Please take your time to scroll down and have a good read through all of the service information, pricing and how to book.
Richard Talmage, LCGI EngTech TMIET
Fully qualified independent service engineer
Over 30 years experience.
What makes me the UK's Number 1 service for your turntables?
As the only UK engineer who can provide all of the above, rest assured you have come to the best place for your turntables!
Click the image on the left to see the promotional poster. I am the only service here in the UK which can offer this!
Please note i do not install aftermarket audio cables. Whilst they may be ok for line level signals such as cd players, they very rarely have the correct core-screen capacitance needed for phono level signals. Even 'van damme instrument cable' can cause sound quality issues and muddiness. Only genuine cables are fitted to ensure best performance. Scroll down for more info.
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 30 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. I have all the genuine parts in stock on the shelf ready to go.
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 to stick with 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.
Read this first before considering purchasing new mk7 turntables:
Below is a document with my independent advice regarding the new Mk7 turntables, and why it is better in my professional opinion, to stick with your original models. A serviced original model will very likely outlast a brand new mk7.
I carry out a very thorough and efficient 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 free of charge in the service price). This is becauses 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.
The curse of 'lead-free' solder (and why I shall never use it!)
One of the reasons for premature failure of modern electronics today (and the subsequent 'throw-away culture') is the requirement to use RoHS 'Lead-Free' solder. This poses a huge problem as not
only does lead-free solder start to go brittle within a few years (often due to the Kirkendall effect), but can also develop 'Tin Whiskers' (an interesting phenomenon as seen in this video). Thankfully as a registered professional engineer, I am exempt from
certain environmental regulations therefore permitted to use lead based solder which I am able to order direct from the manufacturers (see photo). This far outlasts any lead-free solder and does not
exhibit any of the issues mentioned, as the lead prevents premature corrosion, inhibits tin whiskers etc. Lead-based solder is the very reason why older electronic products lasted longer by many
years, and therefore better for the environment!
The solder which I use is far superior to normal 60/40 lead based type with 62% tin, 2% silver, 36% lead. The flux is halide-free, modified-rosin type, ideal for applications where long-term
reliability is dependent on the corrosion potential of the flux, and the 2% silver also aids to stop organic corrosion. So this means all of the soldering and re-soldering I carry out on your
turntables is designed to last many decades!
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. An invoice 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.
Part of the servicing includes a load test under FLIR thermal imaging, which gives a great in-depth analysis of how main components are performing, showing up any defects which would otherwise affect performance.
In this instance, the main regulator is within the 62°C operating limit. Click on the photo to see more detail
Full servicing & calibration (including most small repairs) is priced at £185 per turntable.
This includes free replacement pitch, audio and ground cables (all genuine parts worth over £65) as these are the most common parts to fail. This will ensure your turntables work like new for years to come.
Note: Where small repairs are needed the only addition would be parts cost if applicable. M5G, LTD and GLD models does not include free audio cables as these are already the better type than standard.
Servicing includes (but is not limited to):
Common repairs also included with a service:
Seized tonearm height adjuster - This is actually a very easy fix.
Re-instate ground cable where turntable has been 'internally grounded' thus eliminating hum issues.
Reflow Q201 voltage regulator solder pads (Have you ever switched on your turntable and instantly the platter spins out of control along with both 33/45 buttons lighting up? Loose solder joints under Q201 would be the cause.)
Has someone attempted a DIY repair job? I always re-instate back to factory standard (i dont charge extra for this unless its really bad and parts are needed, which is quite rare).
*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.
** MK2, M3D and Mk5 models only. M5G, LTD and GLD models includes pitch and ground cable only as already has better quality audio cable which is not prone to failure.
Common Optional Extras
(Priced only when carried out with a service):
Prices include fitting (when carried out as part of a service)
Other parts/prices also available, please enquire.
(You are welcome to keep your old parts after servicing but you must mention this beforehand. Otherwise they get disposed of through recycling. It is not possible to recover disposed old parts after servicing).
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. I absolutely refuse to let a turntable leave my workshop which is internally grounded.
Regarding the pitch, I actually fit the brand new pitch part 'SFDZ122N11-2' to MK2 turntables which is the original spec. M3D,
Mk5, M5G etc also get replacement original pitches relative to their model number. (SFDZ122N11-3, SFDZ122N11-4)
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/fake (aftermarket) pitch to these turntables causing other issues.
Ownership of Mk2 pitch design:
The following UK Government link (click on illustration) proves I have owned
the Mk2 pitch design SFDZ122N11-2 having acquired it since 2018:
www.registered-design.service.gov.uk/find/6041492
For more info on the SFDZ122N11-2 MK2 pitch see Pitch Control Info
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 at the bottom of this page:
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. 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 between 09:30 and 10:30, 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).
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 one week of receiving the turntables. Please note you must contact me first before bringing or sending 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 :-
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 the same (usually within a week) 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 by email to book them in. Turntables which arrive un-announced will be refused. No responsibility can be accepted for any losses.
Please read the full T&C's below: