Why this former turntablist STOPPED Using Turntables at Gigs

[@manuelguerrero002]

Great story. A lot of Djs today hide behind a curtain of expensive gear to mask lack of skill and creativity with knob turning. The listening public don't care about gear selection, thats up to the Dj to choose the best tool to get the job done.

[@NewMinority]

most expensive gear is still buying records and 1210's so pretty much eating your own words there

[@lightsoutentertainmentdj]

Not necessarily. Some just like to buy expensive things but have no idea how to use them

[@videosvideos6243]

Highly misinformed...

[@johnfry8286]

Playing in a club is one thing but there is a reason you dont see CDJs at the DMCs. Amongst top tier turntablists it isnt even debatable. Turn up with CDJs and you will get laughed off the stage. Your audience determines whether they care about gear and I can assure you, a tech savy/turntablist crowd will know the difference. Turntables and phase needles are the future. Auto queue, beat syncing cdjs is good for clubs and noise reduction but def limits what u can learn.

[@lightsoutentertainmentdj]

@@johnfry8286 phase is not a needle.

[@raymondmartinez8215]

As a 17 year old Chicago southside kid I could not effort any 12s, so I practiced on my friends equipment, who was well off. I learned the basics, but not enough to fly like I wanted to. 30 years later I'm at Guitar Center purchasing my first controller and trying continued what I started in the 90s. Rocking the ones and twos again!!!! It's a little different feel on the controller, but the basics are the same.

[@anthonyroy7004]

I really appreciate your story. I DJ'ed in the '90s and early 2000s and the main thang was to beat match and overdubbing and I stopped playing when I started going to church. But I have always loved playing music. I remember being able to mix a whole show in my head at work in a factory. When show time it would be on point. Now I have been interested in playing again with Christian music (Holy Hip Hop). You helped me to decide which controller to use; I purchased the Pioneer DDJ400 and it is much harder to use it as you said. I'm starting to feel the rust dropping off. Thank you for helping me refind my love of DJing.

[@reignman-31x23]

Bro I did the same thing at the same time you hmu so we can talk I would like to see your progress and get some tips from you...

[@DJAngeloNZ]

The world needs more Born again Christian djs there's a faithfull few,Keep the faith bro! God Bless !

[@ventarfield7115]

Strictly turntables since 1989. This is super cool. I sucked on the cdjs when I tried them. Respect. Turntablism is all about using what you got to rock.

[@DogRescuer1965]

I have to say I can totally relate. I started DJ’ing back in the 80’s with Technics ML1200’s, then after college I stopped for yrs. Last year I started back and decided to get a entry level Pioneer SB controller.. After watching a few of your videos, I was inspired to go full steam ahead and purchased the DDJ 1000. I’ve been practicing and taking LOTS OF TIPS from your videos. I just wanted to say thank you for getting me back to one of the things I love the most! ✌🏽

[@china1013]

Just last month, I put my home turntables and mixer together for the first time in like 2 decades. I also wanna get into digital for ease of use. I'm thinking of a Traktor controller.

[@mohamedsultan3610]

All what i could think of everytime i watch one of your videos is humbly "RESPECT" bro.. Truely, Respect! Coming from a brother DJ. 🤜🤛🙌

[@akustiktrax5186]

This guy is a boss. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad because of the gear you use. Just enjoy and love what you do. And remember, haters are gonna hate no matter what. Great,great video. Awesome input.

[@HCTarik]

Used to play cdj's, but since I laid my hands on a controller I haven't looked back since. The versatility, portability and the fact that it supplements my creative outlet in more ways than I could have imagined is truly a marvel. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are a lesser DJ because of the gear you use. You do you, and keep pushing your boundaries.

[@makedjingvinylagain2492]

Technics forever

[@memberofc1205]

once a day somebody told me, I have to buy real turntables to scratch and being a real dj. well 2 years later I didn't afford any turntables and being booked in clubs, but the truth of the story is really do what you love and don't care what anybody else tells you.

