Would You Take This Challenge?

[WOStantonCS100]

I'm thinking about it, just to prove (to whom, I don't know :lol: ) just how far down a 1200 can go and still be brought back to life.

Be thou prepared for a HORROR. :eek: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TECHNICS-SL-1200-mk2-Turntable-4-PARTS-STANTON-Cart-/140693214735?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item20c1f8160f

[MartinT]

LOL - that is truly well beaten up. As a restoration project, it could be done as virtually everything is available. However, the top plate doesn't look too good and that's going to need some work to fill and finish it.

$99? Sounds a bit high to me, but could be worth a go.

[WOStantonCS100]

$99? Sounds a bit high to me, but could be worth a go.

It is high. This guy would be making out like a bandit. Maybe I should just rumage through the trash outside some downtown clubs. :lol:

[Macca]

It is high. This guy would be making out like a bandit. Maybe I should just rumage through the trash outside some downtown clubs. :lol:

Which is undoubtably where he found that piece of scrap. $99 to start :eek: - it's unfounded optimisim like that which got mankind where he is today ;)

[sq225917]

Probably worth it for the motor and platter alone if you want to diy one.

[Marco]

Yes, but it doesn't power up, so perhaps the motor is fooked?

All you'd have then is a 100 Dollar ornament - and a bloody ugly one at that! ;)

Marco.

[DaveK]

FWIW I bought mine (in UK) for a little more than that (£75) in working condition, 1 foot hanging loose, and much better cosmetic condition.
IMHO the guy should sell it as a source for spare parts with no reserve price, that's all it's fit for :(

[WOStantonCS100]

Wow... more than one person bid on it. I was not one of them. I've gotten much better deals on 1200's.

[Smoker]

truly shocking! he buys purses too :lol:

[Bwaze]

I'd probably be able to revive this thing now... New arm, new ON/OFF button, repainted base... And even if all the innards are fried, that's only 50 EUR replacement job...

Mine wasn't in much better condition, although the seller has described it as in perfect running order. Base was all thrashed around the edges, tonearm has obviously suffered a hit (bent and bearings shot), it was full of dirt and dust, no dust cover, spindle / bearing was bent... I replaced all the worn parts with new ones, and it runs perfectly. I only have to deal with the cosmetics now.

[realysm42]

I saw this at the top of his auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RoyLCraft-Sound-Improvement-Service-Technics-SL-1200MK2-Audiophile-Turntable-/330633880082?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3D UA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D140693214735%26ps%3D63%26clk id%3D6144343583194276534

Lol at the blue led, I'm sure that improves sound quality.

[DaveK]

Lol at the blue led, I'm sure that improves sound quality.

Given what I've seen posted on here by self appointed audiophile HiFi experts as guranteed to improve the SQ (if your ears and kit are resolving enough to hear it), who are you to suggest that it may not ;) :lol:
Dave (with tongue stuck firmly in cheek :) )

[nat8808]

Hmm... even though the price was slightly high (I've seen better 1210s go for cheaper) this wouldn't be a challenge to anyone who can hold a screwdriver.

The problems are all cosmetic: broken, cheap stanton headshell - who cares?; casing around the strobe is missing - again, what's the problem with that?; scuffed top plate - again cosmetic.

So, it doesn't power up? If the lights turned on then the seller would say "lights come on but turntable doesn't start". Therefore the problem is before the DD electronics e.g. the power supply but most likely just a FUSE! I bet the motor is absolutely fine (anyway, the motor part wouldn't be a problem it would be the control electronics).

So... if I was challenged and there was something in it for me, I'd take it on any day of the week! Now who wants to make it worth my while for the next one? £250 over the cost of restoration (parts AND time!)?

The idea that something is only good for scrap based on looks is why there are so many bargains out there to be had..

[WOStantonCS100]

The idea that something is only good for scrap based on looks is why there are so many bargains out there to be had..

I do agree. Still, like Dave, I've gotten "no issue/better looking" 1210's for less than the final price of that beat to heck deck... ...which, by the way, ended at $152!!!!

I did exchange "pleasantries" with the seller. Turns out, it's a lady. I guess that explains the purses. And, I guess that's where she's going to put the $152.

[Mike_New]

Hi Biff,
This is probably a truly beaten up machine. You can see the brass taper on the bearing poking up through the top of the platter by a fair distance. My guess would be that the platter could need replacing as the taper has been stretched by much on-and-offing.

[WOStantonCS100]

Hi Biff,
This is probably a truly beaten up machine. You can see the brass taper on the bearing poking up through the top of the platter by a fair distance. My guess would be that the platter could need replacing as the taper has been stretched by much on-and-offing.

Hopefully, whoever did buy it will find this forum (and the info it contains). They might need it. ;) I hope whoever won the auction does actually restore it. Better to be singing in someone's system than lamenting in someone's landfill.

[WOStantonCS100]

I saw this at the top of his auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RoyLCraft-Sound-Improvement-Service-Technics-SL-1200MK2-Audiophile-Turntable-/330633880082?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3D UA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D140693214735%26ps%3D63%26clk id%3D6144343583194276534

Lol at the blue led, I'm sure that improves sound quality.

I'm starting to see a lot more "modified" (ie. cosmetically altered / painted) 1200s. Some have been done very well; however, in many instances the result(s) make me want to cry. :( I guess there is no accounting for taste.

[nat8808]

Hi Biff,
This is probably a truly beaten up machine. You can see the brass taper on the bearing poking up through the top of the platter by a fair distance. My guess would be that the platter could need replacing as the taper has been stretched by much on-and-offing.

Ah, but Mike you are a manufacturer of Techie parts that are based on ideals of perfection..

I reckon many many 1210s are like this but no average person would really notice. First time I've seen a close-up photo of a spindle in a 1210 listing..

I wouldn't take a machine like this to turn into an audiophile deck without replacing many parts but I bet it can be working and back into the DJ-ing world or as a basic set-up with just a fuse and new headshell. Ok, who knows about the arm bearings but I was ignoring that bit..

[Dingdong]

I saw this at the top of his auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RoyLCraft-Sound-Improvement-Service-Technics-SL-1200MK2-Audiophile-Turntable-/330633880082?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3D UA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D140693214735%26ps%3D63%26clk id%3D6144343583194276534

Lol at the blue led, I'm sure that improves sound quality.

I just had a look at these mods. Is anybody planning to foam fill their Techy? Or fitting a 5-layered (ply wood) gubbins to their platter?

[The Grand Wazoo]

This, the ONLY service that will actually improve the sound quality of any 1200MK2, 3, 4, 5 series of turntables made by Technics.
Bold choice of words!

[Dingdong]

Bold choice of words!

Some dozy fecker is bound to believe it.

[The Grand Wazoo]

It's OK though, because as a big bonus, you appear to get free lessons in how to play a musical instrument:


The WOOD-IN platter......... Bass is now taught