The history of the Technics SL1200 - Tried & Tested

In this special episode of Tried and Tested, DJ Holland looks back at the full range of Technics SL1200 and SL1210 turntables. Delving into the differences between the models and what made Technics the DJ turntable of choice. We take a closer look at what made these turntables, the single most important piece of DJ hardware there has ever been!
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[@Crossfader]

Learn more about the Technics SL1200 range of turntables in our full guide: wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/the-complete-technics-sl1200-turntable-guide/

[@haroldmeyer7494]

This turntable gave me my famouse name DJ TURNTABLEKING

[@ingenfestbrems]

Looks like they got the mk4 right 👍🏻

[@SManSmith73]

Bought my Technics SL1200 MK2's in 1995. Still going strong in 2023!! 🔥👊🏾😊

[@andyjardine8192]

Had my 1210s since 96 and still going strong! Hands down the most important piece of DJ equipment I've ever had. Great to still use them with timecode

[@weximan1]

I love mine,bought a set in 2001 sold them in 2005 and bought the mk5s and iv 3 of them now still perfect never even had them serviced

[@alexwharton7407]

My dad has been a mobile DJ for over 45 years. He just gave me his Technics SL-1200MK2 that he purchased in 1979 and used on the road for over about 20 years. It's pretty beat up but works and sounds like new. I'm just starting to get into records and I love it! Thanks for the video!

[@mrcake3179]

What's the serial number of the turntable Alex? Should be a sticker underneath.

[@essgee1210]

Still loving my 1210s after 20yrs 🙏

[@mpbangamusic9673]

1974-2010 says it all.....why I will take mine to the grave. Respect to you for making this vid!

[@mpbangamusic9673]

@Jayo Delaware still going strong mate 💪

[@benji.B-side]

Had my 1210s since 1998, used them all over on DJing and they are still going strong!! I love them to bits : )

[@nevillemann5587]

I’ve had 2 pairs, 1988 1210 MK2 they over in England still fully operational, as are my current 1997 MK3D. Turntables for life. Both pairs worth more than when they were new. Untouchable.

[@oo7jbond]

Bought my set back in 1988 and until now I'm using it, love it.

[@TheStaubzauger]

Great video! I love the SL. Bought a 1210 pair new in 1995 for DJ use. Bought a 1200 pair in 2010 for audio playback. I just can’t get enough of the beauty and feel of these turntables. One thing to add to the video: Technics also replaced the on off switch on later models. The original switch turned too easy so you could turn off the deck accidentally. Happened to every DJ from time to time

[@velanche]

I bought a pair of M3Ds secondhand on eBay in 2003 (I did not know that this model was only six years old, until this video). I still have them and me & my DJ crew use these workhorses a lot. I have a DJ controller that I dig, but I am very thankful for my 1200s. Great video!

[@Cheezwizzz]

The flowing pattern of the platter, the curve of the tone arm. One day I’ll own one!!!

[@poshpaddy1]

Bought my 1210s in 1996 and used them for 9 yrs then boxed them up and put them away. Got them out the other day after 15 yrs, plugged them in and off they went - no problem. Fantastic pieces of kit.

[@Eyeballpaul84]

With that oil smell lol I bet

[@rootz1971]

1210 MKII's bought mine in 92' and still going strong today ... by far the best decks to mix and scratch with ... love em to bits probably the best purchase of my life .... propz for making this vid though .. Bless!

[@dmomcilovic9185]

My dad still uses his from 1977 daily and never broke down.

[@yorkemar]

Mine is only 10 years old... Baught new mk2, very reliable.

[@1Adventures2]

Excellent presentation...and very appreciated as I’m a new owner of a SL 1200G ... once had a Dual back in 1970! Nice upgrade! Keep delivering quality and informative chats! thanks

[@arvindbhunjun6555]

Great video Holland you're passion really comes through

[@roderikvanderwaerden388]

Really appreciate the knowledge you shared!

[@Crossfader]

My pleasure!

[@steveb4012]

Excellent video, I'm not a DJ but still found it very educational. Back in 1980, I bought a Sony PS X65 which has just been retired and a Technics SL1500C has taken on its role, pleased so far. The other 2 choice I had when buying the Sony were a JVC Victor or a Technics SL1200. I loved the look of the Technics but knew that slider thingy would never get used and it was more expensive than my Sony. Great video, well done.