[@DJTeddyJetts]

For real!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@djnuttymk2]

“Skill comes 1st, gear comes 2nd” DOPE

[@DJPeeweePrimero]

Keep do your thang! 🙌🏼 Thanks for sharing your story.. 🙏🏽 so true that DJ equipments especially the expensive controller/turntable does not make you a better DJ.. for me, Skills, creativity, originality and self confidence is the KEY. 💯

[@lustforlow-end6022]

“It’s not what you use, it’s how you use it” so true. There are lots of people with expensive gear who don’t (or can’t) use it well & then there are people with very basic equipment who can do incredible stuff. It really just comes down to practice. 👍

[@brmbkl]

You can’t play guitar on a banjo.

[@dryllynch6199]

One of all time favorite vids on KZbin. All beginners should watch this, thanks for sharing

[@michaelruiz74]

An attitude of gratitude is what I see. Your story is very humbling. Thank you!

[@MTN_SAVAGE]

Aahhh the memories!! Thank you for sharing. Inspirational! I hope more kids realize and appreciate how accessible music and music making is these days. We could only dream of this in the 90s....

[@inconsistentsonic]

THANK YOU! I'm in the UK & have been DJ'ing since 1998 and have had a very similar journey using minimal equipment that i could afford or borrow, agree that skill comes first & gear 2nd. Subscribed & thank you again! :))

[@ignacio532]

Thanks man! Been DJing since 86, stopped for nearly 10 years, and then got back in to it using a controller. I was using the Traktor S2 MK2. Now i'm on the MK3. Still love the convenience of it. Good story, brother...and I'm also from Detroit and used to hang out at that Guitar Center!!✊🏾

[@DopamineOverload]

Such a great story, man. I got a CDJ-1000 in early 2003, helping a friend record his album. The CDJ-1000 changed everything for me. Had crappy Numark tables, a crappy Numark mixer. Needles skipped all the time. Useless. I just loved being able to use a skipless system. Even though I've never been a good turntablist (I can do basic scratching, and getting back into it, Nov 2020... and finally learning "the right way" to do things)... the CDJs are just awesome. And when controllers came out, it was even more awesome. What you do with that humble SB3 blows me away, man. You inspire EVERYONE. And for those of you who are new to this-- what a time to get into scratching and DJing: DVS, DDJs, 7" portables, and even the SC-1000 and the Omni.... all the free tutorials out there (including yours). I feel so fortunate seeing how far it has all come. I saw the Doug Pray documentary Scratch in 2002 and that made me obsessed with scratching. If some of you out there haven't heard of it, watch it. And like you said here, skill comes first. Indeed. It isn't the gear. It's the time put in. Awesome.

[@djdirty7455]

I love your philosophy, I have commented before, but I also share a simular story. I learned on a pair of radio shake belt drive turntables in the 80's, took a 10 yr hiatas & immediadly recognized that I could DJ with a controller!!!! Been DJing since 1983 & still rock the house with a ddj sb3, numark mixtrack pro fx, pioneer ddj200 & a gig just using virtural dj on a desktop. I salute you Sir for exposing it's the skill not the equipment. LOL on day a lady that watches me dj at other gigs with my equipment happened to show up whter I just use virtural dj + desktop deal and asked me how are you doing that without your equipment... My response was that "I AM THE EXPENSIVE PART OF MY DJING NOT MY EQUIPMENT lol. Keep up the good work my friend!!!

[@DJTeddyJetts]

What a beautiful story and explanation. Real inspiration. I admire the realness of this post. And also highlights the negativity that people try to throw at new people to the game. You are by no means new and still show how the assumptions affect you. I needed this. I just got my first controller. DDJ sr2. And I love it. But prior to getting it, I was so worried about getting the "wrong equipment" to DJ with. I made the right choice as the DDJSR2 is simple enough for me to learn the basics as a beginner. But also complex enough for me to learn and grow as I go.... but like you noted in this video. I could have probably got the same out of a hercules or DDJ 200. (I eyed the DDJ 200 first before deciding on the SR2)... point being, the gear never mattered as much as my will to do what I love. I see why good DJs always make videos about their passion... because it is the passion for music and we all go through the same process of feeling like we arent good enough... and I love your honesty in this video and it means a TON to me right now. Controllerist needs to be a respected word in this industry right now. Its okay to let go of traditional turntables because the jog wheels these days are becoming very good. And even though they are a replica of the source of this style of art. They are the future. And at this point I can barely tell the difference when watching DJs perform, whether they use vinyl or jogs, until I see their set up. The only difference I notice these days are... if the DJ appears to love what they are doing or not. Myself included. I love DJing...but all the stigmas make me so insecure sometimes. We all know the struggles of "do I hit the sync button here to save time? Or nah?" Lol. Great content bro. You are a badass!

