, I decided to (gently) exercise the tonearm horizontally, through its full range of travel, repeatedly, from the armrest to the spindle, back and forth. I also wiggled it up and down at times while I did this (keep the stylus guard on while performing this exercise to avoid rubbing your stylus on the platter!!). The first indication this had worked was that the cue lever operation was sorted-- it's now straight up and down, as it should be- the tonearm gradually moves through the runout area, and comes to a stop, and most importantly, the sound and tracking no longer deteriorate as the tonearm approaches the end of a side of vinyl. I am months into things since I performed this exercise, and have had no more issues, so the fix is real. I hope this helps someone.

[@LRiper]

You just saved my mk2… thanks

[@williamtaylor5193]

Glad I could help.

[@merlin5476]

Watching mark's videos of him being a genius in his shed reminds me of Out of Town with Jack hargreaves, who was normally in his shed repairing & fixing & making fishing flys.

[@xRepoUKx]

Jack Hargreaves - he was fantastic but not that many seem to remember either him, or the shows he was on any more: How, Gone Fishing and especially Out of Town.

[@chatrkat]

Those are beautiful turntables but they had very thin conductors in the two audio cables. I changed many over the years. A few cue lamps too. Still the best unit ever built.

[@NiiOnLood]

Technics uses low capacitance cables and phono signal cable generally has to have capacitance as low as possible. Thick conductors won't help here.

[@chatrkat]

@@NiiOnLood I agree completely on the wire capacitance specifications. My complaint is the thin conductors do not withstand frequent handling. This is unacceptable considering the cost of the unit.

[@tompugh388]

Best ever, still use mine daily, even replaced my original djm500 mixer recently for a djm750mk2.....that's how current they are! :-D

[@juanvicentedelrio716]

I have fixed and serviced some hundred of those trough the years, and a few more things are, to me, good to to check. Many of them have had the pitch pot replaced but nobody takes the time to adjust the center resistive point to what Technics quotes, this is, with the fader locked in the middle position you have to adjust the trimmer VR302 to read between the two 5 and 6 wires a 2k7 value. Also, after this adjustment is made, you have to connect it all and, on the main board, keeping the pitch in the central position, adjust VR301 to a value between TP27 and GND of 262.08 Khz. I also give some lubricant to the plater axis, which is also the motor axis. Nice to see you working I really love the way you do the things and how you care about the details, few does it.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

I've worked on a few of these over the years Mark. The fact that I've seen so few in the workshop is testament itself, given the popularity of these decks - the DJ's staple. People are finally realising how good they are as a HiFi source too. They always were, despite being shunned by audiophiles purely due to snobbery.

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

Didn't audiophiles petition technics to put it back into production, technics responded with a upgraded version ?

[@PhilipBallGarry]

​@@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391 I'm not sure, I'll check. I've lost touch over the years. It'll be expensive if they did. At one time you could be an SL1200/1210 for about £500 new. We should've snapped a few up 👍

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

@@PhilipBallGarry I've just looked, and there's the SL 1500 for £899.00p, I think there are people who modify them (timestep I think).

[@keithposter5543]

They are great decks, but the arms aren't great. Getting a Rega RBxxx on there makes all the difference

[@mannye]

@@PhilipBallGarry They did and it's $4,000. They also have more economical versions. They even made a new SP-10 if you happen to have an extra $15,000 burning a hole in your pocket.

[@MrPsychodeejay]

I have a pair of SL-1200s Sitting on my desk in front of me! Nearly 30 years old and still working like new! :D

[@sdn1528]

Class

[@tompugh388]

I have my second ever set of 1210s from 1994 still...(I've had others since, never let these ones go)

[@Iron_Lion_Of_Zion]

Mmmm. Thats interesting to know! I had a pair of SL-1200s stolen from the back of my Transit van EXACTLY 30 years ago!!!!!!!!😡

[@Stormf0rce999]

Same here one of the best investments I made, still got the original boxes

[@LRiper]

Whatever you say you say it with a smile & that’s the best part of it

[@Labergeschwader]

What a friendly and optimistic man with a lot of technical skills and informative videos. Why doesn’t he work together with Techmoan? This would be a wonderful fusion, for some projects, for example. Good luck for your forthcoming videos and greetings from Germany!

