What to look for with 2nd hand 1200's?

[tigger]

Finally, decided to buy decks and postpone my o/s adventures for six months.

I'm wanting to buy some 2nd hand technics and was wondering what I should look for so that I don't get a pair that are all screwed up.

Is it worth buying second hand? If so what should I be looking for?

Also any suggestions on a beginner's mixer (new or 2nd hand?) would be appreciated too.

THANKS :)

[Sean]

have a browse thru this forum there are a few posts similar to this.

but there is a guy in the buy/sell forum selling NEW 1200's for $1300. jump on that.

[tigger]

1200's were already sold. DAMN!!!

I thought there was a thread about what to look for with 2nd hand decks a while ago but can't find it :(

Can anyone help me? :tripping:

[pottsie]

hey man

i just bought a couple of 2nd hand technics, so have a few things i should have looked for to pass on.

1st make sure that everything is there, obvious i know, but make sure the anti skate knob is there, and the arm in intact and looking good. then make sure the pitch adjuster works smoothly, and finally that the stylus is can take some action, and everything is adjusted correctly and doesn't skip when you back spin or skratch. also make sure the cables are okay by giving them a wiggle, if they crackle they're on their way out

all obvious stuff i know, but i hope it help s you get a good deal. remember buy technics, don't get sidetracked, if you buy 2 good ones for less that 1500 you'll sell them for the same price, anything else will depreciate

cheers

pottsie

[booker]

Probably one of the most important things is make sure its running at the right speeds.

Thats what the the dots on the side and the red light are for. If the pitch is set to 0% and one of the rows of dots do not appear to be steady then its not running right.

The other sized dots are for checking the other speed +3% and -3% but most likely if one of them is fux0red then they will probably all be like that.

They still might be able to keep a constant speed, but you cant be sure of it.

Good luck :)

[tigger]

Anyone else got any tips?

(bump in disguise :p)

[enigmatize]

The most important thing is to definately buy Technics 1200's don't go with any other brand as Technics will retain their value for years of usage. Don't buy 1210's, as they are not only ugly but from working in a repair shop I can tell you we see a lot with balance problems. Also, consider investing in some electrical contact cleaner, for your pitch control and your mixers. It costs around 10 bucks and is the best way to ensure your faders stay smooth...