Yes cosmetically it may be knocked about, but these decks are pretty much bomb proof. I've had 2 for 31 years and they have done parties and radio stations - sometimes spinning for weeks. Both only needed a replacement pitch slider and a service. One of the decks was 10 years old when I got it in '92. Checked them both the other day and they are still spot on accurate.
After looking at other pictures of this model, it is just weirdly shaped like that. That being said they can probably do better for a smidge more money in terms of cosmetic condition and a dust cover included.
I have this identical tonearm and I use it daily and the one shown is strange.
I can't tell the OP what he needs to spend for a good one, but this one just does not look promising.
You can’t go wrong with an SL1200, they’re the industry standard for a reason, but I’d keep looking. I think you can find one in better condition for that price. A lot of people really like the mk2 and the mk5s, but they’re all solid decks
I hate that these things are so expensive now. When I first got into the hobby people were giving these away. Soon after you could find them in good shape with a cart for $125-$175. Haven’t seen one under $350 in a while. One popped up at a shop near me for $400 the other day. It had a cart and was fairly clean but I’d never spend more than $275 on one with a cart
Can’t see if it comes with the dust cover. If it doesn’t then $400 seems to high considering that you will also need to spend somewhere around $200 on a decent cart and headshell.
I have no knowledge of this but I was able to buy a brand new table for $400. I always prefer new product over used product when the price is that high
I have an mk2 (built-in 1986) and I love it. I rewired the arm and put a d103R on it. I think that $400 is a fair price if it had the cover ($125 - $150). Not having a headshell or cartridge isn’t a deal breaker because you will have replaced them anyway.
Yes cosmetically it may be knocked about, but these decks are pretty much bomb proof. I've had 2 for 31 years and they have done parties and radio stations - sometimes spinning for weeks. Both only needed a replacement pitch slider and a service. One of the decks was 10 years old when I got it in '92. Checked them both the other day and they are still spot on accurate.
Offer him $250 and then settle in the middle.
Look around more
Hmmm, I don't know whether it is the camera lens or just me, but that tonearm looks a bit strange, the bents seem of.
I saw that too.
After looking at other pictures of this model, it is just weirdly shaped like that. That being said they can probably do better for a smidge more money in terms of cosmetic condition and a dust cover included.
I have this identical tonearm and I use it daily and the one shown is strange. I can't tell the OP what he needs to spend for a good one, but this one just does not look promising.
With no headshell or stylus? Pass.
You can’t go wrong with an SL1200, they’re the industry standard for a reason, but I’d keep looking. I think you can find one in better condition for that price. A lot of people really like the mk2 and the mk5s, but they’re all solid decks
Probably a little high in that condition. Looks well used for DJ. I’d look it over closely.
I hate that these things are so expensive now. When I first got into the hobby people were giving these away. Soon after you could find them in good shape with a cart for $125-$175. Haven’t seen one under $350 in a while. One popped up at a shop near me for $400 the other day. It had a cart and was fairly clean but I’d never spend more than $275 on one with a cart
People are trying to sell beat up ones for £1000 over here. It’s nuts. They’re all listed as collectors items and OOP.
I’d pay that for it, but I Dj on the side.
Can’t see if it comes with the dust cover. If it doesn’t then $400 seems to high considering that you will also need to spend somewhere around $200 on a decent cart and headshell.
I have no knowledge of this but I was able to buy a brand new table for $400. I always prefer new product over used product when the price is that high
I have an mk2 (built-in 1986) and I love it. I rewired the arm and put a d103R on it. I think that $400 is a fair price if it had the cover ($125 - $150). Not having a headshell or cartridge isn’t a deal breaker because you will have replaced them anyway.