Servicing, Calibration & Repairs

Richard Talmage, LCGI  EngTech  TMIET

Fully qualified independent service engineer

Over 25 years experience.

12 months warranty on servicing parts and labour!

Has your Technics turntables seen better days? Maybe you have caught onto the vinyl revival and want to get your decks working like they were new?

You have come to the right place. With over 25 years experience working as both an electrical and electronic engineer, rest assured that your turntables will be well looked after. Book your turntables in for a service, and enjoy being part of an ongoing culture which is making its way back into the music scene in a big way. 

Trashed - I mean really trashed? perhaps an ex-partner has thrown your Technics down the stairs snapping the tonearms, or they have been in a fire. Perhaps they have seen many parties outdoors, even got dropped in a river.... Dont worry, these are just some of the real scenarios I have dealt with, and have been able to repair turntables to working like-new condition.

Keeping your turntables in original condition :-

I carry thousands of genuine parts in stock to service your turntables so that they will be working like new. Keeping them original will ensure they have the best sound quality, performance and maintain the best resale value.

Original analogue models vs new digital pitch control:-

One of the main reasons people prefer the original models (mk2 onwards) is not only the far better build quality, but also the fact that they have a true analogue pitch controlled with a Voltage Controlled Oscillator, or 'VCO'  (With the exception of the Mk5G models) - This is why most DJs prefer the original models for their accuracy. Unlike digitally controlled oscillators (or DCO's) which can suffer from non-linearity and jitter issues, Analogue VCOs have an infinite amount of variables between the + and - 8% position. The downside is that over the years this can begin to drift, however a service and calibration will soon bring them back to working 'like new' and with a better feel and accuracy than their digital counterparts, even newly released models. Plus of course, Analogue pitch controls offer absolute zero latency which is important for those who like to 'ride' the pitch.

Some DJ tech riders are also beginning to specify original analogue pitch controls on the turntables supplied, so something worth watching out for especially if you work in events production. 

I carry out a very thorough service which takes on average 2.5 hours per turntable, going far beyond the few minor tweaks as stated in the service manual. Also exclusive to me is that I actually replace the pitch sliders for brand new genuine parts on all models (included in the service price) as just cleaning them up is not sufficient for their continued performance, due to the slide shoe spring contacts becoming weak over time. You may have seen discounted prices from competitors due to individuals not being authorised Panasonic parts dealers (and therefore not replacing certain parts), but rest assured by having new parts your turntables will be working like new for a long time. My direct contact with the original manufacturer overseas ensures continued supply even though they may be discontinued elsewhere. 

DISCONTINUED AN6675/AN6680 MOTOR ICs

(and what you need to know):

The main motor drive and control ICs are the AN6675 and AN6680 types which are made specifically for these turntables. These have now been discontinued. Some problems occur where turntables have neither been serviced properly or not serviced at all, and can develop faults with the voltage regulator components (usually due to dry solder joints). This can in some cases have a knock-on effect causing voltage fluctuations to be present on these motor ICs which can cause them to ultimately fail (the ICs do not just fail on their own, it is always an external influence) - My attention to detail ensures that this is all checked over and the solder joints reflowed so this should never happen. 

However do not worry if you have a turntable where these ICs may have failed causing rotation problems (or no rotation at all). I have plenty of genuine ICs in stock so rest assured I will be able to get your turntables working with genuine parts.

These ICs are extremely difficult to obtain now, however with current stock levels I can still offer them on the parts shop for those who feel competent enough to carry out their own work.  

Keeping track of your serial numbers:

Because original Technics turntables are an iconic item, they are now very sought after and ever increasing in value. By having them professionally serviced by a qualified engineer you will increase their value even more. A receipt is issued stating the serial numbers for you to keep. 

With a direct dealership through Panasonic and original manufacturers, I carry a large stock of well over 10,000 parts for all 1200 and 1210 models mk2 to mk6. I can even obtain parts which may not be available anywhere online, such as the better SFDZ122N11-2 slide potentiometers for the mk2, which are much more DJ friendly than the commonly available SFDZ122N11-1 (hi-fi) types which can cause speed conflict when beatmatching. More info about these on the Tech Info page. 

Price for servicing & calibration (including most small repairs) is £125 per turntable which includes replacement pitch, audio and ground cables (all genuine parts). Where small repairs are needed the only addition would be parts cost. 

Please note that i will not carry out 'internal grounding' as it causes many problems (see tech info/faq section) despite some un-qualified technicians doing this. If your turntables have been internally grounded then this gets put back to original as part of the service for no extra cost. 