[@dj-joseph96]

Excellent video very good description of the story of turnable, for me they will continue to be the best

[@DJTonyCMP3]

I have 7 of these turntables and I would never get rid of my mkII’s

[@DJTequilaandIce]

MK2 was what got me into DJing. Great history lesson 👍

[@djcie1018]

Had my 1200 Mk2 for 26 years now, They still preform like the day i got em (maintained regularly).

[@kiko12000]

How do you maintain it?

[@Eyeballpaul84]

?

[@mattdruid]

Thanks for doing this video. Awesome job and info.

[@chrismendicino7788]

Great video! I have a Audio Technica version which I must say I do like. However I always wanted a Technics SL-1200 and now I'm going to purchase one!

[@BryanOwens]

Oh yeah, I've had many sets of MKII 1200 and loved how I could actually speed up the motor inside the platter to be even better for scratching and mixing. Lift the needle to not skate and take different weights. BEST TT'S EVER!

[@VanessaRijs-bt3xn]

Great presentation, will make mandatory viewing my children , bought 2 new in 2002, then s other pair on eBay in 2008 , seller said bought 10 years ago used twice , immaculate, and got a early 200o mk2 still in box, favourite man made thing

[@Doggieman1111]

Great video on these classic icons

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

The original wheels of steel

[@R-Tap]

Yep, still love the Tec12

[@jasonlegister2277]

Cool video thank you for the history lesson much appreciated

[@DJBennyswift]

I miss my 1200mk2’s, simply the best I’ve had. Just got back into DJing going on 2 years and I’ve picked up on the new technology which is very cool, but 1200’s live on forever. I was just gifted a set of Al-dz1200’s and they bring back memories of my Mk2’s. I’ll be investing in a pair to complete my set up. Thank you for the video and explanation to all of the other upgraded models.

[@icjkmagic8463]

This thing is the best history that I've ever heard

[@arizonaguy7574]

Voted (by me) the best explanation out there regarding the SL 1200 series player.

[@EJAY-THE-DEEJAY]

Started dj-ING with vinyl first, great feelings. All my work money was going to buying records. Every month there where lots of records delivered. Then going to the club with the big heavy record case. Good old times. I learnt later on dj ing with cdj’s. Nowdays i love the denon prime 4. Best controller on the market

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

I've had the same pair since 1991, and they were bought from a pawn shop used. Replaced the RCA wiring on them, that's it.

[@torreneumon1974]

Did a great job on the history and information on this great and influential DJ player...#1200 respect and love

[@Crossfader]

Much appreciated, thanks for watching!

[@AlfredoGanime]

Tks, from Brazil! I have my pair, for 30 years, and works very weel!!!

[@alanpillay4839]

My pair of 1200's are now 22 years old and they are still great ...didn't have any issues with them. The best decks ever.

[@Mithdk]

Got mine SL1210mk2 in october 1991 and it's still running perfect

[@trojansixtynine9149]

Been using SL1200s since 1985. Bought one for my 16th Bithday. Treated myself to one .Blood sweat n tears. Bought the 2nd one 2 weeks later.......

[@julienfeuerstein8559]

What a great vidéo !

[@davidw1218]

I have had my 1210's since Aug of 1995!!!! I still play on them everyday!!! I had them cleaned up and the cables changed once in 2009 and they are still going STRONG!!!!!! #dj_dave

[@DjNikGnashers]

Thumbs up, and I thank you for the video. There was a lot of waffle, however, and I have seen a lot more detailed information on Technics turntables from other uploaders. Just Technics is the best KZbinr for anything Technics related.

[@MobilediscowirralCoUk]

Great video! We still have one in our house dad ex liverpool 70s80s dj, he said thou carrying all them records was nightmare 😂

[@SteveAldous]

Sold my 1210s 15 years ago 😢 probably one of my biggest regrets 😔

[@erikmolnar6585]

Yup, same here but about 12 years ago. Long sad story

[@s.janneck8016]

me too... 6 years ago.. one of my biggest mistakes in my life.. :( i miss both of them..