[@hydorah]

That would be a great tie up. Sometimes Mat runs out of electronics repair skills and the economics of having the items repaired professionally make no sense. So mark could definitely help a lot!

[@nickbenke3306]

There are now LED lamps for the pop up lights! But beware - you have to remove the resistor flanking the switch, or all hell breaks loose! I'm loving your vids. Bravo!

[@monticlassictv]

For someone who has their own Classic Dirt Bike Channel on You Tube specialising in old classic dirt bike motorcycles I don’t why I’ve taken to watching Mark fixing all these old electrical appliances but somehow I find it very interesting watching an expert demonstrating his craft. Well done Mark great to watch somebody who knows what their trade is.

[@alanesq1]

I am the same with "Drain Addict" - lol

[@dylans2604]

Just purchased a couple SL1210mk2 turntables and this video will be a big help for me when they arrive and for the future to come, thank you!

[@Setsuna_Kyoura]

Huge like for the nice khruangbin reccord! You've got a great taste ^^

[@Jammerk40]

Hello Mark! Nice job on that repair! The SL1210 was a very good turntable back in the days! Happy to be on your page!

[@felixfranzen7578]

It still is a very good turntabke! The original 1200MK2 is a actually better than many high-end turntables made today. Better specs than (all) the Regas, Clearaudios and many more for instance.

[@chappy2121]

I bought 2, 2nd hand from my cousin last year. They're well used, but built like tanks no complaints at all

[@meowcula]

Classic. I have a pair of them myself. I've also replaced the RCA cables on several of my friends' units who were more rough with their decks than I am. Also nice choice of Khruangbin for a test record, a favourite of mine.

[@bengrimm1222]

Haha that's a way to get my attention fast, play a song ingrained to make me perk up. Great band.

[@DougPowhida]

These earlier videos are great, but you have really upped your production level, camera work, and editing over the past two years. I'm glad you still have these videos up though so we can see baby Mark at work.

[@bobo-wf1jv]

I remember years ago, spending a morning visiting a radio station with a friend and being allowed to use the massive Gates turntables in the studio, I enjoyed the "cue" function for setting up the 45 rpm records and the almost "instant on when the switch was pressed." They were amazing. Cheers ....

[@alanreynolds5985]

I’ve just been asked to look at exactly this model. It has a badly bent tone arm. I’ve never done one but I feel a lot more comfortable having watched you work on one Mark. I’m going to buy a new tone arm tube and fit it. Wish me luck! I just love your videos .

[@weitblick1206]

Ich habe den Mark schon so oft angesehen und dabei auch meine Englischkenntnisse vertieft, aber erst jetzt ist es mir aufgefallen, kein Abonnement von diesem Kanal zu haben. Das habe ich heute sofort korrigiert. Dem Mark sein Equipment ist sehr fachgerecht, aber um die Transformator Wickelstadion beneide ich den Mark. Ein Super Kanal für Elektronik, ein Super Mensch und total vom Fach. Mach weiter so ...... ich kann mich auf diesem Kanal noch lange amüsieren, bis ich die eingestellten Videos nachgeholt habe. Grüße aus Bayern, Deutschland.

[@AubMar]

I purchased an SL200 in 1982 and still use it today but the Cueing light is gone and thought I could learn how to fix here with Mark - anyway thanks for the great insight how to dismantle and reassemble, I can proceed with confidence - Thanks for Sharing.

[@Paul-tc5nr]

If it was in the customer's budget, I'm sure you would have seen it.

[@holdmusic_]

Great record, I knew what it was immediately in that first minute! Love the content Mark :)

[@duduafalcao]

From a Khruangbin album to your fascinating skills, I fucking love you Mark!

[@AC_Milan1899]

Had this back in 93, wonderful turntable.

