The Technics 1210 series..

Overview

I had just turned 17 when I got my first set of Technics 1210s, after being involved in music from a young age and had performed for many private party's through my teens I gradually become more and more intrigued to learn more in depth about how music was mixed and how the real "Big Boys" did it..

First Opinion's

Before I purchased my own set of Technics I had already had quite a bit of practice with the 1210, my Dad had owned a pair as I was growing up and even when I was just tall enough to look over the decks I couldn't wait to get involved and learn to beat-match from very young.

As I went though my teens I went round friends house's slightly older than myself who were already lucky enough to have a set of these legendary decks in their mini studios, after been constantly jealous of not having my own set I decided to save a painful £580 which then allowed me to get my own "as-new" pair of eBay. The cost of the model hasn't really changed much since when I bought mine back over 6 years ago as they are still selling re-conditioned and similar quality units for around £500 a pair, however some in poorer quality can be found at CashConverters etc for just over £300!


The Design

The Technics 1210 MK2 design is one which is known and respected globally.. Weighing in at around 15KG each they are not the DJs best friend for being transported, however its speaks for itself that the unit is without a doubt very durable and even with knocks, bumps etc doesn't seem to damage very easily. The unit has a professional black and grey "sleek" type of finish which really stands out in any bedroom, DJ box or recording studio.

Simplicity is one word that springs to mind when I look at the ease of use and professional sound quality which is constantly delivered from this series, although there is no fancy features which you may find on newer turntables there is exactly everything you need to play and mix music professionally.

Featuring a turn-knob as the power connector, brightly lit target light, direct driven platter and a singular
0-8% pitch range.. There really isn't much else that a DJ would need minus the mixer and headphones of course!!

The platter itself is chrome with stylish all round which create a great looking effect when used in a low lit area, replaceable LED's can be purchased and replaced quite cheaply and there is also a range of different colours which can be used to customise the decks to the individuals requirements.

Sound & Performance

Well the main reason that I purchased my Technics and im sure many would agree is down to the consistent quality that is received ALL of the time, In my history of Technics in terms of everyone I know who has owned, used, hired, sold etc there are never any mid-use problems which aren't something really trivial like a loose cable, broken stylus etc so reliability is a huge plus for this particular model, even in comparison to the newer MK5 release there have been less problems over a longer period reported with the MK2, which when you relate to the unit being industry standard for over 30 years that's a long duration of very happy users!

Overall sound quality is probably the best that I've experienced coming from Records, as with all music quality improves through technology and time so we can't always expect crystal clear high definition but when using a good set of Carts & Stylus's with a pair of MK2's you really won't find a much better sound delivered.

There are also two ground cables attached to the units which are used to counter-act static and interference which can be a big nuisance with some other decks!


Pitch Control

My first ever experience of the MK2 gave me an eye-opening insight in to just how precisely accurate the pitch adjustment really was, Its not the type of thing you can really describe in text however the common phrase that I will never forget was "When using Technics, Cue to 0% Pitch on both decks... Job Done" Now any DJ will know that you can't just do that with any genre of music but when using music of similar BPM's the Technics will hold the beats exact seamlessly which really does just make the job a breeze!


Pricing & Retail Comparison

In terms of Turntables, CD Decks and anything DJ really.. There is at least 10x more choice of products available on the market today which can of course effect individual sales for some company's. I feel that regardless of how many products come on the market it will really take a big jump in technology with something outstandingly amazing to even budge Technics in to second place.

As far as I am aware Technics no longer produce this particular model however due to the amount of sales of the model over the years their must be units floating around in every corner of the globe! If you check out eBay you will sure to find a pair somewhere close to you,, or check with local DJ outlets who may have backstock from before or leads to point you in the right direction.


Conclusion

People love Music, DJs love Technics, If you own a pair.. then say no more!
If you don't,, then invest in a pair whilst you can!

Thanks for reading.