[@nicklloyd9291]

Sold mine in 2017, along with my Vestax pdx d3's and some vinyl... It felt like I was tearing the flesh from my body. I can never forgive myself, and nor will I ever forgive my wife that needed the money. I still love her, but she ain't worth nearly that much! 😢

[@Eyeballpaul84]

@@nicklloyd9291 lol

[@Eyeballpaul84]

2013 sold my babys

[@djbhe]

I have a pair of 1200MK2's I bought in 1993 in Chicago and they still look brand new. I never had to get them serviced and never had a problem. I paid $750 for the pair.

[@syazwanali7094]

Saving up for a pair of MKII hopefully this year

[@deejayduy]

Love my M5Gs but wished i had the chance to get the M5G LTD or even the 1200 LTD. what a beauty

[@michaels8607]

I started with one Technics belt drive and one Goddard, with the spindle in the middle to stack records..I had to tape a penny on the headshell and with the Technics we would take the belt out and keep it in the fridge to tighten back up. We made slipmats from old LP covers or felt until the actual slipmats came out, Before then in club, they used Thorens, like in the Paradise Garage, which sounded good, did not vibrate that much, and sounded great. I was in a crew and we traded my partner's JVC boombox for semi Auto Technics 1800s, and we never looked back. Semi meant the tonearm would pick itself up so you had to watch it. Now I still have my 1210Mk2 decks and they are at least 35 years old, running well,and that's why Technics is the standard,no matter what else they make.

[@snurkadiddler8789]

Great VT of an iconic turntable

[@djtheob01]

Great video bro, I didn't even know there was a MK6

[@hkp30sk31]

Love both my SL1200 MK3-K

[@djjoemc1]

I have a pair of SL1200 mk5. Love them

[@Crossfader]

Can't beat a Technics!

[@jonathanmiller7374]

My wheels of steel have been going strong for over 20 years!!! Not sure the life they had before I purchased them used in 2000....

[@stereopolice]

3:50 love this description

[@BoyardoSanRoman]

Thank's for this cover up!

[@joeok8641]

Bought one this week from an FM radio station.

[@BryantFC]

I love my XDJ700s and DJM450 but I love my SL1200M3D's with a A&H Xone 22 even more!

[@therealDjRolo]

I just restored a pair I bought in 1998. I had them in storage from 2004. Work like new.

[@andnegr]

Best video!!!

[@davidsmisc1351]

My MK2s are from the late 90s and picked them up in the early 2000s quite heavily gigged. Recently got them extensively serviced as a few faults had developed and things had worn out. They run like new again.

[@mxo1210]

Still got my pair of Technics 1210's & 1200-3D...👍🏻

[@thehunterofdeath2180]

Still got mine 1200 m2 gray since 89 we are in 2020 n still working like a champ i did some clean n put the light back is the only think that get mess up but the motor is a champ 3 decade unbelievably the king of truntable

[@Sequeldj]

Bought my set of 1210's back in Sept 1992 and they're still going strong.

[@Crossfader]

Great to hear 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@NOCDIB]

how many times have you had to replace lights, tonearms, cables, etc?

[@Sequeldj]

@@NOCDIB I've replaced both pitch controls and both target lights only once. All other components are original parts.

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

Forget the mk7s but anything before that is great.They are still the best and I still use them when I have them.Currently I don’t have a pair but I will still seriously consider a pair of Technics for my next set of decks as I use dvs and vinyl

[@Termite701]

I own a SL1210 Mk2 since 1990 but i don't use it. This video made me want to see if it still works so I just plugged it and 30 years later all is fine !

[@richardmorgan1588]

I have a Technics SL1200MK2 in black (yes they exist) manufactured in 1999. It was in exceptional condition with a brand new Technics dust cover... a little pricey at around $700 but I have not seen another deck anywhere close to that price, new or used, which I would rather have rocking my ears (and eyes)! The only issue I've had is that over time the dampening stopped working and the VTA adjustment ring became frozen. Got that fixed and it's good as new! No turntable has as much industry service and parts support as this machine! It has ALWAYS been a decent player for me! I use it as my main deck and it sounds wonderful with the Ortofon 2m blue!

