The legendary Technics 1200 turntable is dead, according to rumours spreading across the Web today. Panasonic is reportedly discontinuing the Technics 1200 and Technics 1210 decks in February 2010.
The rumour started among Australian clubbers at ravey-davey message forum Global Hardstyle. We've asked Panasonic but are yet to hear anything official, although we notice that Panasonic hasn't got round to creating a new Technics Web page since 2007.
The Technics 1200 launched in 1972, followed by the 1200MK2 in 1978. Quickly becoming popular among DJs, the various forms of 1200 have sold over 3 million units. The direct-drive turntable has a special place in the hearts of DJs, rappers, producers and vinyl junkies of all ages for its reliability and durability.
The age of digital DJs has taken its toll on vinyl, but the much-loved format refuses to lay down and die. Is this a sad day for the DJ world or is it about time too? Mix and scratch your Technics memories in the comments.
For more landmarks in the history of music, seamlessly crossfade into our feature on music and technology firsts.
Update: It seems this is just a rumour after all. Panasonic told Crave it "there are no current plans to discontinue the Technics Brand" although the brand is "under constant review".
Photo credit: dmcworld.co.nz
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Comments 7
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Anonymous 5 August, 2010 14:33
Keep the vinyl alive! Those CD devices are just soul-less. For soul-less music, for those masses of soul-less clubbers!
Anonymous 18 October, 2010 17:23
always loved 1200/1210s and loved using them to thier potential. but now its all about evolution and pioneer cdjs! will always enjoy using technics but who wants to pay the price of viynl nowadays? not me.
Anonymous 6 December, 2010 19:52
Technics are still the best thing to Dj with, i have 3 x sl1210mk ll's which i bought over 15 yrs ago and they are still as good as new, never had to replace anything, these new CD decks look good with all the flashing coloured lights, make the Dj look like a pro, but wheres the skill gone, like making the tune sound different by the bass mid & treble alone, now just press a button and clubbers think your god, no skill what so ever and clubbers still think the same, when i play out, they say its good to see a Dj still playing records, thats where the skill is, 1200 & 1210 forever........
Anonymous 9 December, 2010 19:22
I was absolutely gutted to hear about the Legendary Technics 1200`s and 1210`s being discontinued, so gutted in fact that I went out and bought a new pair! If so called Dj`s want to go round and call themselves Dj`s just because they are using the latest piece of technology may I strongly suggest that you go back to the drawing board and accept that this kind of thing is an art.
I challenge any of you to a Dj battle if you think that you can do more on a CDJ than a Technics 1210!!!
Remember people it is called Turtablism NOT cdjism!!!
TECHNICS WILL NEVER DIE !
Anonymous 30 January, 2011 12:11
proper dj use vinyl still for the skill and entertainment keep them goin
Anonymous 10 February, 2011 11:39
Every now and again throughout history, everything comes together beautifully and people just get it right. That's exactly what happened when the Technics 1210 / 1200 mk2 was created. Countless companies tried endlessly to better it, they couldn't. After a gig once I was driving up a steep bank and the boot of my car opened and one of my decks flew out (unflightcased) and bounced down the road. After a mini nervous breakdown I plugged it in and it worked perfectly as if to smuggly say "Is that the best you can do?"
No other form of DJ mixing ever has or ever will feel as good as mixing on the Rock Solid 1210's. And vinyl just sounds warmer and better. You know the party atmosphere was always better when the wheels of steel were spinning away in the background!!!!!
It's time to turn the laptops off and keep the CDs where they belong... in the car! Let's keep the dream alive and keep those babies turning :)
anonymous 6 April, 2012 16:46
Fk Yeah...1210s are the kings, no doubt about it. I have 3 and will spin them till the day i die. Then they are being burried with me...NO ONE is getting my babies...Luv u 1210s xxxx