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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Buying used turntables?

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Hi I'm currently on the market for some direct drive turntables. I found a Technics 1200mkII on craigslist and I got the guy down to a good price ($250). He says its in nice shape and comes with a case. I asked for pictures before I take the drive to check it out. Is there anything that I should look for in the pics as a red flag? Or if I decide to go look at it what should I keep a eye out for?
 
Posted Wed 29 Sep 10 @ 6:41 am
You def need to see it working first.

Check it turns on (!), check the platter starts up quickly, check it changes speed and that the large dots on the platter
look like they're staying still under the strobe light (when the pitch is at zero).

Check that the pitch slider moves smoothly and doesn't feel rough. Check that the platter actually does speed up and slow
down when you move the pitch (check the large dots to see if they start going forwards or backwards).

Check the cue light works when it's popped up. Check that the arm feels smooth and moves easily when lifted up & down
and also when moved horizontally across the platter.

Check that it's possible to 'float' the stylus a few mm above the record and have it 'hover' there (do this by adjusting the counterweight and the anti-skating knob). Check that the damped arm lifting lever works. Check that the cables are not damaged anywhere along their length - especially at either end where they're more likely to get stressed.

Check that the connection between the arm and cartridge is not too wobbly. There is a bit of horizontal play on mine, but no movement in any other plane.

Er... I think that's it!
 
Great stuff man, thanks alot
 
Buying tehnics 1200's used is good. I bought many pairs used. Just make sure that they don't looked abused. Abused one's could be Really scratched up, Broken base legs, The pitch control button missing, The tone arm is wobbly. You can get a good pair from 400-500.

When you press the stop button and the platter stop but goes backwards, Its just a sensor adjsutment setting. Lift up the steel wheel and inside the plastic, you will see the two adjsutment wheels.
 
For me I always make sure the tone arm and tone arm assembly are not bent and its not wobbly. I too have bought many used pairs and he's right if they look abused they probably have been, lol.

Just my 2 cents
Huey
 
Thanks for the advice guys. Hopefully this 1200 checks out good and I can to some vinyl scratching
 
Also don't forget to take it OUT of the road case and inspect the bottom and sides and take a good look at the A/C cord, Ground and RCA cables from the base of the TT (you're checking for damaged/frayed cables, ex. tape wrapped around them etc.) if so you can either pass on the deck or have them drop the price even more as these can all be rewired. If you have someone you trust that's familiar with tech's ask them to roll wit ya too! Good luck...
 
Like beat breaker was saying definitely check out the tone arm, I would run my fingers up and down it feeling for any little nicks or dents(especially under where it rests on the left assembly). If you feel any there is a chance the arm might be bent and or the bearings might be bad. getting that replaced can be upward of $150.00
 


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