[@Ricy013]

Its fun to watch you doing this work with such pleasure and dedication😊

[@Dragemesteren]

I remember the time when Technics wanted to stop making this turntable, and DJ's around the world signed partitions to make them continue producing it. We actualy succeeded in keeping it on the market. I so lovede this turntable with th Ortofon OM-Pro pickup - Thank You for saving this gem!

[@petetrimby]

They actuality did stop producing them in 2010. Took them 6 years to come back to the market with the SL1200GAE. But even that was aimed more at audiophiles rather than DJs. I think the MK7 released in 2019 is the first true technics dj turntable since their return.

[@tompugh388]

​​@@petetrimbyI don't reckon any turntable has ever come.close to the 1200/1210 mk2. The only disadvantage was the click at centre point on the pitch control.....but you could always work around it....

[@fuzzyplays2321]

why is this so relaxing

[@DavidFRhodes]

yeah, the RCA cables on the SL1200's are the weak link in an otherwise tank of a turntable. I've had a beer spilt in one of mine and it still worked. dj's don't use the lifter though, but nice fixup. thanks!

[@tompugh388]

Mine were partied hard in the 90s, I was living on hippy traveller sites and we had sound systems.....decks propped up with crushed beer cans on bonnets of cars in disused railway tunnels, decks dropped by police in trusses at parties, played in a basement of a house once woth the condensation from the water pipe drupping through the deck.....never missed a beat. Phenomenal machines

[@marshall4976]

Hi. I also had a problem with audio, but in my case replacing only the RCA plugs helped.

[@Tonytheman214]

I have a sl1200 mk2 in mint condition since 1984 and works perfectly and it has never been opened, dust cover is scratch free

[@jimkolstad3776]

Sir I love watching your videos, wish you were living around the block!

[@EsotericArctos]

The SL-1200 series was great, still is great. I use to work in community radio and we had two of the SL-1200's as our primary turntables. I think the difference is 1200's are silver, 1210 is black. So many of them are bashed up a lot though as DJ's tend to take them on the road a lot.

[@cptmainwaring]

Khruangbin great choice. Love your videos

[@code-namejohnny]

Good man. Giving that beatiful bit of kit the love it deserves. 🙂

[@topquark6919]

I'd love this guy's knowledge, equipment & expertise. Alas, I can barely manage a 13 amp plug!

[@1krista1969]

The stock signal cable is designed to have low capacitance so it won't load the cartridge too much, reducing treble response. Substituting a different cable may throw off treble balance if not measured prior to fitting. The cueing light won't go any higher if the rubber collar is worn. That piece is there to dampen the shock of the mechanism hitting the stop pin. The slot is cut high enough to stop the light housing before it cuts into the wires. The spindle bearing also needs attention, usually just lubrication but also checking for thrust pad wear and radial play. Using a screw gun on a SL1200 isn't advised. The threads easily strip on the aluminum chassis, so a manual screw driver is highly recommended. Its more work, but worth it to safeguard the threads from overtightening and cross threading. The spindle bearing screws will definitely strip if you use a screw gun. I'm always very shocked at how bad some people treat their expensive turntables. It reflects directly on their personality and character. Something so precise and carefully put together deserves to be respected. At the price these things are now commanding on the used market, its stupid and foolish to neglect. I wouldnt allow any substitution of parts or bodging on my 1200s. Thats why I work on my own equipment, so they're treated and repaired correctly with original parts.

[@mkl9600]

All valid points, but he did mention that the customer did not want to spend much on the repair. Hence the quick fix.

[@frenchyroastify]

Great video. For the tone arm repair, you could also use cyano glue with baking soda as a substrate. Also, do you not solder the ground to one of the line outs? Some do because that feeble wire doesn't take to much abuse.

[@macstar8317]

Nice fix although what about the light?It needs a new stylus too as that one is bent. Loads of upgrades available for the 1210s now too.

[@danielross868]

The stylus was fine. It is the antiskating not set right. Notice as it dropped the stylus went to one side. Classic sign the anti skating setting is wrong . If set right ( should be roughly same as cartridge weight setting) then you will find stylus tracks in centre- not left or right when playing.