[@DJHealingHands]

I spent a lot of time in that Guitar Center in Southfield on Northwestern Hwy. I would go in there and practice. In that Guitar Center I met 2 radio station owners whose stations I ended up being on and a woman I ended up marrying.

[@shawnolheiser8322]

I just had to sell my turntables tonight. Bills had to come first. It was heartbreaking and I was thinking well I might be able to get a cheap controller. I can admit I felt like I was majorly downgrading and would be totally judged here in Vegas. Especially coming from a set of Technics MK5’s. You my friend have humbled me. Your video was first when I opened KZbin. Your words are what I really needed tonight, and for that I thank you! Much respect!!

[@dakid52990]

Thanks i just learned how to scratch yesterday i use a ddjsb3 and only had it for a year. Watching your videos and some others on youtube pushed me to practice and learn. 👍👍

[@redizit]

If you can juggle and scratch on CDJs its still turntablism.. without the turntables. It takes a lot skill. There are still a few guys out there that use CDJS to mix by ear instead of Serato. Mixing by ear, no matter what device you use, is talent!

[@johnfry8286]

Turntablism without the turntables 😂😂😂 cdjs kill the art imo. Turntablism is the art of vinyl manipulation not pressing buttons and flicking a jog wheel. They are also restrictive at the top tier level which is why they do not get used

[@hodaridaniels8786]

I agree cdjs is just like turntables, believe me I have two Gemini Cdj 700s and a Reloop mixer. I never too much don't worry about new equipment or new technology that's something I can't control. Serato software is cool but I admire djs who use plain vinyl not the digital vinyl were use to in my genre of djs.

[@agee6894]

It isnt really turntablism than is it if there arent any turntables. Only ppl who have never even touched real vinyl say its the same and takes the same amount of skill not true watsoever real vinyl doesnt have wave forms, auto beat sync and fancy bpm counters. Some1 with real skill can tell the bpm in the first 5 seconds.

[@judekraft8104]

Thats all i knowvby ear

[@vitezslavkrcma7468]

Woooow what a story! What a lesson. Such big truth! Congratulation for not losing your dream in hard times, for finding the solutions and reaching the success!!! What an inspiration! Yes, turntables and mixer and few mixable vinyls were impossibly too expensive. Together with the high level of difficulty to learn to play well on that. That was brutally hard and for most impossible way how to start to play. CDJs did not bring enough significant drop of the price... I was just not thinking that it would be anytime affordable for me... And about 2 years ago I accidentaly found out, that Pioneer DDJ-200 exists for such tiny price 🤪 I was so shocked!!! That I can try to learn how it works for such low price! Absolut blessing! And on KZbin many your lessons how to use the controler! To fulfill the dream became about 1000x more easy!!! And once the technical part is solved... now only the artist is needed and his creativity! Thank you very much for this video, for sharing your story!!! And for all you do for the DJ community!!!!

[@andrewbonica]

Love this, bro! I can still feel your humbleness in your videos today! I’m just getting back into DJing from last doing it when DVS was still just a few years old and purists were still kinda hating on digital DJing. Like you, I just embrace whatever works and can help me make music I like. Though I’m so surprised how many DJs are using “CD”Js and this whole standalone world. Blows my mind why anyone would go stand-alone for those prices when computers are so powerful and reliable these days. Even though I FINALLY got Technics (now that I can finally afford them), I’m finding myself embracing all these new tools. My most recent purchase, which I’m most excited about, is a little Hercules Starlight controller. I just got it yesterday and plugged it into my phone last night. Holy $#!+!!! The fact that I can DJ from anywhere, with all the music in the world, using just my phone and still have pretty comprehensive hands on control with something that fits in my backpack and requires NO wall power…🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 It’s an absolute dream come true!!! 👏👏👏🥳 I was just thinking last night, I should just practice on this, because if I can sound good on this little setup, I can do anything!!! 🤘😜👍 Thanks for all the inspiration, brother! Been watching a ton of your videos while recovering from COVID and never been more excited to get back on the decks! You definitely made recovery more bearable! 🙏🙏🙏

[@vfnsp]

This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin

[@wo2746]

Started DJing in 1995 and this is one of the best videos I have ever seen on being a DJ. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@RyanFreshhh]

This is real talk. Appreciate the honesty. A lot of people will stunt and not talk about the part about being broke and trying to DJ, so it’s refreshing to hear your story.

