• A Warhorse Dies: Technics 1200 Turntables Discontinued.
    10 replies, posted
[quote]Sometimes a piece of equipment outlives its usefulness before it outlives its place in our heart. The Technics 1200 turntables were central to the creation of hip-hop, even elemental — when people say "two turntables and a microphone" they're referring to that model. Panasonic Corporation, which manufactures the Technics brand, has announced that it's ceased production of its analogue turntables. The announcement read, in part: After more than 35 years as a leading manufacturer of analogue turntables, Panasonic has regretfully taken the decision to leave this market. However, Panasonic will continue to sell headphones under the Technics brand. We are sure that retailers and consumers will understand that our product range has to reflect the accelerating transformation of the entire audio market from analogue to digital. In addition, the number of component suppliers serving the analogue market has dwindled in recent years and we brought forward the decision to leave the market rather than risk being unable to fulfill future orders because of a lack of parts. The Technics 1200s were the gold standard — for a practical reason: they're almost indestructible. But being the war horse of the market comes at a cost: these turntables are very heavy (27 pounds). And as technology began to marginalize vinyl among DJs (who needed more equipment to spin mp3s, usually a mixer and Scratch Live, a piece of software referred to by it's company's name, Serato), turntables began to seem less desirable. The death was reported by Resident Advisor, the dance music online magazine. The site says Panasonic, the company that's been producing the tables and acquiring parts for them from a dwindling group of manufacturers since 1972, is discontinuing them. Panasonic put out a press release written in Japanese saying as much back in October. The language barrier led to lots of confusion and speculation on this side of the Pacific, but yesterday Panasonic put out a statement in English confirming the unfortunate demise.[/quote] I shouldn't have to say this, but hip-hop is only a small fraction of these turntable's true legacy. Almost all of the famous Trance, House, Hardcore, and Techno DJs started off on Technics 1200. In fact, last I checked, the 1200mk-5 solid black model sold for $600 [I]a piece.[/I] They are still sought out by vinyl purists for a high price. Seeing this happen is truly the end of an era. Being a hobbyist DJ with Stanton T.120-S turntables (fashioned after the 1200mk-5, and also discontinued,) I'm actually kind of worried; it's going to become harder and harder to find cartridges. Nothing replaces the feel of vinyl. Anyway, end of an era right here folks. Music history was made. Long live the tanks known as the 1200s. [url=http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2010/11/18/131418593/technics-1200-hip-hop-s-war-horse-goes-to-the-great-lock-groove-in-the-sky?sc=fb&cc=fp]Source.[/url]
At least there's stanton :smith:
Pretty bad decision from Panasonic, Technics are fucking awesome. Not to mention they are built like tanks, unlike the other turntables on the market today. [QUOTE=thisispain;26149560]At least there's santon :smith:[/QUOTE] You mean Stanton?
Oh no, Technics! :ohdear: How can they let such a classic brand die
[QUOTE=bl4h;26149710]Pretty bad decision from Panasonic, Technics are fucking awesome. Not to mention they are built like tanks, unlike the other turntables on the market today. You mean Stanton?[/QUOTE]The STR8-150 and ST-120 look almost exactly like the damn 1200mk5blk. It always pissed me off they discontinued the freaking T.120c. Holy FUCK guys, the 1210M5G is selling for [B]$1190 A TABLE[/B]!!
Im saving up for some 1210's. they will still be available but just at a higher price.
I own an Technics SL-D2 the thing an effing tank, im surprised it still works perfectly after all the harassment its had through its life.
and thus DJ'ing with vinyl is dead
By the way how is this late? The press release was two days ago.
[QUOTE=shaunyboyy;26161607]and thus DJ'ing with vinyl is dead[/QUOTE] Not completely dead, there are still turntabalists around.
[QUOTE=Xen Tricks;26149739]Oh no, Technics! :ohdear: How can they let such a classic brand die[/QUOTE] Probably because they are losing money. Don't blame them.
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