Turntable repairs are inevitable at times when you own a set of SL1200/1210 mk2 decks. The last few weeks have been a testament to the prevalence of backyard turntable “technicians” when I see what comes out of some customers’ turntables. Botched turntable repairs, incorrect modifications, and careless handling are becoming all too common, and unfortunately, many turntable owners only realize the damage when it’s too late.

Check out this "turntable repair" blunder visibly seen on the locking tabs of the casing that has solder added
Check out this “turntable repair” blunder visibly seen on the locking tabs of the casing that has solder added

Protecting Your Investment: Choose Wisely

A proper technician isn’t just someone with a soldering iron and a YouTube tutorial. A skilled and experienced tech understands the nuances of different turntable models, follows proper repair protocols, and takes precautions to ensure your deck is serviced correctly. Here’s what to look for:

  • Registered Business & Accountability – If a tech is running a legitimate business, they have a reputation to maintain and provide recourse if something goes wrong. A fly-by-night technician can disappear overnight, leaving you with a bigger repair bill or an irreparable deck.
  • Proper Workshop & Equipment – A professional technician should have a dedicated workspace with anti-static precautions, such as an anti-static mat, to protect sensitive electronics. They should also use jigs to hold the turntable securely when working on it—flipping a deck onto a pillow is NOT a proper solution. Your tonearm is delicate and is not designed to take pressure in any direction!

The “Internal Grounding” Trend: A Major No-No

Lately, I’ve seen an alarming trend where so-called technicians remove the factory ground wire and replace it with an “internal ground.” Let’s be clear: this is not an upgrade—it’s a problem waiting to happen. This just means you are up for more turntable repairs in due course.

Your turntable’s ground wire is there for a reason. Removing it and grounding internally means your deck is now using the negative terminal of your audio circuit to ground the entire turntable. This essentially turns your turntable into an antenna, inviting interference and unwanted noise into your audio chain.

To make matters worse, a turntable’s power cable typically only has live and neutral wires—there is no earth ground. So, by removing the ground wire, you’re not actually grounding the deck properly. Instead, you’re setting up the perfect conditions for ground loops and other frustrating electrical noise interferences. A real technician knows this and would never recommend such a modification.

Genuine Parts Matter

Another major issue I see with subpar repairs is the use of low-quality or incorrect replacement parts. Many cheap technicians will use knock-off components because they’re cheaper and easier to source, but this comes at a cost—your turntable’s performance and longevity.

Always opt for a technician who prioritizes genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts when OEM parts are no longer available. A reputable tech will source proper replacements that match the original specifications rather than slap in something “close enough.” Using incorrect parts can affect speed accuracy, motor performance, and even the lifespan of your deck.

A Demonstrated History of Turntable repairs

Before trusting someone with your turntable, do some research. A qualified tech should have a history of successful repairs, positive customer feedback, and a willingness to stand behind their work. Look for someone who shares their expertise openly and educates their customers rather than just doing quick fixes for a quick buck.

Final Thoughts

Turntables are precision instruments, and they require skilled hands for proper servicing. Don’t fall for backyard repair jobs or questionable mods that do more harm than good. Choose a technician with a solid reputation, a proper workspace, and a commitment to doing things right. Protect your deck, protect your sound, and most importantly—protect your investment.

Dj Swop Shop is a trusted repair center for Technics dj turntables with a demonstrated history. All the work is carried out by myself using only the highest quality parts and delivering top notch workmanship. You can reach out to me for assistance and advice on whatsapp HERE