[@carloanimationTV]

I get it I have to follow the song itself regardless of the device

[@robertpena6602]

You're the real deal PYJ, thank you for this inspiring video

[@djxsquizit]

I'm a turntablist as well and I also started Djing with turntables back in 95. The first controller I ever bought was the Pioneer SX1 when it came out, then the SX2 & now I own the beautiful Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT. Its an awesone controller bro. Its light, compact & has all the features you need. You should get one. Its like having 2 CDJs & DJM-900 mixer all in one. Job wheels and fader are awesome on it too.

[@priyonjoni]

djxsquizit thanks. I’ll be sure to pass it along to our team that you like the SRT!

[@djxsquizit]

@@priyonjoni 😊👍

[@BurstupTV]

Thanks for sharing your story. Mine is similar. I started DJing and producing in the early 1990s on hardware (Akai samplers, Technics turntables) and pressed my own vinyl. When Pioneer made the CDJ-1000, a friend who worked in a music store showed it to me, and I instantly bought two - that was in the year 1999 or 2000. Some friends thought it's cool, some turntable purists made snarky comments, but I used the CDJs on several tours with my hip hop band and it was great. Some years later when DVS became a thing, I switched to Serato + Technics turntables and had fun with that. Of course the purists were also against Serato at first xD I loved being able to play my WAV files on turntables thanks to Serato, but constant problems with feedback and breaking needles eventually made me wish for the reliablity of the CDJ setup I had used for years already at that point. And that made me give controllers a try, too. It took a while until controllers became really good. Today, I still use my Technics turntables at home, but in clubs and at festivals it's now mostly the DDJ-Rev7 or similar controllers for me. I want to give Phase a try next, or maybe some Rane Twelves.

[@djcal623]

That story was so so inspiring...thanks a million

[@DJVarMar]

Thank you for the video/story. Great info 3 years later.

[@VoyageOne1]

Straight facts!!! 💯 My own experience of learning on vinyl was more out of circumstance rather than preference (mid-late 2004). These days digital is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and more convenient

[@DJ-Dorian]

What a story! Inspirational. I also had the thought that if you don't own more expensive gear, you can't really "play" somewhwre. I have a Roland 202 dj controller, and after watching your videos, I really appreciate it more!

[@Run4Kova]

I got one to, I have so much on it and still learning how to fully use it.

[@djbikemanhendricks9316]

Talent, skills and humility. That's wah I got from this. Thanks for the story and lessons as a DJ. Bless up!!!

[@chunkychev]

This guy chats so much sense, all those DJ's that say if you don't use turntables your not a real DJ, fools ! When I started DJing there weren't any CD's let alone Serato , all I had was two technics turntables and a phonic mixer , and when the technology appeared I said Amen and ripped my records (still haven't finished) onto my laptop, and did exactly what he did bought the entry level pioneer and been there ever since , it's about the music not the labels on the equipment !

[@mykonyte]

Bro love the video I started Djing in the early 90’s when the movie Juice came out. Worked 2 summers to buy a pair of techniques 1210’s, Gemini scratch master mixer and rhino speakers. Being a broke teenager that was huge for and buying records was rough did the best I can with what I had, sadly had to sell my set up bc I couldn’t afford the lifestyle. 25 yrs a wife and 6 kids later still missed it. Watching you and Dj Carlos destroy SB3s I got my own. I was happy to be able to pick up beat matching and transitions quickly, but still struggling with scratching, transforming etc like I did on vinyl and moving platters. This video inspired me to keep practicing and I’ll get it all back and better thanks man

[@jeremycastillo4759]

This is exactly what i needed to hear. Thank you!

[@shabba9665]

Well said!!!!!! The struggle was real!!!! I was bless with a set of Technic 1200s back in the late 80s and still using them 2 this day. I had a crash lesson on the CDJs and can and will use em if I had 2.

[@floydaaron9744]

RESPECT...my story was with turntables before i even got a mixer with no Guitar Center in the 80s.

