Help wanted re, My First Decks. . . .

[jah pat]

Awwwwwww... ain't it cute. Postin this in here 'cos you're all nicer than them main forum meanies

Gonna finally get some decks gwan on. Standard topic i know, but anyone give me some pointers.... I ain't a total noob though, know a little... Mixer advice too if ya feeling helpful.

Suggestions? Ebay fun? I am a poor student, think 1210's are out of my range....

PD-1s any good?

[FSTZ]

get 1200's

[enzyme]

Tech1200's. End of story. Mine have lasted 12 years without a single problem.

[jah pat]

Right fuckit.... I'll do it properly then....

Ma sorry arse is gonna be hanging off in two months time (not by doing 'that' kinda work though..)... Better be worth it guys.....

[shonky]

I managed to pick up a pair of 1200's for £250 off e-bay and they seem to be totally ok. It might be better if you can find some advertised in the local free paper so that you can have a look at them before you buy (preferably with a mate that's clued up on decks so you know what to look out for).

Otherwise, I think you can pick up a pair new for £6-700 or maybe less, so you should get some warranty with them.

[kidlogic]

Dont know how big its gotten over there, but in LA the place to get stuff like that is www.craigslist.com.... dont know if this helps, but I regularly see full DJ setups for $500 or so, two techs and a mixer...

[pk-]

Dont know how big its gotten over there, but in LA the place to get stuff like that is www.craigslist.com.... dont know if this helps, but I regularly see full DJ setups for $500 or so, two techs and a mixer...

i think gumtree's the equivalent of craigslist isnt it?

[thomas]

You need two




sorry, yeh technics i would advise (my PDX are sound like, but techs are better for mixing IMO), industry standard i wouldnt advise anything else really.

Mixer, i love my vcm002, but there are loads of others in the same price range (100-200) which are prob better n that.

Its all about the speakers though, i wish i upgraded mine when i had a little more money.

[the wiggle baron]

if you perservere with ebay you can get some stonking deals.

I got myself a pair of very nice condition 1210's (situation where hed bought them with plans of being the next q-bert, then realised it takes a bit too much time/money! ) with ortofon DJ S cartridges or whatever for £300.

I felt like id robbed the guy

Edit: And a mate of mine got himself a pair of 1210's (again in wicked condition!) for 240!!! Both times it was where the reserve hadnt been met, so they didnt sell, but just emailed the guy and sorted something out.

[tha_illsta]

defo 1200'S OR 1210'S (MK II)

If you are on a budget, and buy a cheap set that turn out to be in disrepair,

NOT TO WORRY!!!!

Technics are easily servicable!!!!

Contact me and I'll help you get them fixed.

When buying, check the following carefully:

1. Check the on/off rotating switch, should not be really loose.
2. Check the brake, platter should start and stop rapidly when functional.
3. Check the pitch fader, again should not be too loose.
Don't worry if there is no "click" at the zero position (this could be a modification which is fine and helps with mixing (disables Quartz lock))
4. Check the tonearm base and tonearm in general for movement (other than the regular swing L/R and up down of course) Check tonearm for dents, chips, cracks or looks out of shape
*THIS IS V-IMPORTANT* TONEARMS COST A PACKET
5. Check the stylus cartridge for movement at the fixing collar, when cartridge is fitted - there should be no rotational movement possible
6. Remove the platter (CAREFULLY NOW) this is done by removing the slip-mat if fitted and pulling directly upwards v.gently using the finger holes. Check inside for signs of wear, metal dust e.t.c. Check the magnet on the platter underside for chipping, scratches or other wear. Refit VERY CAREFULLY and also check for any side to side movement (should be rock solid)
7. Check the pitch accuracy and stability, do this by visually checking the "dot ring" on the platter edge - start the platter rotating and examine the small dots next to the strobe (the red/blue/white light onder the on/off switch) Adjust the pitch at 33 AND 45 so that the appropriate band of dots appear motionless (don't have it on quartz lock (green/blue/white light next to pitch fader)
8. Check the spotlight is operational (press the little button near front of deck on top) The spotlight should glide up smoothly and light should be on)
*THIS IS NOT ESSENTIAL* MANY DECKS (inc.. fwd>>) DON'T HAVE THIS IN OPERATION, AND REPAIR IS RELATIVELY CHEAP.
9. Check casing and feet for excessive wear , scratches, chips e.t.c.
*THIS IS A SIGN OF LONG USAGE / CARELESS HANDLING*
10. Check lid is included if not fitted ( useful for transport/ keeping dust off when not in use)
* AGAIN, PRESENCE IS A SIGN OF CAREFUL OWNER*
11. Check the phono and earth leads for damage
12. TRY PLAYING A RECORD!!!! make sure there's a good equal signal on both left and right channels, and no loss or crackling when you wiggle the leads slightly.
14. Check the 7" 45 convertor is present (steel disc in recess at back of top)
* AGAIN NOT ESSENTIAL, BUT PRESENCE IS A SIGN OF CAREFUL USE*
15. Check for hire company stickers or marking (poss. U.V.)
*YOU DO NOT WANT EX HIRE COMPANY DECKS!!!!!!!*
16. HAVE FUN !!!!!!!!

