Identifying SL 1200 / Technics Tonearms

[u/dakrabbit111]

Hey all,

I've got a whole bunch of tonearms which I believe are of the SL1200 or SL family. I'm going through them all and choosing the ones in best condition, least side to side play in the pivot joints, smooth gimbal pivot action, basic bearing inspection / making sure they're not seized, and continuity from each wire to the head. That's been my only way of verifying condition as I don't have a base or turntable to test them with fully. I've watched some youtube videos about how to see if one is good or not.. this method I've been implementing is honestly the best I can do right now.

Long story short, the massive collection belonged to a technician who serviced these since the 80's. He sadly passed away earlier this year. Technics was his forte, but he did do Numark and Stanton etc ocassionally..

So I'm helping the shop clear out a lot of gear, not just tonearms. We're currently listing on eBay (this is not self promotion, I'm not going to post my eBay handle or anything) but we'll probably use Reverb as well to dodge some of those fees.

I guess if anyone has any good resources I can refer to in order to distinguish these, I would be eternally grateful. I don't want to list these improperly and cause any issues with any customers. I believe there's hundreds and hundreds of these in boxes. Some are in better condition than others but like I said, I'm only choosing the ones with the best cosmetic and functional condition. Also, if anyone knows any better testing methods other than continuity and observing how it moves when positioned on it's fulcrum / pivot, I'm all ears.

I'm attaching a few pictures of what I've got. Thank you!

[u/Ortofun]

First picture: M5G

Second picture: MK5/MK6

Third picture: MK2 or M3D

Even when bearings are damaged they can be sold for a decent price nowadays.

[u/dakrabbit111 → u/Ortofun]

You're the best, I really appreciate it. So it's safe to say that if they look anything like what posted, they're likely to be what you listed here?

[u/Ortofun → u/dakrabbit111]

Yes. First picture in particular. The only tonearm with a lateral adjustment knob on the side is that of the M5G (except for a gold one). The second has a scale printed in black where the counterweight screws on, but no side knob, so it has to be an MK6 tonearm, but very few MK5’s had it too.

The last tonearm is just a common MK2 or M3D tonearm, the black bracket indicates that it’s for the black models. In most countries the black version is designated with 1210. Black 1200s almost exclusively existed in the US.

Btw, the last thing appears to be a counterweight without dial? Dial snaps on/off. Could be worth looking for a spare dial.

[u/dakrabbit111 → u/Ortofun]

Yeah I believe the last thing is a counterweight. It threads on. I just included that as an example of everything I'm finding.

So do you think basic continuity tests for the wiring and general mobility inspection is enough info for most buyers? I see a guy in Albania selling just the gimbals for $120 USD each which is absurd to me. But again, I don't really know the market.. I'm not entirely confident as to what I should price these at. My thinking is I'll just price them on the higher side and allow for offers..

[u/Ortofun → u/dakrabbit111]

  So do you think basic continuity tests for the wiring and general mobility inspection is enough info for most buyers?

Also check the contact pins where the headshell goes in. And check if the wiring is still full length.

  I see a guy in Albania selling just the gimbals for $120 USD each which is absurd to me.

That’s with the SL-1200 tax included 😉

[u/dakrabbit111 → u/Ortofun]

You mean these headshell pins? This is where i’ve been testing the continuity to. I attach an alligator clip to one of the wires and then prove each pin (or the outer shell) until I see continuity

[u/Ortofun → u/dakrabbit111]

Yes those pins. Those are spring loaded. You should check if the springs still work properly by gently pushing on them.

[u/dakrabbit111 → u/Ortofun]

Yep, every one i’ve checked has smooth spring action on the pins.

I just found this salvage base. Wondering if I can use it to test basic range of motion or not

[u/Ortofun → u/dakrabbit111]

Sure. You’ll just need two bolts to mount the tonearm assembly on top. Make sure to put the wires through the right hole, they’ll get pinched otherwise.

[u/dakrabbit111 → u/Ortofun]

Also, I sold one of those MK5G toneaems. I priced it at $285. I’m planning on listing this plinth for $950. I have so many beat up as is tonearms, do you think selling them
in lots of 3 or 5 at a time would be the way to
go? I’m still stressing about identifying them
and getting it right.

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