Technics SL-1200 to be discontinued in February?

[haroon]

I've seen rumors like this floating around before so take it with a grain of salt. Anyone know about this?

http://djtechtools.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9138

[JaS]

Maybe they are discontinuing the mk2 for the new mk6? The rumour that Technics are stopping production of the 1200 line seems to crop up now and again but the decks keep coming.

Regards,
JaS

[Shoji]

Hello. Unfortunate to say this has some true basis. For some time Matsuhita/Panasonic have make production of this model series much under capacity at Osaka fabrication plant and discussion been made inside company for final closing of this production line. Plus also many part number now show NLA in order code sub item part list. Since 2003 Matsushita also make change to operation part of company that produce motor assembly. At that time past new association made with other company for motor production. Now since recent time Matsuhita/Panasonic sell all interest in this company to other party. This time present is fluid time for future of this model series.

[haroon]

Here are some more things to consider:

http://www.skratchworx.com/news3/comments.php?id=956

[scho2684]

That's sad news, if it's true....
I would find it interesting to see the selling figures on a year bases.
I'll guess that, with exception from a few true believers , the most of this table is sold in the DJ culture, and if there's a trend of using different kind of sources, than I could imagine that the 1200 is not very cost-effective anymore.

All of a sudden I feel the need to buy all sorts of spare parts, although nothing has really broke down the last 22 years...

I wonder what this will do on the pricing in the secondhand market, I think I'll just buy a new MKII and leave it there, packed.
In a few years we might have a good investment....

Marco

[jdclock]

you know it's ironic ........... I followed the link above to the skratcworx article. There, they said "The 1200 was an audiophile deck, that was accidentally adopted by DJs for lack of anything else half decent." Audiophiles complain the 1200 was a DJ deck, and DJ's complain that it's an audiophile deck!! Looks like everyone will miss it.

[LPM]

Well thanks to the unwelcome news in this thread, I rang up a local DJ store this morning and they confirmed that they had just received an email yesterday advising that the product was to be discontinued. They said they had more on order with final stocks arriving in March 2010 (in Australia) but too much risk in waiting. Fortunately they had one SL1210 MK2 in stock so to avoid any later regret, I drove straight down and bought it.

[delcam1n0]

From Wiki "Technics SL-1200"

" The Technics SL-1200 is a series of turntables manufactured since October 1972 by Matsushita under the brand name of Technics. Originally released as a high fidelity consumer record player, it quickly became adopted among radio and club disc jockeys. Since its release in 1978, SL-1200MK2 and its successors have been the most common turntable for DJing and scratching. The MK2 presented several improvements, including to the motor and casing. Since 1972, more than 3 million units have been sold. It is widely regarded as one of the most durable and reliable turntables ever produced. Many of the models manufactured in the 1970's are still in heavy use. Rappers have referred to the turntable as "1200", "Tee 12's", "Technics", "Tec 12", "wheels of steel" and "ones and twos".
There is a model in the Science Museum in London as one of the pieces of technology that have shaped the world we live in."

Well Dave, if the SL1200 stands up to daily use as
well as my TD124 our great-grand-children will stilll
be using them in a hundred years time!!

[JaS]

Well thanks to the unwelcome news in this thread, I rang up a local DJ store this morning and they confirmed that they had just received an email yesterday advising that the product was to be discontinued

I blame bastlnut - he's probably bought a controlling share in Panasonic just to spoil the fun

Regards,
JaS

[scho2684]

From Wiki "Technics SL-1200"

" ...Since 1972, more than 3 million units have been sold.

Well, maybe I'm mistaken, but that does not sound like a lot to me, that's about 86000 a year, world wide!

I don't know what the profit is for Panasonic per unit, but it is unlikely that it will be hunderds of dollars....

Marco

[satanfriendly]

Despite me not being the world's greatest supporter of the 1200 I really am sad to see such an iconic TT disappear.

If anything the 1200 has probably done more than any other TT in recent years to keep vinyl alive.

I only hope someone in the great corporation sees some sense and decides differently.

[Jorlsafar]

Given the knowledge and expertise in manufacturing parts for the SL1200,
gathered on this forum there should be nor problem to continue
manufacturing the TT, if only Panasonic would sell/licence the patents, tools
and designs and an appropriate joint venture agreement could be reached
between all interested parties.

I shall make discrete enquiries with Nigerian bank officers and government
officials , that have necessary monetary resources, with regard to possible
financial arrangements. I will revert shortly.

[fscl]

Though not in the same league, has the "cloned?"

audio-Technic(a)s AT-PL120(0?, P=3 letters/grades below S):

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turnt ... index.html

put the nail in the 1200'$ coffin?

Fred and wondering if Matshusta moved / sold manufacturing offshore to China.....

[haroon]

I think you guys might want to check out Stanton's ST-150. If any turntable succeeds the 1200 -- at least for DJs, I think it will be it.

http://www.stantondj.com/v2/prod_st150.asp