Any probs P.M. me ok?

F.Y.I - my pal bought a pair a couple/few years ago for £150 slight disrepair mainly cosmetic otherwise perfect NOW IN FAULTLESS DAILY USE !!!! look hard for bargains....they're out there!!!!

Also if you can stretch budget to new'uns - with careful use they should last 20++++ years, mine have...and try not to drop them down stairs when running from cops busting yo' party/radio station...they'll prob still work though!!! (again mine are o.k.)

OH...AND try not to spill too much beer down 'em, they don't like it much.

[jah pat]

Illsta:

Thanks for that buddy.... Much appreciated.

I'll let ya know how i get on, looking like 1200's from eBay or the free papers for me then. safe....

Big up all of ya....

[gravious]

1. Check the on/off rotating switch, should not be really loose.

Yeah, surprisingly expensive to get fixed...

15. Check for hire company stickers or marking (poss. U.V.)
*YOU DO NOT WANT EX HIRE COMPANY DECKS!!!!!!!*

Too right. Also, check for marks left by the current owner. I got mine off t'internet, and they have some other guy's name and post code cut into the casing with a chisel, so if they ever get nicked and then recovered by the police, that fucker will probably be getting them back...

OH...AND try not to spill too much beer down 'em, they don't like it much.

True. Dry them out tho, and they'll probably work fine again!

Unfortunately, the same theory doesn't seem to apply to the record that was on said turntable at the time...


Another tip: Don't throw tennis balls about in the room when your decks are set up. I guarantee you they will head straight for your tone-arm clips like fucking heat-seeking missiles. Managed to break both mine off within about a week of getting my techs. Not too hard to sort out thankfully!

[tha_illsta]

Don't throw tennis balls about in the room when your decks are set up.

Yes, nor glass pub ashtrays - a la myself, decks don't like them at all

[jah pat]

Hehee

Serious result here, two 1210's in proper nice condition with newish ortofon stylus'..... 220 quid....



Now i just need some skillz in ma fingers

[tha_illsta]

Hehee

Serious result here, two 1210's in proper nice condition with newish ortofon stylus'..... 220 quid....



Now i just need some skillz in ma fingers

Well done

Told you you could do it.

ortofon cartridges! NICE. Are they Concorde type?

great sound quality in my opinion, but can be vulnerable to breakage if you are a heavy-duty scratchmaster..watchout if you intend to do this a lot, or buy a set of SHURE M447 for the purpose.

Now: don't forget to TAKE CARE of the bastards

and unfortunately, skills cannot be bought second hand off of e-bay.

As far as I know..

good luck..

[obiwan]

Wish this thread got made BEFORE i got my decks; the worst Numark deck ever, mixed and matched with my brothers Technics deck from the early eighties. The Numark is new and sometimes slowly powers down to nothing for no reason! Oh yeah and I've got a top of the range mixer as well... NAAAAAAT!!!!!!

[tha_illsta]

my brothers Technics deck from the early eighties.

Cool!

Is it a 1200 MK I!!!!!

loved those things, albeit larger than the MK II, III e.t.c.

The original Hip-Hop apparatus!!!!

[obiwan]

Nah, it's an SL-D202!!!!!?????????? Literally 1980 is what I meant by early eighties.

[tha_illsta]

Nah, it's an SL-D202!!!!!?????????? Literally 1980 is what I meant by early eighties.

That's not so bad, I remember those, have used one myself at times.

At least it has pitch control. I remember that little wheel on the front panel being quite good in some ways.

that deck sounds quite nice as well.

[slim]

Mate of mine wants to get into djing and is looking at one of those "dj in a box" deals a la this: http://www.decks.co.uk/products/dj_deck ... er2package

She can probably get them at about half price though.

Would you advise that i suggest something else or do you think they are good enough for now at least?