[@rolandbogush2594]

Another great video - so good to see someone who actually knows what they are doing. I can't help but wonder though, how much your time is worth in comparison to the value of this turntable!

[@christopherdixon153]

Technics 1210s hold their value nicely, especially now as they are discontinued. Clean and in good working order you could expect to pay £300-350 per unit!

[@pauldavies6037]

@@christopherdixon153 they sure do

[@monz7951]

Well the prices for these have sky-rocketed in the last years, hard to find one under 500€ where I live. So a service like this is still reasonable for minor replacement parts, if you have a dead motor or a broken tonearm you need to sell the unit for parts, and that's a good business too

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Magnificent beast, the SL-1200.

[@afzaalkhan.m]

Excellent repair, all done in a cheerful manner. Thank you 😊

[@socalav]

Hi, Love your videos. Where are you sourcing the RCA cables for the turntable from? Was desperately searching for several sets earlier this year. Lately it has been very difficult to find low capacitance cables for turntables. Capacitive loading from poorly matched RCA cables can have dire effects on cartridge frequency response as I have discovered. Technics also had a similar issue and recalled and replaced a large run of RCA cables on production model SL1200s around 10 years ago. if you have any good sources please share! Thank you! Have replaced cables on my 1200mk2s and a 1600mk2 that had the oddest internally corroded RCA cable wires I had ever seen, the internal wires were literally turning into powder.

[@izzzzzz6]

So easy to strip the screw under the foot where the start stop switch is located. So many of these are stripped out! I have a 1200 where someone wired the lamp short. Had to replace a few transistors. But can't find the screws and feet as of yet. I have probably 6 pairs of 1210's and 1200. I've repaired all sorts on these. People regularly bring me decks, I have two here to do right now. Think i will put a regulator on the lamp and run LED's the lamps are hard to find or expensive and they just keep going! The amount of people cringing when you do things up with an electric driver! What sorts of things were you sucking out with that vacuum? lol

[@bobrose7900]

You need to do a video on what a vacuum cleaner is and how to use it = a lot of people would benefit from it!

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

I have a couple of Technics Direct drive Turntables, they are worth keeping.

[@briangoldberg4439]

Great job on that. I think the thing to do with the RCA plugs on those is to drill a couple holes in the back and convert it to two jacks; if it's life calls for it to be moved around to different venues, then you can choose a length accordingly, and if the cable wears out, you don't have to open the bottom.

[@dokterzorro]

You cannot drill holes in the back, a 1200 is built in layers, the outer one being a rubber piece. The way I do this is to fit a rca stereo plug(the dual pcb type) in the metal plate, it will just fit if you take out the little tab for the strain relief. Then you can plug in any kind of cable, although it has to be low-capcitance or the bass response will be lacking.

[@briangoldberg4439]

@@dokterzorro good info! I had to replace the RCA cable on my Thorens and I opted to put in jacks. I just use short Monster branded RCAs from the 90s. They work well

[@dokterzorro]

@@briangoldberg4439 The thing with low capacitance cables isn't known or understood well. The sl's we use in the club I work as tech have said rca modification and I made custom cables for them with rf-coax cable @ 60pF/mtr. Technics themselves shipped 1200's with cables that measure around 100-120pF @ 1.2 meter. They once made a mistake with newer cables that were too high, resulting in weak bass and strange peaks in the highs. It was noted quickly and they reverted to low-cap cables. Still it's not easy to even find cables that have their pF's/mtr specified, only rf coax and some good audiocables do. Weirdly, if you have to replace them, the ultracheap chinese rca cables often have good pF specs because of the bad copper shielding.... The thinner the better!

[@woopimagpie]

Interestingly the Audio-Technica knockoff of these Technics 1200 series units have RCA jacks on the back and not a fixed cable. They obviously figured out the fixed cable is a failure point and came to the same conclusion as you.

[@briangoldberg4439]

@@woopimagpie yeah. I've done the cable mod on a couple of Tech units

[@jasonpomare5639]

What about the pop up needle light ?

[@Kogacarlo]

Exactly. I repaired such a light 30 years ago. I'm not 100 % sure but I think I replaced the tiny lightbulb. It comes with wires attached.

