The iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable was launched 50 years ago and it’s still one of the most … [+]
Founded in Chicago in 2013, Reverb is the largest online marketplace dedicated to buying and selling new, used and vintage musical instruments. In the nearly ten years since launching, Reverb has become an online destination where a global community of approximately two million music makers connects, with users ranging from individuals and rock stars like Billy Corgan, Green Day, and Peter Frampton, to bricks-and-mortar retailers, dealers of all sizes, and local music stores.
Reverb has almost two million pieces of music gear on the platform at any given time and they range from unique guitars to vintage synths or the latest Pro Audio gear. Reverb claims it has something for everyone and deals on used equipment can be had for about 20% less than new prices.
Almost half a century ago, DJ Kool Herc hosted a back-to-school block party in the Bronx and that was probably where the hip-hop movement was born. The beats and rhymes that define the genre are usually recognized through the turntables, breakbeats and mics that rappers and producers use to create their music.
The Reverb website is a place for musicians and music lovers to find just what they’ve been looking … [+]
A year before that famous block party in 1973, Japanese electronics brand Matsushita launched a product that the London Science Museum later named as a piece of technology that “shaped the world we live in.” That product was the iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable.
It’s been almost 50 years since its initial release and the Technics SL-1200s has risen to fame, mainly due to its innovative direct-drive turntable motor. The SL-1200s is as popular as ever, but can now be quite difficult to find. Although Technics released a special 50th-anniversary edition of the SL-1200s, many of Reverb’s customers still crave the original model. As a result, searches for Technics SL-1200s on Reverb are up 17% year-to-date compared with 2021; and up by a massive 41% on 2020 year-to-date.
Fess Grandiose is one of Reverb’s production experts.
With demand for the Technics SL-1200s rocketing and outstripping supply, some of Reverb’s customers are also looking for budget alternative turntables. Fess Grandiose is one of Reverb’s production experts. He suggests the classic Pioneer PLX-1000 is an excellent alternative to the SL-1200s.
“The PLX-1000 has a more user-friendly layout when compared with older Technics models, plus they have a quick tempo control on the turntable’s right side, with start/stop buttons on the left and an illuminated high-torque platter.
“It also has a wide range of tempo changes, ranging from plus or minus 50% with a reset button, making it perfect for vinyl remixing. Tempo change is a function not common on standard vinyl turntables. A PLX-1000 has RCA jacks featuring gold-plated, machine-cut parts for low impedance and top-notch sound quality, making it a favorite for professional club use.”
The PLX-1000 is a great alternative to the classic Technics SL-1200s.
Another older vinyl turntable popular with DJs is the Reloop RP-7000 MkII. Grandiose says it’s an excellent and inexpensive alternative to the Technics SL-1200s.
“This turntable is resistant to vibrations produced by heavy bass in DJ booths. It has shock-absorbing feet to cut down on external vibrations. The RP-7000 MK2 has a wide pitch range, varying from plus or minus 50% speed. This control improves the DJ’s ability to perform creative vinyl manipulations that can usually only be done with CDJs or a digital vinyl simulation program like Serato.
“When it comes to value, Technics 1200s are the gold standard for DJs. These turntables are direct drive, which means they can be used to back-cue and scratch vinyl records without putting any stress on the turntable motor. This feature transformed being a DJ into a turntablist. Most DJs who still play vinyl records are aware of this. Most choose to stay with Technics SL-1200s because of their durability, ease of repair and being simple to maintain. Technics are the turntables that all direct drive alternatives model themselves after – it’s almost like how Q-tips invented the cotton swab.”
As it turns out, it’s not just hip-hop heads that are nostalgic for the old days. The latest season of the hit Netflix show Stranger Things has inspired a whole new generation of 1980s music fans. Not all of them are looking for the latest synths to recreate the show’s eerie intro. Reverb’s Stranger Things music gear marketplace has witnessed a 202% increase in searches between July 1st, when Season 4 Volume 2 of the show started, and July 5th, which was the first weekend of the new volume’s debut.
Cyril Nigg is a guitar expert at Reverb and he says this trend of using older instruments for … [+]
In addition to the eerie synth of the show’s iconic intro track, the new season also features the BC Rich “Eddies” Warlock guitar. Searches for the guitar on Reverb increased by an impressive 33% over the same time frame in July. Cyril Nigg is a guitar expert at Reverb and he says this trend of using older instruments for inspiration extends from today’s new artists to genuine superstars.
“The B.C. Rich has gained popularity on Reverb over the last few years, alongside vintage models like the Warlock, Mockingbird, and Eagle, all of which are highly desirable and often in high demand. Although they’re normally associated with heavy metal and hard rock guitarists like Slash and Lita Ford, newer artists like Phoebe Bridgers have also discovered their unique look and sound.”
Major music and technology brands may launch many new products, but not everyone wants the latest kit or considers the newest gear the greatest. However, Reverb has discovered that there’s still plenty of interest and cash in older instruments and music-making technology.
The B.C. Rich has gained popularity on Reverb over the last few years, alongside vintage models like … [+]
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