[@djhen181]

Great summary of the history of the SL-1200! I am curious to know if when the models subsequent to MK2 were being released up to 2010, was the MK2 actually still in production or was production dedicated to the models as they came out?

[@peterstudley1804]

The MK2 was in production parallel with other models until 2010.

[@grahammcdonald]

They are wonderful things

[@Drivehead103]

I purchased a 1998 Technics sl-1200 MK5 in 2016 for $450 and have put over 12,000 hr's on it. 100% trouble free. Using ortofon 2m black, Audio-Technica 440 MLB and kab ortofon om 40 Fritz Geiger 70 run through a project tube box s phono preamp and using audioquest interconnect. High-dollar audiophile turntables of today sometimes do not meet the mechanical noise induced specifications of Technics lowest grade automatic turntable in 1978. Just saw that in a video recently! Disproving everything that was being said about belt drive turntables being great at eliminating noise created by Motors, bearings and such.

[@AshtonBoni]

I remember buying my first pair in 1980 for $340 each. Spent all summer working to save up. They prob still work today if I still had them. Legends!

[@mike._.feliciano6782]

I had a brand new pair of 1200 MKIIs, first pair back in 97 and regret selling them a few years later and stopped DJing. I got back into it but got a pair of Denon 3500 then the 3700, then the 3900s. The 3900s were the closes to the 1200 feel and, IMO, the blueprint for the Rane 1200s. While in California the Pioneer PLX 1000s came out and my wife bought me a pair as a gift. I sold them within 30 days and picked up a pair of used 1200 M3D and still use them out in gigs...these will not be sold but given to either my son or I will keep them. These are tanks and a reason why DJs still use them today.

[@The_Amateur_Hour]

First set I bought used, I owned for 5 years. Heavily regretted selling them. Bought another used set of mk2s that I’ve owned for 7+ years, and not I just purchased a set of M5Gs used. I’ll keep my mk2s for gigs, and the M5Gs will stay in the studio. These things a bulletproof and iconic

[@ingenfestbrems]

Check out dj city, test of mk7. Also some others that are so fed up with the mk7 they also made some vids just about the specific problem with the mk7. Overall this video is really detailed and accurate 👍🏻 . Don’t have one, get mk2-mk6

[@kirilloff68]

19:19 he scratched his leg. Thanks much for the video!

[@Crossfader]

Haha that he did! Thanks for watching!

[@drunkbikewrenchen6400]

My first resident DJ gig was in 1979, the club had original 1200s and a silver face Bozak. When the mk2 came out in 79 DJs hated it because of the quartz lock. It didn’t take long for people to figure out how to disable the quartz lock portion of the circuitry making the mk2 much more user friendly and more like the original 1200 only better ergonomics. Virtually every top nightclub here in the northeastern US used quartz disabled 1200s and typically a Urei 1620 right through the 80s and 90s, that was the industry standard setup for most all large nightclubs. Personally I find it very difficult to beat match with quartz lock engaged on modern 1200s especially on pre drum machine recordings when the the bpm goes up and down because the drums are being played by a drummer not a computer.

[@jamespeters2859]

Should have mentioned the SLDZ 1200 as well, it’s a wicked piece of kit.

[@ingenfestbrems]

Guess it’s about vinyl players

[@leosalas41ify]

Have M5G still mint, original owner. A work of art. Sounds incredible 20yrs later. Would never part, son agreeded will own once I'm gone.

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Why would anyone dislike this..?

[@TheAnunnaki-NYC]

Cause they bought a reloop or a pionner instead.

[@FSwiftDJ]

Good video on a legendary turntable Only thing you missed out was Pitch slider change from Analog to digital controller in the new Technics versions from the Mk5G etc I've got 4x Technics turntables ( 2 X SL1210 MK2 & 2 x SL Mk5s ) I find myself mixing on the older deck more because of the platter & Analog pitch , they are the same but just what I prefer the MK2 original for vinyl mixing I got my original decks in 94 then I got Mk5s later , I've mixed on Technics Mk5G & SL1210 Mk7 but they are not as good I feel .