Regarding the pitch, I actually fit the brand new pitch part 'SFDZ122N11-2' to mk2 turntables which is the original spec. Beware of cheaper competitors who do not offer this, or falsely claim that it is not needed. This is only because not everyone is able to obtain this part and often fit an incorrect (substitute) pitch to these turntables causing other issues. Other models such as M3D, Mk5 etc also have their correct respective pitch fitted as these are also in stock.

Servicing includes (but is not limited to):

1. Pre check & diagnosis of faults
2. Strip down and removal of chassis parts/tonearm mount
3. Clean & calibrate tonearm adjustment assembly
4. Check tonearm antiskating mechanism
5. Calibrate tonearm pivot bearings & lubricate*
6. Replace audio cables & ground lead for new
7. Replace pitch slide potentiometer for new
8. Calibrate pitch gain
9. Check & service target lamp mechanical components
10. Check condition of operation base (33/45/power)
11. Scope test and calibration on pitch clock zero point
12. Reflow solder joints on main PCB to avoid known issues
13. Function & load test of main IC's under thermal imaging
14. Check voltage regulator components
15. Check and lubricate centre shaft
16. Speed stability & torque test
17. Calibrate brake adjust
18. Replace pitch slide felt (if missing)
19. Reassemble & clean turntable
20. Carry out full operation load test

 *Note that some rattly tonearm pivots may be due to bearing damage and therefore cannot be adjusted. If this is the case then the tonearm will need replacing which will incur extra cost. 

Common Optional Extras

(Priced only when carried out with a service):

1. Replace popup lamp (original)  - £35.00
2. Change popup lamp to LED (Blue or White)  - £25.00
3. Replace pitch trim - £30.00
4. Replace Tonearm Clips - £20.00
5. Upgrade to Technics OFC gold plated cable - £35.00
6. De-Click mk2 pitch (remove ball bearing) - £10.00

Prices include fitting (when carried out as part of a service) 

Other parts/prices also available, please enquire.

Booking:

The best way is to Contact me to book your Technics turntables in for a service, by using the contact form or email. 

Please state if there are any additional faults you want looking at when enquiring about a service. Do mention things like if a fault is intermittent, or develops after the turntable has been switched on for a while. 

Payment:

If sending by courier, payment would be via bank transfer.

If bringing the turntables in person, payment can be made in cash. I currently do not accept credit/debit cards directly (although you can use paypal for this subject to their fees). You can also pay before collection via bank transfer. Note that if paying by bank transfer, you may need to pre-approve this with your bank (as new payee).

In either case please note that turntables cannot be released until cleared payment has been received. I do not accept cheques.

Warranty:

Servicing carries a 12 month limited parts and labour warranty from the date of invoice. Please see full terms and conditions below.

How to get your turntables to me :-

Same Day Service:

I can do a same day service by appointment. Often handy for those wishing to make a round trip here to visit Weymouth. I will need at least 6 to 7 hours to carry out servicing on a pair of turntables. Drop them off in person to me by 10am and they can be ready by 5pm. Or alternatively they can be collected next day etc if staying in accommodation. 

Please click on the following calendar link for up to date availability. Use the arrows to scroll through the months. (Note: This calendar relates to same day servicing appointments only, and does not affect turntables sent via courier).

Same day servicing calendar

Sending via courier:

You can send your turntables by courier which is relatively cheap by comparison. Please click below for courier guide making sure you read the relevent information carefully :-

Turnaround:

Usually within 3 to 4 days of receiving the turntables.

Turntable Shipping Boxes:

If you need boxes to send your turntables, then these can be purchased direct from Mastersounds, Click on the link below :-

Mastersounds SL Box

These are great quality and offer very good protection for your turntables.

Premium dedicated courier service options:

Aswell as the normal courier services listed on the courier guide (above) there is the option of using premium services where the turntables stay on the same vehicle from collection to delivery, and do not pass through delivery depots etc. 

Companies like courierexpert.co.uk or anyvan.com can provide a dedicated vehicle to collect from you and deliver to me the same or next day if you need a quicker and more thorough/safer service. Turnaround would be within two to three days usually and then you would book the return courier in the same way.  

Note: You are responsible for sending and collecting turntables by courier whichever method you choose. No responsibility can be accepted for damaged items.

Please do not send turntables until after you have contacted me to book them in. Turntables which arrive un-announced may be refused. No responsibility can be accepted for any losses.

A note about aftermarket modifications :-

Please note that when a request has been made to modify, e.g. fit different coloured LEDs (which are different to that of the original design). No responsibility can be accepted for any customisations/modifications in any way shape or form, and modifications outside the original specification are not covered by any warranty.

You agree to this especially if the colour of the LEDs seems a different shade than expected, or is brighter than expected etc. Normal parts & labour charges will apply if requested to change back to original specification. Please read the full T&C's below: