This is how it looks from top, the beautiful Technics MK2 SL 1200 turntable made by Panasonic, designed in the 60/70s and still rolling. The turntable is based on modular design, so it's really simple to take apart and back - that is if you know your way around a screwdriver and can think logically
You need: A philipps screwdriver (2 sizes), boxes for screws and a safe place to put the parts.
First: UNPLUG THE TURNTABLE! UNPLUG THE TURNTABLE! UNPLUG THE TURNTABLE! UNPLUG THE TURNTABLE! UNPLUG THE TURNTABLE!
I can't repeat that often enough.
I tend to put most screws back in so I don't lose them, but that's up to you.
Then we start by removing the platter. Put a finger in each of those holes and lift the platter straight up to remove it.
Now remove those 5 phillips screws (I had 3 only) and pull that plastic cover off.
Should look like this now. Welcome to the intestines of your MK2.
Next you need to turn your turntable upside down. Please be careful not to put it on the tonearm. Some people suggest to place it on a pillow, but I'd also not encourage you to go that way. I used some books that I placed around on the faceplate and that solves the problem.
Next remove all those phillips screws that hold the base in place. Please note there is a screw under each foot as well. Those foots are easily removed by just screwing them off. Keep the screws in their respective place for easier assembly.
Note which hole where the wires take. You can also see the screws removed in the last step still in their place. Leave them there.
This is what you're looking at now. Remove the plastic cover by using your screwdriver. Again, leave the screws in place for easier assembly.
This is where the leads go.
Now we are here. I already removed the screws on the pitch on this picture, but you may do that at a later point as well. First remove the tone arm to prevent accidents.
To remove the tone arm, unscrew these 3 screws. Note: if you are going to paint your faceplate, you MUST make sure these three holes are covered so you don't screw up the threading. Also note the ground wire that is connected to one screw of the pitch. You will have to remove this now. Gently remove the tonearm from the faceplate.
Now can you safely unscrew the pitch.
Turn the TT around and unplug the pitch cable from the main circuit board.
Note this little screw holding the pitch wires in place.
Next remove the stylus light wire. Note that the wires are place under the circuit board, so you will have to remove that one circuit board screw. Unscrew the stylus module (no pics here, pretty self-explanatory)
Next, remove the power switch from the strobe module (put the long tiny screw back into the strobe module so you won't lose it).
Remove the ground wire and the strobe module (left on that pic) plug from the main circuit board.
Now remove the three black screws that hold the motor in place, remove the three golden screws that hold the main circuit board in place (put the screws back in when done so you won't lose them) and remove the two screws that hold the power circuit board in place (screws back...you get the idea).
Next are those five buggers (screws back into....)
And finally the transformer with these three screws. Best to leave them in the transformer assembly.
Everything lose? Check if anything is still attached. Then lift the stuff off and place it somewhere safe. Be careful so no parts run away....
Now turn the TT around and remove the strobe module and place the screws back.
And there you go! You have successfully dissembled your Technics MK2.
Assembly is reverse. If you want to paint your TT, make sure you remove the screws on top first. I suggest not to paint the backside.