[@Crossfader]

How I managed to miss the analogue to digital pitch fader change I'll never know! My apologies! - Holland

[@FSwiftDJ]

@@Crossfader no worries mate , Good video all round liked it I'm sure most will know the big change !! Many vinyl DJ's prefer the Technics SL MK2, Mk5,M3D to the newer ones with vinyl Mk5 G was first digital pitch so they was kind of begining of the next turntables direct drives .

[@Crossfader]

@@FSwiftDJ Thanks! Myself, Jamie and Loz in the office all have our own pairs of Mk2's. Only played on MK5's once so far so never had chance for much hands on experience to feel the difference in the pitch

[@FSwiftDJ]

@@Crossfader Oh right Holland mate all good , Yea MK2 is my favourite deck out of all of them just a prefer it but Mk5 is exact same really but I just prefer the MK2 myself as a vinyl DJ .

[@whenben3048]

The 1210 gr is the best modern technics. Some poor reviews on internet. Just take a bit of getting used to. The quality of engineering in these decks is phenomenal

[@corywilliams458]

Great Video!.....If U love these tables!?...it feels like 12 seconds!

[@1joshjosh1]

I was so proud of myself when I knew about this 25 years ago back in the rave days.

[@peterstudley1804]

I was trying to find a mint 1200 mk2 but struggled, so I bought a SL1200G, it nearly broke my back carrying it up 4 flights of stairs to my flat, you don't realise just how heavy the G model is , but once set up it looks and sounds amazing. It'll probably be the last record deck I ever buy.

[@1joshjosh1]

@@peterstudley1804 Actually thank you for sharing that... I am thinking about the same thing myself right now.. To purchase one or not to purchase one

[@peterstudley1804]

Hi Josh if you have the money do it , I never really had the funds as losing my job at end of March 21 , but the quality and service is remembered long after the cost is forgotten. My advise would be the 1200G it's the Grandaddy of the bunch. The GAE is nice too but more costly and its exactly the same as the G apart from a little badge, silver coloured feet and maybe one or two small details. The G is something that would last you a lifetime depending on how old you are , and if you went for let's say the GR you would forever wonder if you did the right thing or not. There is alot of difference between these two models. Don't get me wrong all technics 1200s 1210s are works of art , technics got it dead right back in 79 with the MK 2 and the aesthetics are still the same 42 years later, what a testament not only that Abbey road studios have a couple of Gs and so do many radio stations. And remember there are no pockets in shrouds . If you love music as much as I do then I believe you need to hear it as close to the original source as possible and the 1200G does that in spades , without spending stupid money , i hope you find my words helpful.

[@1joshjosh1]

@@peterstudley1804 Actually when I'm ready to pull the trigger I have just screenshotted your comments and I very very much appreciate the input!! Thank you!!!!!

[@1joshjosh1]

Many people not good for money right now that is for sure. 😕

[@erikmolnar6585]

The spindle approach was always kinda sloppy. The pitch fader was so smooth, I would find about where the pitch should be and adjust in the range. It worked so much better for me especially when the cross fader was crossed, the gain in the right spot... and both tracks were going on the soundsystem. 2000 through 2005 was a great time for me discovering mostly breaks. I now had cdjs; still got the pitch but I have tricks for that which take away some of the excitement. On a %10 pitch range, %0.75 × plus or minus the bpm difference and bingo :) Get to spend more time on the eqs and effects of my djm900. Its such blast these days especially when life is boring during this time

[@smasherdobson4884]

Got some technics 1200GR brand new in the box never opened had them since they came out. got some cdj2000's but really fancy a denon prime 4 as my next purchase!

[@Crossfader]

Lucky guy!

[@JoshuaKane.]

The true successor for build and price to the MK2s are the GRs

[@DjNikGnashers]

Nope, the pitch is awful. Watch Just Technics channel for the truth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJXMf36Vm910mbc&ab_channel=JustTechnics

[@djrossygaropaba1835]

I Love My Technics!

[@BuddahBlessOne]

Got my first 1200 off Delancy Street back in the 80s for $350ea. Still got one of them. Disassembled it and took out the weights. Thing was too heavy hauling both in a coffin with mixer. One note: That first 1200 rendition was not "press play and instantly plays to speed" That was only achieved with the release of the MK2

[@louiseoleary7584]

Perfick review """" 👍

[@harelmahler3354]

Can you do the some video but on the DDJ1000?