[@onelord4Eva]

Coming from Detroit And DJ’n I completely Relate to this Story and Ultimately made Stop Dj’ing But I’m making a Return. Thank you for the Inspiration my Dude.💯 #Respect

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

Nice vid. I get so sick of all the people saying what a real dj is and isn't. It's just about rocking the crowd - period.

[@patmer2087]

Thank you, I’ll hang on to my Numark mix track pro 3 and Learn everything that it can do before moving up on a better controller. I’ve been on a 20 year hiatus, bought the Numark before pandemic but got sidetracked. Now I’m watching videos (including yours) of how to use a controller and I’m floored at what my controller can do especially with stems. Also, you are absolutely correct that it’s how u use the equipment as I’ve seen dj’s with $100 controllers scratch on it and do mashups that I aspire to be able to do one day!😅

[@jonnyv7235]

Brilliant video with all the credibility to back it up. Pretty much said everything I've felt in my heart for years! Thanks for getting the DJ ego on check for the people in the back 💪

[@djs1wiley972]

You just have to believe that your saving people's lives. Its just music and performance, but you know better then anyone in the game. We all get stuck on gear, we can't help it. I appreciate your feedback on this subject and I share with all my buddies. Thank you from places only happy tears know. DJ S1

[@williamtharpe8537]

Your dedication ,mindset ,& love of music has made you a great DJ !!! Much love success!!

[@DJLILDREW1]

Awesome story! You remind me of my old days of how I stared with a home stereo and cassettes plus vinyls Back in the 90's rebel house parties. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@dwaipayansenchowdhury4171]

Could totally relate to not being able to afford expensive gears, yet grinding day in and day out to hone your skills... Major respect, from India! 🙌✴️

[@djsinless]

Very real and candid vid bro. Thanks for sharing your journey and you said it best...it's not what you use, it's how you use it.

[@ChristianAntonsen]

I wholehearted agree with you Pri Yon Joni. It's nice to see people with both talent and skills, can promote the simpler things in life. You said it the best, talent is not included with the top of the line equipment money can buy. There is too much focus on equipment instead of learning the craft and simply put, having fun. Thanks for the video.

[@blind2heart]

What’s amazing is that I’ve been scratching on a controller for a few years, past year on a ddj sx3, and I JUST got a djm s9!!! What’s interesting about that is my experience coming from scratching on controllers and bringing it over to turntables, it’s familiar and easy! I can scratch on both now

[@joserodriguez2344]

Thank you everything you said made me a better beginner DJ and let the force be with you

[@djrakman3909]

mad respect pri, i was talking to my bro dj abbott, who placed 6th in the dmc online world finals this year and he basically said he is all alone when it comes to battle controllerism, He is obviously the best in the world on a controller by rank, and he was a national dmc champ in his own right on real wax in 05. but he is on a mission to put controllers on the equal playing feild as turntables. As in he wants to be able to compete in the finals in london, at this stage in modern day times having serato being allowed and nowadays the use of buttons, there really is a valid argument to allowing a controller in all dmc events and not just online. But as he keeps saying he is all alone and there really is only a handful of guys at your calibre on controllers in the world. so what im trying to say brother pri, is that we would all love for you to enter dmc online next year, if for no other reason than to have abbotts back and who knows bro, if you guys timed things right and both kick ass in your rounds and make the top 3 after judging that would be 2 controllerists in a world final, and if there was really a battle dj on a controller to join abbott in a world final well its you my mane. so I'll just leave it at that and let you dwell on these words and proposal. Hope you actually get round to reading this novel lol. as for being broke? thats the story of my damn life, i aint djing at all atm until i can afford new carts and needles and cross faders so I know exactly how it feels. peace brother pri

[@priyonjoni]

djrakman you know, controllers are allowed in Red Bull 3Style rules now. Wasn’t the case 4 years ago.

[@djrakman3909]

@@priyonjoni word, abbott is gonna enter this year he was saying, but he still needs more numbers for dmc onlie next year. ya'll should start rounding up your troops

[@china1013]

Wow. Great upload. Subbed because of this video. Now I definitely wanna go digital. Thank you.

