60 Years of Technics: It’s Not Just the Turntable That Makes Music History – It’s DJ Culture and Sound Quality Together
From Insider Tip to Global DJ Standard and More Innovative Technology
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60 Years of Technics: It's Not Just the Turntable That Makes Music History - It's DJ Culture and Sound Quality Together · Source: Technics
This year Technics celebrates its 60th anniversary and looks back on an impressive history – happy birthday! This period has been marked by constant innovation and a deep passion for music. Since the introduction of its first loudspeaker, the Technics 1, in 1965, the company has continued to evolve, influencing both the hi-fi world and DJ culture with the legendary SL-1200.
Technics Turns 60: The History of Audio Technology
An outstanding example of Technics’ innovative power is of course the SL-1200 turntable, which was launched in 1972. With its direct drive, it set new standards in precision and reliability. Originally designed for audiophiles, the SL-1200 quickly became a favorite of the DJ scene, especially for its precise speed control and ruggedness in club use. These features made it an indispensable tool for DJs around the world, and contributed to the development of hip-hop culture – to this day!
The history of the Technics SL-1200 is closely tied to the evolution of DJ culture and music technology. Since its introduction, the turntable has not only influenced the way music is played, but has also been instrumental in the creation and development of musical genres such as hip-hop and electronic music. Now celebrating its 60th birthday, Technics has an impressive history of innovation, quality and influence in the music world.
The Beginnings of the Technics SL-1200
Introduced in 1972, the Technics SL-1200 was based on the SP-10, the world’s first direct-drive turntable, introduced in 1970. Direct-drive technology allowed the platter to rotate precisely and stably, resulting in improved sound quality. This innovation was a major advance over the belt drives that were common at the time.
In the early 1970s, DJs began using the SL-1200 for their performances. The SL-1200 played a pivotal role in the burgeoning hip-hop scene in New York City. DJ Kool Herc, one of the pioneers of hip-hop, used two SL-1200 turntables to create his own breakbeat loops, laying the foundation for DJing and hip-hop culture itself.
Evolution and Influence on DJ Culture
With the introduction of the SL-1200MK2 in 1979, the turntable was further improved. This version featured a pitch control function that allowed DJs to precisely control the speed of the record. This feature was crucial for beat matching and seamlessly mixing tracks. The SL-1200MK2 quickly became the standard for clubs and DJs around the world.
In the decades that followed, Technics released several more models, including the SL-1200MK3, MK4, MK5, and MK6, each with improvements in sound quality, durability, and ease of use. These models have been used by DJs in various genres of music and have contributed to the evolution of DJing techniques.
Revival and Modern Interpretations
After a brief hiatus, Technics announced the revival of the SL-1200 series in 2016, introducing the SL-1200G, which combines modern technology with classic design. This was followed in 2019 by the SL-1200MK7, designed specifically for DJs and featuring new features such as reverse playback and improved shock absorption.
These more modern versions of the SL-1200 show that Technics is continuing to develop the technology to suit its loyal users, combining traditional values with innovative technologies. Very nice!
Technics Today: More Than Just Turntables
In addition to its legendary turntables, Technics has expanded its product portfolio immensely over the past 60 years and now offers a wide range of audio devices, including contemporary true wireless in-ear headphones such as the EAH-AZ60 series. These headphones combine high quality sound with modern design and technology, making them very popular with music lovers.
Technics’ philosophy is based on the belief that music is a universal language that connects people. Through continuous research and development, the company strives to create products that are not only technologically advanced, but also capture the emotional depth and nuance of music. This commitment is evident in the careful selection of materials, precision manufacturing, and focus on ease of use. That’s the way it should be.
The Anniversary
As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Technics is not only honoring its past, but also looking to the future. With new products and technologies, the company continues its mission to bring an unparalleled sonic experience to music lovers worldwide. The combination of tradition and innovation remains the key to Technics’ continued success.
But the story of the Technics SL-1200 is also a powerful example of how one piece of technology can have a lasting impact on the world of music. From its earliest days to its modern incarnations, the SL-1200 has remained a symbol of quality, innovation and cultural significance. Technics has managed to combine tradition and modernity, and after 60 years, remains a major player in the world of audio technology. Here’s to the next 60 years!
More Information
- 60th anniversary website
- All about Technics
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12 responses to “60 Years of Technics: It’s Not Just the Turntable That Makes Music History – It’s DJ Culture and Sound Quality Together”
I bought my first and only Technic Hi-Fi System in 1988. I’ve still got it and play it. Speakers, Amplifier, Single Cassette Unit, Record Deck and Speakers.
All still quality sound.
When can one see them bringing out new or latest technology sounds in terms of hifi systems. Surely the world is awaiting the BEst to resurface again. Technics sound was all time the best of the best.
I’ve got twin turntable dc amps input before cd was invented (su 8080) 1977, bags of sl, and the amazing vc4, 1988. 👍
I brought Technics 1210’s Mk2 back in 2007 I loved them and want to get more as I sold them and moved to Canada
mcbridde69@gmail.com
Love the mk2’s,4’s, and 5’s
They are the best decks ever made,solid as a rock reliable speed adjustment quite release,first brought mine in1983 £250 a pear wicked ,sold them for £1000 to a friend in la Coruna in Spain.
love the mk 2,4,&5’s unfortunately hurricane Katrina took my m 2’s , and 5’s and 30 crates of albums
I bought a Technics SL 3200 DD turntable in 1976 as my first turntable purchase. A few years later I bought an SL 3300 as I was building another system. I still have them both, use them both every day, and have only ever put a drop of oil on the mechanism and replaced cartridges and stylus as needed. 50 years of Technics turntables and not one single issue. I have 6200 records in my collection and they see lots of use. I also have an Acoustic Research ARxa which is yet another unstoppable machine. I highly recommend any of these ttbls, and if Technics is still building the quality they did in the 70’s, buying one now will last a lifetime.
You can’t go wrong with the SL 1200g. Competes with the hi end turntable manufacturers.
is the technics company back
why did Technics stop making keyboards? l have recently purchased a Technics KN7000 keyboard (about 20 years old) and it is as good as a modern Yamaha and a lot easier to work with.
I purchased my technics class AA amplifier when I was 18 , I’m now 59 , it’s still going strong , how anything can last 40 years , it just shows the quality and workmanship that technics provide.
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