[@hearmenow909]

Did he not mention it in the video?

[@jasonpomare5639]

@@hearmenow909 he mentioned it but didn't fix it .

[@mausermann7918]

What a shame to abuse an excellent turntable like that. So dirty and a cheap cart to top if off......😢

[@blizteredthumbs7911]

It's actually the platter strobe light. Yes, easy fix. I converted mine to the blue led kit. It's generally red. See the dots on the platter? As you pitch the dots show a clean rotation or not.

[@ivarisaksen]

You are so good 😀👏👏 and looks like you are a very good person too 😊👌 keep up the amazing work 😊👍🏻🌺

[@kennethdante]

Thank you pleasant to watch your informative video. TY! Impressive electronics shop also. You must know a lot to have such equipment!

[@doomkeepercanada]

Love the Khruangbin Mark

[@jean-marcschmitt413]

Chaine passionnante, un vrai travail de pro, j'adore.

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

I enjoy seeing your work.

[@freddieleethompson3536]

Awww I cherished my two 1210s back in the late 80s.

[@DalstonVinyl]

In my opinion the replacement signal cable looks a little to large a gauge for a turntable, BUT it is rather short, so might not prove problematic. Thanks Mark!

[@DrWrapperband]

Is it me or was the arm pivots a bit loose and the cartridge needle seemed bent to the right, looking straight on?

[@weximan1]

These things are built to last,iv seen a set of these in a club and there was blistering on the metal part of the deck from extrem heat and the turntable still worked perfectly so imagine the heat that would of caused that and still the turntable work fine

[@richardlong1567]

Did I fall asleep while you were replacing the pilot lamp, or did the camera not record that repair? Love ya work and watch every video.

[@guitfidle]

Wait, did the speed light get fixed? I don't see it lighting up in the after demo... I actually have one similar to this, any thoughts on installing RCA jacks on the back instead of the hardwired cables? I do like the fatter audio cables, I might have to give that a try, as mine is getting that same intermittent cable issue. I've worked on a couple guitar amps that had hardwired audio cables, found I was much happier installing jacks.

[@alext8828]

Right and right.

[@HybOj]

beautiful video, great job and attitude... reminds me of time when world was normal

[@beli-cool]

Super job, thx greats from Belgium. Love your vidéos

[@4evaclapham]

@17.30 you need to set the tracking force, there is way to much weight on the stylus it almost bottoms out

[@Antonio-sd5yn]

Chane the cartridge because the cantilever is completely crooked! It will damage the records

[@TheMrMarkW]

I dont think the cantilever is crooked - more that the tracking force was probably enormously changed during the repair (I've an SL-1900 which I repaired and I had to re-set the tracking force) and it's just not been set correctly I would suggest.

[@sinisatrlin840]

Khruangbin record for test run, nice!

[@jasabasenara8124]

Best turntables in the world. I had the 1200. 👍

[@mazdaman1286]

You need a Tom Evan's pre Amp 😁

[@nijhuisrb]

Cool khruangbin record!

[@MendItMark]

Yes! They’re ace.👍

[@quantumleap359]

Good repair Mark. Looks like you touched up the black paint on the plinth, attention to detail is your forte. Thanks for the videos.

[@steinarjosevoldvik206]

This man love to do this work love it❤❤

[@BaldBloke]

Missed a trick not fitting a nice warm white led (target lamp), but awesome revival tbh ! 👌

[@nigelwilliams4800]

Top man wish I had all your test equipment awesome 👌

[@cmonkey63]

I used to fix things electrical, every time I see that whiff of smoke from the solder I can still smell it.

[@600322]

This turntable aimed for professional use is more service friendly than an ordinary turntable due to you have quick access to the components of the pcb just by lifting the platter.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Yeah what happen to the light ?? 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@robertstevenson6715]

Built like tanks used them for years 😊

[@Jammerk40]

Did you fix the pop up light? I don't remember if you did!

[@craigscannapieco3858]

My dj friends showed me a tip on those turntables instead of soldering new output cables on it he took the cover plate on the turntable and soldered in a set of female rca inputs so during a show if he had an issue with the rca cables he could do a quick cable swap and he was back up and running

[@tomthompson7400]

Have you ever looked inside the matching CD player ,,,, would you like to ???

[@nigelpearson6664]

Watch out for pick up cable capacitance. It often is lower than normal audio cable. I would guess 200 pF to be a maximum .

[@repsych]

Thanks; is that deck owned by DJ Horse who spins down at The Stable?

[@pauldavies6037]

Great repair great turntables but should do an audio test check the cartridge, stylus and tracking force always

[@Gandim45]

Man, that thing was handed to you covered in dust Some people don't deserve your great work

[@steveducell2158]

you would think the customer would at least wipe it down with a damp cloth.

[@MrBradleya16]

not if its a hire deck them things get abused ! lol

[@Probeionic]

Indeed. A couple of minutes to vacuum and wipe it down... I suppose, it is the same for mechanics and MOT testers...they must see some horrors.

[@renowden2010]

We have four of these in our hospital radio station. Do you happen to know the connections for fader start?

[@GrymsArchive]

Still enjoy my Technics SL-1800 MK1

[@jasonleeward]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 😊

[@ocularcavity8412]

Hey Mark NICE JOB with the repair on that awesome 1200, I have a SL 1200 MKII and noticed the resistor r213 and r201 get pretty hot up to 132F and 118F respectively is that normal?

[@ocularcavity8412]

@P Mc I found a someone on youtube that also has an SL1200 and he measured the temps and his were not that hot even though the resistors are rated for 155F they are being overworked

[@Hellomrjorge]

Phil Colins retired and is fixing Turntables now😂🎉 just kidding I really enjoy learning from a pro Thanks Mark 👍

[@kloop64]

I wonder about the replacement cables. Are they low capacitance cables?

[@stevegibson7413]

How do you calibrate the pitch / speed ? Always wondered if i was nursing the pitch to much when i was playing

[@SuperPeakey]

Mine are in decent nick (no major scratches / marks) and in need of servicing. Do you offer a service sir ?

[@annierenard5954]

excellent video and SUPER channel, thank you

[@paulanderson7796]

I never gave any thought to how a DD turntable motor works. Permanent magnet on the platter itself and a rotating field from the stator windings?

[@bbfoto7248]

@paulanderson7796 Yes, the stator coils are fixed as well, and a PLL switching transistor circuit/IC "pulses" the coils on/off or positive/negative in a continuous rotational sequence with a feedback loop to constantly monitor and correct or lock the rotational speed (PLL = Phase Lock Loop). This is how the two different speeds are controlled by changing the frequency of the pulses.

[@paulanderson7796]

@@bbfoto7248 It's nice to be correct from time to time. Thankyou!

[@ski_book_]

Hi, thanks for the video! I'm just wondering how the voltmeter works when testing the rpm buttons? What number am I looking for to know if it's working? thx

[@himselfwastaken]

continuity buzzer, or just lowest resistance setting. touch your probes together so you see how the meter acts with contact (maybe 0.3ohms or something).

[@By_Rant_Or_Ruin]

I watched the video over and over - did you replace the lamp or leave it in? I probably won't see an answer but I had to ask.

[@SuspiciousArra]

That about the pop-up light? Have you fixed that?

[@santiagolopez597]

What a great job and precision, thanks! :)

[@vinceradical8910]

Using a solder remover effectively takes a lot of practice for a beginner. and cleaning them out is a shit of a job.

[@brianwood5220]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@hearmenow909]

Top job fella.

[@wattage2007]

Disappointed you didn't have a selection of test tones on vinyl 😉

[@Naktsmeita]

I have a 1210 and 33/45 buttons has no effect whatsover and when the record is spinning, pressing the start/stop will slow down the platter for a second, but it will continue spinning, wont stop. Any idea where to start poking ? Thanks in advance 😊

[@bobsbits5357]

hi wear out alot of solder pumps over 40 years some i had before ebay maplin RS i got them i use RS now alot of the time

[@stephenyoud6125]

Nice one Mark