The Good News: The SL-1200 Turntable Is Back! The Bad New: The Price
When it comes to indestructible turntables, you cannot beat the venerable SL-1200 from Technics. Since its introduction in 1972, its reliability has been legendary. Sadly, though, even as the vinyl resurrection was gaining momentum, Technics suspended manufacture of the unit in 2010. I have one of the very last brand new units available in Canada in my home studio. You will remove it from by cold, dead hands.
Eventually, though Technics realized they had made a terrible mistake and announced that the SL-1200 would soon return. The first version, the limited edition SL-1200GAE–only 1200 copies were made–is completely sold out. Three hundred were made available in Japan and sold out within 30 minutes. And the price? £2,799 or $4,800 CAD.
Yeah, but that was for this super-special edition, right? A “standard” model was sure to come. Yes–and that day comes this month with the release of the SL-1200G.
How much? Er, $4,800.
The G is pretty much identical to the GAE but with a few minor tweaks.
Bottom line is that unless your flush with cash, it’s time to head back to eBay to see if you can find a gently used pre-2010 model.