[@courtneywalle498]

I learned on a Guitar Center setup too, and it was also the CDJ-1000 MKII and DJM-800 setup also! It was their display setup. A Guitar Center employee in the Pro Audio department taught me the basics and I practiced on their display setup and that’s how I got started. Love your story!

[@priyonjoni]

Courtney Walle glad to hear your story! Look forward to seeing you mix.

[@ajalikeasia]

“Skill comes 1st, gear comes 2nd” 💯 I have an SB2 that has been going strong for a few years now. This was a great video! #newsubbie

[@djlongoria4081]

Q

[@jrit88]

Real guy. Real advice. Thank you.

[@djhype1983]

Same here bro! I started the same way, on turntables in 1995. Then bought CDJ-800'S in 2002, then serato in 2006 the rest is history.

[@DjLyRiX]

I love my DDJ 400. I have my pro setup and it’s fun at home. But to Weddings or any travel, I enjoy my low end controller which no one can tell the difference, until they come look. 😂 You are the man bro.

[@djpony1000]

That was awesome brother DJ Pony

[@muratabiri705]

So much respect for sharing your no nonsense story about what it's all about!

[@jyoungspins2200]

I started back in the late 80's on a pair of straight arm - belt drive - Technics with a Radio Shack Realistic mixer. On that setup, I learned the fundamentals of DJ'ing...then I moved up to a pair of 1200's and a professional Numark Mixer...it was only until this past February where I broke down and bought the Pioneer DDJ 1000 and I LOVE IT! Mainly because I can get all 70's and 80's dance classics, that I couldn't find on vinyl or was way too expensive to justify buying. To me, that's the one huge plus for me...It's been years since I've done parties however with this Pioneer, I just may throw my hat back out there.

[@DJSt3rling]

You said it best! You can buy nice gear, but you can't buy talent! PRACTICE!

[@bluemantom77]

i been djing since 1990 and started on turntables and did not have top of the line they where hard to use i have technics 1200's but love my controller people diss me for using the controller i own i dont care thank you for sharing

[@trurock1]

“Skills come first. Gear comes second.” Straight up!

[@dreddiknight]

I remember getting my first turntable, then my second... Both crappy second hand belt drives that I learned to scratch on... Tentatively! It doesn't matter the gear; of you want something to find ways... 30 years or so later I have turntables, make music with Ableton live and logic, have a Roland dj808 etc, etc... And it feels good although I'm no longer in the industry, but your story reminds me of that hunger and growth that help define a person... Big up!

[@DJMonee727]

THANK YOU for SHARING YOUR STORY!!! I LOVE MY DDJ400 and IM GONNA LEARN TO USE IT to It’s MAXIMUM POTENTIAL!!! PLUS IT’s USB POWERED !!! 🎶🎶🎶🎧🎧🎧👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Navolicious]

absolutely loved this video. Excellent work man. Seriously got me inspired.

[@QuintSEnce]

Excellent advice... this applies to anybody and everybody, from musicians - to DJ's to Producers and anybody who is somehow involved in the music environment - "Love What You Do... Not What You Do it On."

[@priyonjoni]

perfect quote!

[@QuintSEnce]

@@priyonjoni Thank you.

[@SuperDelusionist]

Dude... I Started mixing at parties with a Radio Shack Realistic mixer, two tape decks with a "no pitch" turntable... Make do with what you have and can afford, and work your way up to better equipment. Mixing and rocking a crowd is an artform... It takes an artist who can adapt with to tools he has available to him (or, her)... Great vid, and great insight!

[@ninodeguzman2977]

So inspiring tips.thanks pri yon joni.more blessing to you.

[@hot4futureyears2come]

Nice story. thanks to you i was able to juggle and perform as i do with turntables on CDJ set. You are a master on the small jogwheel, I can seem to master it. But i do like spinning on CDJ's . But truth be told i totally feel my best on two turntable and a mixer. like you said you feel best with the one you bond with. Have a great time in Germany !!