[@scratchback2001]

I own a brand new SL 1200 MK2. Its never been in a club and is used for playback only with a 2M red Ortofon cartridge. It is a stunning turntable and I've been using them in clubs for 40 years. The 1200 can stand up proudly against turntables costing 50.000 bucks. I will never sell it. Cheers.

[@corywilliams458]

Still got mine!....Silver Tank(Shark)🤘

[@ryrilo5078]

The use of it as a instrument was the most ingenious thing ever. It effectly became a Hip Hop violin. 🙂

[@harveywatts4004]

Yup, still got SL-1200 MK2 and only the light has gone of course!

[@whenben3048]

What about the GR?

[@jutgamester5870]

still have my babies..the last sl100 mk 2's in 2010..my {original)1210 mk 2's are in a box after nearly 30 years..im 49/50..

[@Scott-Lee-Snell]

I have to correct something the guy in the video said, or false information. He said when the pitch is at zero and the speed is at 33, that the big middle row of dots stay constant or look like they arnt turning (yes that's correct) But what isn't correct is to say "that it then changes to the dots above when at 45." It's still the same big middle row of dots on both 33 and 45. The change of rpm speed doesn't change anything to do with the dots. It's the change of position of the pitch slider that depends on which row of dots you then look at or which row of dots then stay constant . As indicated by the little diagram next to the on/off switch. That's what the diagram is showing you. That diagram is basically showing you 4 different numbered pitch ranges for each row of dots. And the dots will stay constant when positioned at those pitch ranges. (iv found that they don't quite stay 100% still or constant on the 3 other rows, but that's normal and not a fault. But they do stay 100% still though when at zero for the big middle row)

[@drinmo3776]

I know what you mean. For instance, if an original BPM 120 track has been pulled up to BPM 124 (120*1.033), as 17:10 indicators say, players should observe the small dots that above big-middle ones.

[@djholland4235]

@@drinmo3776 Yeah you're 100% correct and it was just a brain fart saying that the 45rpm changes the dot that is constant. The lower dot should be constant when the pitch fader is set to -3.3, the upper dot at +3.3 and the top dot at +6%

[@adlervictor]

Are you planning a review of the Audio-Technica AT-LP140XP?

[@Crossfader]

We don't have any plans to review that model at the moment unfortunately!

[@Ravinstomper]

im too interested but not much info on them and they been out now for over a year. plus they were made for djs only.

[@adlervictor]

@@Ravinstomper Yes, I cannot find a good and useful review. There is one in Italian, but I'd like to see a feedback test and the nominal torq, not the starting one.

[@TheBudgie29]

2:16 In 1976 a company called Citronic Released a DJ Deck called the "Thames mk2" this still had the Dreaded Bouncy Belt drive Garrard SL-Lab-35's, It also had a Rotary Pitch control for Both Decks. Though not Perfect, it gave the Mobile DJ (Like Myself) Who could not Afford the Luxury SL-1200's, the Opportunity to Play one Record Into another for Continuous music. Like I said this was Not perfect but It worked. I still have My SL-1210mk2.s and they still look and work like the day I took them out of the Box around 1980 when the price was Right to Buy. I do all the Maintenance Myself. Sod risking damage In the Post or Not getting the same Deck You sent away back. I have another one that was In poor shape when I bought It for next to nothing. It looks like New Now and I use It for My main Audio Kit In the Front room. And with Little tweaks It sounds better than My Rega P-3 did (In It's Box In the loft Now). Thanks for the History that I have Lived through and remember all the Gigs I played with Affection. I am a Vintage Video DJ nowadays. But If a place wants Me to Rave the place to the Ground, I can do that No Sweat. I still have all the records and they are Ready to go on Request.

[@ingenfestbrems]

I also had a rega, p6, and it sounded muffled compared to my tec12mk2

[@DjPhaseFour]

My original 1200 mk2s are from the 80s and are still being used by a friend, currently have 2 mk5s and they are just fantastic. Look for a video by hivinyws where he compares a mk5 to a modern 1000$+ turntable and the mk5 blows it out of the water.