The Hip Hop scene has long been associated with turntablism, the art of manipulating sounds and creating music using turntables and records. In the early days of hip hop, DJs would use traditional record players to create beats and scratch records to produce unique sounds.
However, as hip hop grew in popularity and more DJs entered the scene, there was a demand for a more advanced turntable that could handle the rigorous use of scratching and beat juggling.
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| Photo by David Lozano |
Enter the Technics record deck, a revolutionary piece of equipment that changed the game for hip hop DJs. Originally released in 1972, the Technics SL-1200 turntable was a high-end model designed for audiophiles and professional DJs. However, it wasn't until the 1980s, when hip hop was emerging as a dominant force in music, that the Technics turntable became synonymous with the genre.
One of the key features of the Technics turntable that made it so popular with hip hop DJs was its durability. The turntable was built to withstand the heavy use and abuse of scratching and beat juggling, and its direct drive motor allowed for precise control over the record's rotation. This made it easier for DJs to execute complicated scratch techniques and maintain consistent rhythm, even during high-energy live performances.
Another important feature of the Technics turntable was its pitch control, which allowed DJs to adjust the speed of the record without affecting its pitch. This feature was crucial for creating seamless transitions between tracks and maintaining a consistent tempo during a mix. The turntable also had a sturdy tonearm that could withstand the force of heavy scratching, as well as a weighted platter that provided a stable base for the record.
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| Technics SL-1200 phono arm - Photo by David Lozano |
As hip hop continued to grow in popularity, the Technics turntable became an iconic symbol of the genre. Its sleek design and powerful performance capabilities made it a must-have for DJs around the world. In fact, many hip hop DJs still use the Technics turntable today, even though production of the original model was discontinued in 2010.
Despite the rise of digital DJ equipment in recent years, the Technics turntable remains a beloved and highly respected piece of equipment in the hip hop community. Its legacy can be seen in the countless hip hop songs and albums that were created using the turntable, as well as the ongoing popularity of turntablism and DJ culture in hip hop today.
In conclusion, the rise of the Technics record deck in the hip hop era was a pivotal moment in the genre's history. This revolutionary piece of equipment allowed DJs to take their craft to the next level, and its durable construction and powerful performance capabilities made it a favorite among hip hop DJs worldwide. Today, the Technics turntable remains an iconic symbol of the hip hop genre and a testament to the creativity and innovation that continue to define hip hop culture.
10 interesting facts about the Technics record deck:
1. The Technics SL-1200, introduced in 1972, is considered the gold standard of turntables in the DJ industry.
2. The SL-1200 was initially designed for home use but became popular among DJs due to its durable construction and high torque motor, which allowed for precise cueing and scratching.
3. The SL-1200's pitch control feature, which allows DJs to adjust the speed of the record, was initially designed for radio broadcasting, but became an essential tool for DJs to match the tempo of different songs.
4. The Technics SL-1200 has been used by some of the most iconic DJs in history, including Grandmaster Flash, DJ Premier, and Q-Tip.
5. In 2010, Panasonic, the parent company of Technics, announced it would discontinue production of the SL-1200. However, due to popular demand, the company resumed production in 2016 with the SL-1200GAE model.
6. The SL-1200's direct drive system, which uses a motor to turn the platter, was considered revolutionary when it was introduced and is still preferred by many DJs today over the more common belt drive system.
7. The SL-1200 has undergone several updates and revisions over the years, including the introduction of the SL-1210 model, which added a switchable voltage option for international use.
8. Technics also introduced the SL-DZ1200 in 2003, a CD turntable designed to mimic the look and feel of the SL-1200 for DJs who preferred using CDs over vinyl records.
9. The SL-1200's iconic design, with its silver and black colour scheme and blue target light, has become a symbol of the hip hop and DJ cultures.
10. In 2019, Technics released the SL-1200MK7 model, which added features such as reverse playback and improved sound quality, while maintaining the classic design and functionality of the original SL-1200.
What do the DJ's themselves have to say about the deck?
- "The Technics 1200 is the backbone of the DJ industry. It's the turntable that started it all, and without it, we wouldn't be where we are today." - DJ Jazzy Jeff
- "The Technics 1200 is the Ferrari of turntables. It's built like a tank and it never lets you down." - DJ Craze
- "The Technics 1200 is the greatest turntable of all time. It's the gold standard, and every other turntable is measured against it." - DJ Qbert
- "The Technics 1200 is the one piece of gear that every DJ should own. It's a classic for a reason." - DJ Shadow
- "The Technics 1200 is the most important piece of equipment in my setup. I couldn't do what I do without it." - DJ Premier
- "The Technics 1200 is the DJ's best friend. It's reliable, durable, and it sounds amazing." - DJ Scratch
- "The Technics 1200 is the ultimate turntable. It's the only turntable that has stood the test of time and remained the industry standard for over 40 years." - DJ Jazzy Jay
- "The Technics 1200 is the turntable that changed the game. It allowed DJs to do things that were previously impossible, and it paved the way for the entire DJ culture." - DJ AM
- "The Technics 1200 is the Cadillac of turntables. It's the smoothest, most precise turntable on the market." - DJ Z-Trip
- "The Technics 1200 is the Rolls Royce of turntables. It's the most luxurious, most reliable turntable out there." - DJ A-Trak
It is with no doubt, that the Technics record deck, a truly legendary piece of equipment, has played a crucial role in the development of hip hop music and DJ culture.