[@theinfinitetrip4283]

Fantastic attitude and work ethic here. I sometimes mess around with a dj controller but i am primarily a musician / producer and all of your comments about what gear you use are equally applicable to that also. Guitars and synths are really affordable today and also computers. There are tons of free legal software and plug ins out there that can be used to make quality music if you learn and apply yourself.Basically the quality is in what you produce and not what you use to produce it. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@djyamix3095]

Great story and echo your sentiment of skill first. I started DJing in the early 80s on my pops Pioneer component stereo system which came with a belt drive turntable with a dial speed adjustment control with no markings on how much pitch was changing and mixing and scratching with up faders only on my Radio Shack Realistic 32-1100a Stereo Mixer. That's all I could afford in high school. A lot of great memories trying to make the most out of what I had. LOL The ability to gig without having to carry crates upon crates of records is one of the greatest advancements in "mobile DJing". Though crate diving and flipping through record bins still bring a lot of joy to me still to this day! Cheers!

[@hardrainentertainment6015]

Has to be one of the most inspiring vids, brooooooo I totally relate, I'm a old turntable head, but 99 percent of my gigs I'm doing with my ddj rr, the features, the tools, the weight , and not so much cables involved. I agree with this vid. The crowd is not gonna care what system your using, there gonna care about keeping that floor going. Best vid you dropped.

[@kapisithekid2843]

I know I’m late to this VLOG, but humble beginings lead to great success brother. I agree with you on skill….Great story and thanks for sharing.

[@jimc1499]

This is an amazing store the true passion was there plus talent so you were miles ahead of everyone

[@houzjunkie]

This right here. Full respect.

[@john_vincent]

REAL SHIT! Great story! Not changing to a controller or anything, but I've sent the video to my sister whom I bought a NS7 to learn mixing.

[@Mr.Brolic]

Dope sorry 🙌🏾 I’m the same I use traktor and I get djs bashing me I’m like why do u care wat I use a lot of people can’t be there, Selfs they have to fit in 🤷🏾 and I use hp laptop I get the job done big ups to you for being yourself and sharing your story 💙🙌🏾

[@djbis]

I can so relate with this video. And mannnnn.... I can so remember how excited I was when I heard that Pioneer was about to come out with a proper "CD Turntable" (CDJ-1000) that you could scratch on. I started saving immediately and it took me forever, but finally I bought them and loved playing with them for many years. I never even upgraded to their newer MK2 and MK3's because I liked how they sounded better. Then, around 2007 DVS allowed me to bond with my old ass 1200MKII's again, and I rocked the SL1 box until the TTM-57 came out. These were amazing years when controllers were starting to become a real viable option but I just could never see me abandoning the feel and comfort of a big 12" platter. Not wanting to succumb into little 7" platters that were tough to handle, felt "cheap", and often had issues like sticker drift I swore I'd never go the controller route... But I really needed something more compact as some gigs I was playing really didn't favor my turntables anymore. I searched and tested all the options I could find until finally stumbled into an unlikely but very capable candidate: Denon's SC3900 9" motorized platter... It was such nicely designed unit (I am still using them) with great feel almost as close as my 1200's, but just a bit more compact which allowed me to put them in a coffin with my 57 and later a 62. In my mind I was still rocking turntables... the feel was so great and the form-factor so perfect! LOL Fast forward 5 or more years and the type of gigs I am doing now feature smaller and smaller DJ booths that no longer care for turntables or even a setup like the one I had in my coffin... I begrudgingly started to fear what was to come: downsizing yet again, to one of those "ugly feeling", tiny controllers I swore to never ever use in my life... hahahaha Silly me! Recovering from brain cancer and no longer able to carry the heavy coffin into ever shrinking "booths" and more awkward "stages" I had to finally bite the bullet and get to searching for a super compact controller that somehow stood up to my requirements, specially in the "feel" department. A while passed but eventually I did meet a fine little lady that surprised me not only with great feels, but all the bells and Serato whistles that one could ask for. I couldn't believe it! What was I about to do???? yep, pulled my wallet out and got married to an SX3 controller!!! 😂 Fast forward yet again, and today I have bonded to her so much that I actually feel just like you did with your SB2. And that really got me in the feels... I don't itch to play on my S9 and SC3900's as much anymore, given that the compact sweetness and ease of use and setup with the SX3 has literally changed how I DJ. Aww shit. I dun' wrote a book man. I'm sorry! LOL I am liking, subbing, and sharing this story. Great stuff!

[@jamesw2831]

Great story. It inspired me to get the best out of the Mixtrack Platinum I bought. But honestly, I found a DDJ 400 and some all in one media players for dirt cheap and since I plan on making this a side career to my day job...I might just work with them. Thanks. This was inspiring. I remember my dad had 12s and a Mixer. He didn't upgrade hardware every year either. He made what he had work.

[@DJ90-UK]

Fair play 👏🏾. Honestly I have tried the controllers and found them to be not as responsive as my 1200 serato setup. Being a DJ today I think you have to be able to use both. Some venues and locations do not allow you to take your preferred kit. Controllers are very convenient for sure

[@ItsWesSmithYo]

Dope story…I transitioned similar and recently went back to 1200’s in the studio just because I miss the 12” form factor and yeah, cause phase 😂 but also…man, the CDJ cost is OUT of control. Good move on controllers. Also, guitar center should get royalties from all of us getting that free studio time 🖤😎🙌 party on G

[@superstardjsyko]

I love this video.....I had the purist mindset for a looooong time. I finally jumped to Serato and was a purist with scratch live up until 2019. Now, I'm doing more gigs than my old good ol days because of having an open mindset to DJing. I'm now in the market of a controller (been using turntables). But I'm looking at high end controllers. This video is making me think that I shouldn't count out the smaller controllers.

[@DjGCue71]

FACTS AF!!!! PREACH ON BROTHER

[@andyrechenberg]

Treat gear as a musical instrument. I’ve been telling people that since I started DJing in the 80’s. Skill comes first, gear comes second. I’ve always had trouble with non-moving platters. Gotta start practicing on those 😁 Thanks for this one. Cheers.

[@icleave]

Thanks for sharing your struggle and journey!

[@scitch34]

Dude this was awesome! Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@geraldfirme1213]

Great job Pare!. Pinoy represent!!

[@awkwardsquadproject]

You are in its purist form........Hip Hop in thought process and attitude. Easily my number one youtuber in this field. In my eyes you are totally undervalued and I don't think people truly understand what a struggle it was before the cdj 's arrived. In my case it was the cdj-500 and then Pioneer launching the Pdr-05 the first standalone CD-R recorder with the blank discs costing £20 for 74mins (yes I'm that old) 👏👏💯👌

[@priyonjoni]

Daft Funk Punks so awesome you had the CDJ-500s. My CDJ-500Ss were stolen two years ago in a burglary 😩. I wanted to take a photo of them next to a CDJ-2000 but never got a chance. Thank goodness for renter’s insurance. The money helped me get my Pioneer XPRS-15 powered speakers.

[@awkwardsquadproject]

Thank goodness indeed. The CDJ-500s was great it had anti-vibration I had the model before CDJ-500 which would skip if the bass was too much in the club. Great, well thought out content on your channel. Thank you.

[@rubenbjerregaard9455]

I think this is your best video!

[@g67early]

An inspired testimony, one to I can definitely relate too. I bought the DDJ SB2 in 2016 which was good for my novice skill level wishing it had the censor function on the lite version. So when the DDJ SB3 Was released I purchased that, and still use it today. I gave my SB2 to my nephew because he's into scratching. He's always watching different videos and trying to reproduce the same scratch. Some he can do a lot needs work,but he'll get there.

[@WickedWaiata]

My boy Abbott just entered the 2019 online contest using a controller - juggling on that thing is so much harder than turntables so salute to you

[@djrakman3909]

fuck some of the judges though, a few of them placed him in last........

[@johnfry8286]

you'll never see someone win a turntablism comp on CDjs/controller mate. Never happen. Phase needles basically do most of the benefits of CDJs but allow you to still use decks and do way more tricks than CDJs allow.

[@djrakman3909]

@@johnfry8286 never say never, phase has been out for months

[@johnfry8286]

@@djrakman3909 it's not been out long but caused more excitement in turntablism in months than cdjs have in years. Noise reduction and saving carrying records aside I don't why anyone would opt for cdjs tbh, who is into scratching and wants to learn.

[@elcheapooutdoors7883]

Man this video was an inspiration to practice more on my ddj400

[@hidefstef]

you from where im from!! GC right off Northwestern! Small world! Love your content bro! Truly an inspiration!

[@mangadolo]

I started way back making analog mixtapes then turntables and was broke for ten years and could only mix and produce on my iPhone - now finally I can get a new MacBook Pro and will pair it with an entry level controller inspired by this video.