Digital Analog Therapy - Nationwide Repairs, Brooklyn, NYC, NY

In the Turntablists / Scratching world, the equipment is just as important as the skills.  If you don't have the right skills, your just another beat-matching DJ.  If you don't have the right gear, it's not different.

The reason your gear is important in the Scratching world, is because of the abuse you are going to put your gear through as you practice, and practice, and practice.  Even after all of the practicing, your still going to have to practice some more.  So, you can imagine the amount of work your are going to be putting your equipment through.

With that said, save up and get the right gear the first time.  Don't experiment with this stuff.  We already know what works and what doesn't, and there is nothing more important than your turntables...

1) TURNTABLES: DIRECT DRIVE or BELT DRIVE?
Hands down DIRECT DRIVE turntable is your best friend.  You just can't scratch with a belt driven turntable, no matter how skilled you think you are - the belt will snap, the motor will probably burn out, and the tonearm will probably break from all the resistance you'll be putting it through.  Not to mention everything is probably made out of plastic.  So, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY.  GET a DIRECT DRIVE TURNTABLE.

2) TURNTABLES: What kind of Direct Drive?
Fortunately for you, you have choices when it comes to direct drive turntables on the market today.  Of course, the standard, and still the champ and favorite... the famed TECHNICS 1200s.  So, here is a list, in no particular order of some Direct Drive turntables IDEAL for turntablism...

- TECHNICS SL1200MK2 / SL1210MK2 / SL1200MK5 / SL1210MK5 / SL1210M5G
The difference between most of these is minimal with the exception of the M5G, whicih I would suggest more for Audio-Phile use -vs- turntablism use.  Stick with the basic - the SL1200MK2 (silver) or the SL1210MK2 (black) - no difference in quality or features.

- NUMARK TTX
This has been a decent turntable, and many DJs prefer it to the Technics.  Mainly because of all the extra features... Reverse, 78rpm, 16+bpm, battle style configuration.  I've used them, and I must say I do like them.

- VESTAX PDX Series
I've tried these before, and although they are great for Scratching / Turntablism, I must say I didn't like that plastic feel.  I thought I was going to break them.  But I did all I could and they never broke!  Oh, and that was 4 years ago... still have them to date without any issues.  So check them out!

So as you can see, you have a decent selection of turntables to check out.  You can't go wrong with any of them.  The Technics hold up well on the used market, because of their age and reputation, so if you ever decide that this isn't for you, you won't lose much when you try to sell them.  You can also buy them used and not worry to much about the quality.. since they are built like tanks.  Of course, don't forget to check out our REPAIR VIDEOS section, for help with maintaining your TECHNICS.

These videos give you the heads up on the rest of the gear your going to need.. so pay attention class...