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Technics 1200mk2 worth $250?

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Great price for a 1200, lousy example of a 1200. I might go $100 feeling confident that I could get it back to top shape, but if you aren't very handy that is a hard pass.

BTW, the platter is the least of your worries. As mentioned above, whatever did that break in the aluminum (which I suspect can be hammered back to decently level) certainly messed up the bearings and possibly cracked a circuit board.
 
Hmm, thanks all. Great to know about the bearing issue. I may go and check it out to see that “dent” up close, for what it’s worth.
 
a_t_t said:
Hey guys,

I've been casually hunting around for a new turntable and saw this 1200mk2 on CL for $240. There are a few cosmetic dings -- dent in the platter, no cue light -- but otherwise the seller claims it's in good condition. Would need a cart/stylus. I guess I'm wondering if it's worth investing a bit of $ into. Here's the ad: https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ele/d/brooklyn-technics-1200mk2/7074232411.html

Thanks!
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Ya, looks like something really heavy fell on the platter, looks caved in as well. Most likely the bearing took a major hit and only worth scrap metal now.

A couple of yrs ago I picked up an absolutely pristine example with a Shure cartridge and new still in box stylus for $300, patience is needed here. If wondering if deals like this are still available well take a look at the possible delivery date on this table, and the selling price. If you know anything about Kenwood tables you know this is a screaming deal, end game deck for most.

Screenshot_20200108-061829.png
 
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I agree with the advice given. I paid $125 for mine with no cover (compass sells one that fits cheaply) and missing three of its feet (again compass sells at120 feet at $20 for 4 that work well). Otherwise mechanically sound. So deals can be had with patients.
 
I’ve seen FAR worse condition decks that worked fine. If the spindle is straight and the tonearm bearings ok then offer 200 and buy a new platter. Doesn’t look anywhere near as bad as the comments suggest
 
Also, theres nothing to say the platter was even on the deck when it took that impact, which would most certainly have bent the spindle so badly it wouldn’t even turn without catching on the plinth. Just saying.
 
jeanmarie said:
How do we know that the platter was not dropped and the table is fine?
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Dropping the platter to cause that damage would involve an airplane, just sayin lol.

If you look closely, even with my little phone I can see it's a 3 corner tear right through the metal. It would require something very heavy with square corners to cause this. Most likely something fell on the table while in storage, taking out the dust cover and landing on the platter. There are a plethora of tables for sale, why bother with what's most likely a piece of junk.

Screenshot_20200214-091630.png
 
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still odd that table hasnt sold yet being in nyc. lots of dj's there and lots of salvageable parts here..At 200 or so a bargain considering the parts that could be harvested...
 
platter has a slight dent

00t0t_gS1k1vZFZC5_1200x900.jpg


Easy to see where the dent is in the platter in this full shot. Seems a bit deep to be a dent when the metal is cracked. Platters should be available on the bay with as many of these that have been abused to not function anymore.
 
Blue Shadow said:
platter has a slight dent

00t0t_gS1k1vZFZC5_1200x900.jpg


Easy to see where the dent is in the platter in this full shot. Seems a bit deep to be a dent when the metal is cracked. Platters should be available on the bay with as many of these that have been abused to not function anymore.
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The platter also appears to be resessed farther down on the right which would indicate either a bent spindle or the motor mount is compromised. Of course it could also be an optical delusion lol.
 
It's worth a look see at the very least, especially if you are competent with repairing stuff. Technics turntables are very robust which makes them very repairable. Do a thorough inspection and see if it's something you'd want to spend some time on fixing it up.

I picked up a SL-1200MK2 from a DJ. Typical beat up DJ turntable which had the following issues: loose tonearm bearings, antiskate adjustment was inop, speed control was wonky, one channel inop, and tonearm level adjustment was frozen. Took a chance anyway at $100.

Nothing wrong with the tonearm bearings, just loose adjustment screws which I tightened. Also freed up the tonearm level adjustment, dried grease was the culprit there. Removed the old grease and applied fresh grease, works good as new. I found the stud which held the antiskate spring lying under the tonearm assy. Reinstalled stud, then reinstalled spring, antiskate works fine. Cleaned the gunk off the speed control slider and applied Faderlube, now it works as it should. For the inop channel, I replaced the RCA cable with a updated version and now the both channels work fine. To top it off, I recapped the unit while I had her opened up and now she works like brand new.

Spent a total of $25 in parts, about 3 hours of labor. Now the turntable value is easily over $500!
 
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eiraved said:
It's worth a look see at the very least, especially if you are competent with repairing stuff. Technics turntables are very robust which makes them very repairable. Do a thorough inspection and see if it's something you'd want to spend some time on fixing it up.

I picked up a SL-1200MK2 from a DJ. Typical beat up DJ turntable which had the following issues: loose tonearm bearings, antiskate adjustment was inop, speed control was wonky, one channel inop, and tonearm level adjustment was frozen. Took a chance anyway at $100.

Nothing wrong with the tonearm bearings, just loose adjustment screws which I tightened. Also freed up the tonearm level adjustment, dried grease was the culprit there. Removed the old grease and applied fresh grease, works good as new. I found the stud which held the antiskate spring lying under the tonearm assy. Reinstalled stud, then reinstalled spring, antiskate works fine. Cleaned the gunk off the speed control slider and applied Faderlube, now it works as it should. For the inop channel, I replaced the RCA cable with a updated version and now the both channels work fine. To top it off, I recapped the unit while I had her opened up and now she works like brand new.

Spent a total of $25 in parts, about 3 hours of labor. Now the turntable value is easily over $500!
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Only to someone not savy enough or too impatient to research.
 
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