Servicing Options
Transparent, honest pricing for every Technics SL-1200/1210 MK2 to M5G
What's Included in a Just Technics Service?
Every Technics deserves the Just Technics treatment.
Every Technics turntable that arrives at my workshop receives a thorough inspection, deep clean, service and calibration.
I don't believe in simply giving a turntable a quick clean, adjusting a few settings and calling it serviced. I take pride in the work I do, paying close attention to even the smallest details.
From completely stripping down and rebuilding tonearm assemblies to inspecting internal electronics, replacing worn components and carrying out precise calibration, my aim is to ensure every turntable leaves my workshop looking and performing at its very best.
Here's exactly what goes into a Just Technics service.
Initial Inspection & Disassembly
- Carry out an initial inspection and operational test to identify any existing faults or potential issues.
- Carefully dismantle the turntable, removing the necessary chassis components, tonearm assembly and associated parts.
- Inspect the internal components for signs of wear, damage, previous repairs or modifications.
Tonearm Servicing & Calibration
- Strip down, thoroughly clean and re-grease the tonearm height adjustment assembly, including the base threads and locking mechanism.
- Inspect and test the tonearm anti-skating mechanism to ensure correct operation.
- Inspect, adjust and calibrate the tonearm gimbal bearings where necessary.
- Clean and polish the tonearm components, including the bearing pivots, central support and arm tube.
- Inspect the tonearm wiring and connections for any signs of damage or deterioration.
Audio Connections & Pitch Control
- Replace the existing RCA audio cables and external grounding cable with high quality replacements.
- Replace the pitch control slider with a brand new, aftermarket replacement unit.
- Replace the pitch control PCB potentiometer.
- Replace the pitch control LED.
- Replace the pitch slider shading cloth and under knob felt.
- Carry out pitch control calibration, checking the pitch range, zero position and overall accuracy.
Internal Electronics & Circuit Boards
- Thoroughly inspect and clean the main circuit boards, removing accumulated dust, dirt and contamination.
- Reflow ALL solder joints on the turntables mainboard, including fresh thermal paste applied.
- Inspect the voltage regulation circuitry, including known problem areas such as the Q201 transistor connections.
- Check the operation of the main integrated circuits and associated electronic components.
- Carry out oscilloscope testing and calibration of the relevant pitch control and timing circuitry.
- Inspect internal wiring, connectors and electrical connections for any potential issues.
Mechanical Components & Motor Servicing
- Inspect, clean, polish and lubricate the main platter spindle assembly.
- Check the motor operation, speed stability and overall performance.
- Carry out the necessary speed and pitch calibration adjustments.
- Inspect and calibrate the electronic braking system.
- Replace the 33/45 RPM speed selection buttons and power switch assembly.
- Inspect, clean and polish the pop-up target light housing (fully stripped and regreased when upgraded lighting is requested, this is highly recommended!)
- Check the operation of all buttons, switches, lighting and associated mechanical components.
Deep Cleaning & Final Testing
- Thoroughly clean the turntable chassis, plinth, rubber base and associated components.
- Carefully clean and hand-polish the platter, spindle, strobe tower and other suitable external components.
- Reassemble the turntable, ensuring all components are correctly fitted and secured.
- Carry out final calibration checks and adjustments.
- Perform a complete operational test, checking speed accuracy, pitch response, braking, tonearm operation and audio output.
The aim is simple: to have your Technics looking, feeling and performing as close to its original specification as possible.
Common Repairs Included in My Servicing
Over the years, I've come across just about every common fault associated with the Technics SL-1200 and SL-1210 range. The good news is that many of these issues can be rectified during a standard service without additional labour charges.
Seized Tonearm Height Adjustment
A seized or extremely stiff tonearm height adjustment mechanism is one of the most common problems I encounter every week. I completely dismantle the height adjustment assembly, remove the old hardened grease, thoroughly clean the adjustment threads and apply fresh grease. Once reassembled, the height adjustment shall operate smoothly again. To fully dismantle, deep clean, polish, regrease, reassemble and calibrate 2x full tonearm assemblies, this shall take me a full day to complete!
Previous Internal Grounding Modifications
Some Technics turntables have previously been modified to remove the external grounding cable, commonly referred to as an internal grounding modification. Although these modifications are often carried out to simplify connections for working DJs who require a fast, quick and easy connection, they can sometimes introduce unwanted hum or other phasing issues. If requested, I can happily reverse these modifications for you. Lets be honest, if you plan on only using your turntables at home, would you really benefit from bypassing and removing the grounding cables?
Q201 Transistor & Cracked Solder Joints
Ever switched on your Technics only to find the platter suddenly spinning out of control, sometimes accompanied by both the 33 and 45 RPM buttons illuminating? This is a known issue called "runaway error" that can be caused by cracked or deteriorated solder joints around the Q201 transistor. During servicing, I inspect these connections and reflow ALL mainboard solder joints to help prevent intermittent faults. Full electrolytic capacitor replacements (recapping) is also offered as a future proofing optional upgrade.
Previous attempted Repairs & customisation
I've lost count of the number of Technics turntables I've worked on over the years which have previously been subjected to questionable repairs or modifications! (if you follow my YouTube channel then you'll be well aware of this!) Whether it's poor soldering, damaged solder pads, unnecessary modifications or components that have been fitted incorrectly, I'll always do my best to put things right. Where possible, I prefer to return the turntable to its original factory configuration. Minor corrective work is generally included within my standard servicing. However, if extensive repairs or replacement components are required, I'll discuss these with you before carrying out any additional chargeable work.
Important Information
Tonearm Bearings
Loose or incorrectly adjusted tonearm bearings can SOMETIMES be corrected during servicing. However, excessive movement can be a big indicator of damaged gimble bearings rather than a simple adjustment issue. Where bearing damage is identified, replacement bearings or additional components may be required at an extra cost. I'll always inspect the condition of the tonearm and advise you of any additional work before proceeding. If Replacement aftermarket bearings are required, the cost per bearing is £10.00 each, this is no longer a "game over" problem.
Audio Cable Replacement
As part of a Just Technics service, the original RCA audio cables and grounding cables are replaced with brand new, high-quality replacements on Technics SL-1200/1210 MK2, M3D and MK5 models. All replacement cables are professionally installed, with the connections carefully inspected and tested to ensure reliable audio performance via a continuity test checking each section of the audio system from end to end.
Additional Parts & Repairs
Although many common faults can be rectified during servicing, additional replacement parts or more extensive repairs may incur extra charges. I will always discuss any additional costs with you before proceeding.
The Just Technics Treatment
Attention to detail. Quality workmanship. No shortcuts. Every turntable receives the same care and attention I'd expect if it were my own.