🎵 SL-1200

The Technics SL-1200 record player is based on the world’s first Direct Drive Turntable System from Technics, launched in 1970. 

The SL-1200 signalled the birth of DJ culture and is still on sale today 50 years later. It is available to purchase globally from approx. £900 GBP / $1,300 USD.

This iconic turntable is still the go-to product for DJs and musicians all over the world. In fact, it is classified by some people as a musical instrument! 

Much like an S-Class Mercedes, the SL-1200 remains available for purchase today, boasting the latest refinements and top-tier audio components that position this turntable at the pinnacle of its class. Mention ‘S-Class’ to anyone, and they’ll instantly recognize the prestige associated with it, without even needing to hear the word ‘Mercedes.’ Similarly, a simple utterance of ‘SL-1200’ anywhere in the world often suffices to convey that you’re referring to the legendary Technics turntable.

History 

Prior to the launch of Direct Drive, turntables were driven by a belt. The disadvantages of belt driven turntables included noise generation, vibration, and rotation irregularities. All of which lowered the quality of music reproduction and less enjoyment of listening to recorded music. 

After the launch of the Direct Drive system by Technics, several key features were added including a die-cast body, an integrated tonearm and a platter. This integrated structure had a major impact on the disco/club scene in the 1970s because people could now take their Technics record players to “block parties” where they could play their own music. 

Features

Several features of the SL-1200 make it the only turntable to buy for DJs and serious musicians:

Pitch Control - this is what made for a new chapter in music history. Club DJs began using this function to match the pitch between two tracks to achieve smooth transition. This technique led to the explosive popularity of the SL-1200 worldwide.

S-shaped Tonearm - provides high tracking performance without stylus skipping even under hard usage such as scratching.

Stable Operation under All Conditions - Each insulator foot consists of an internal spring and rubber. And if the turntable can’t be set up on a perfectly level surface, its height and inclination can be adjusted by turning individual insulator feet.

You can check out all of these features in detail on Technics’ special SL-1200 product page (link below).

Further Information

- Technics SL-1200 Brand Site - click here
- Features Page - click here
- History page - click here

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Image credits: Images from technics.com/global

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