Technics SL-1200
The direct-drive turntable that became the DJ’s instrument.
Technics made the SL-1200 as a turntable for the home, but the direct-drive motor started quickly and held its speed exactly. DJs discovered that it could be used to mix records and to scratch.
From the 1979 version with a pitch slider it became the standard in clubs all over the world. It has been made in millions and is the tool of an entire musical culture.
Materials: Cast aluminium, rubber, direct-drive motor
Manufacture: Made by Matsushita under the Technics brand in Japan from 1972; the MK2 from 1979.
The heavy platter with stroboscope dots.
The long pitch slider.
The S-shaped tonearm and the large start-stop button.