Used sl-1200 mk5 purchased --- pitch light + hw

[cdubb]

Hi,

What do you think of the SL-1200 MK5 over the MK3? Why I ask, is ...

.. I just got an sl-1200 mk5 that I am excited about off of ebay for under $400 after shipping and tax. Feel good about that, but have a few issues and have about a month to return it if I need to.

#1 - The pitch light only comes on when the reset is pressed. Otherwise, no light. The strobe seems fine, so I don't think it will be a big deal. Thoughts? I'd like to fix it eventually, but think for the price it is likely worth it since the strobe seems fine.

#2 - The counterweight is missing! Contacted seller. Worse case, I can get off of ebay, and seems to be around $45.

#3 - Technics 270C cartridge not shipped, and he said he is shipping separately from Japan as he noticed it was missing. Turns out headshell is missing too. Let him know, and hoping he sends that too, or could be more $.

#4 - It's 100V (Japan) which I knew up front, so I will likely get a step down if I keep.

SO -- What doe you think about this, especially #1? Something worth keeping and fixing? I could go for an MK2, but likely would only shave a few dollars off. I do have some outstanding email, so hopefully some fo this will be addressed.

My current investment in this might be worth it even if I end up needing to do additional accessory purchases. Weighing options.

Thanks for any help in this decision.

Regards...

 

[cdubb]

Doh! Anti-skate is not moving the tone arm at all. That seems bad, possibly due to missing counterweight, but adding own weight seems to not help.

 

[bigx5murf]

I'd keep it and address the issues. Parts are easy to come by, and repair is well documented. Sucks the cost was more than anticipated. But it's pretty much par for the course when it comes to vintage TTs.

 

[kermit z]

I agree with the 5murf, I would keep and work on a rebuild. Hopefully most of the items will be corrected by the seller except for the light, which, IMHO, is not a big deal. And you are correct, the tonearm needs to be set up before testing anti skate. KAB has lots of parts for the SL1200, so that is an option too. Keep us informed on how it comes along and congrats.

 

[WaynerN]

On my 1210MK5, if the pitch button reset is hit, the light goes out and speed is adjusted, the light goes back on when hitting the pitch button again and restores it to perfect pitch, regardless of where the slider is.

 

[cdubb]

Thanks 5murf and Kermit. It does make sense to get parts if the seller doesn't send, as it seems the MK5 has been going for $500+ anyways (before tax/shipping). Good to know there is still hope for the anti skate once I get the counterweight.

• Is there any other things I can be on the look out for in regards to the tone arm / bearings /etc. without having the counterweight, or should I just wait to test?

Wayner, my light does come on when the pitch reset is on and it is leveling to 0, like yours, which is good. When the pitch reset is off, the light stays off even when I am in position 0 with no pitch change. Strobe works fine, so I am not too worried, but would be nice to get back to original functionality at some point.

 

[Montycat]

That pitch light is working as it's supposed to. Even if the slider is dead center it will not be on, unless you press the button. It basically is there to say "speed is perfect" regardless of slider position.

 

[cdubb]

Hi Montycat,

Ok, thanks! I just checked a video on YouTube and you are completely right. I thought the light would be similar to the MK2, but the change makes sense, as the fader is smooth and has no click lock.

Fingers crossed the tone arm and anti skate is good!