The Technics SL-1200 GAE/G/GR general questions thread

Two GAEs and one G -I think.

 

I aligned the cartridge on my G by dropping acid and moving it with my mind.

 

Cosmic alignment?

 

Sorry to interrupt this tangent about cartridge alignment, but I'm suddenly in the market for an SL-1210GR, and all dealers (in the US at least) still seem only to have these on backorder. I'm just wondering if folks here are still experiencing months-long wait times from online retailers like Crutchfield? (I'd prefer to buy from Crutchfield, since they're reputable and I like their customer service.) I did a search for "backorder" in this thread, and saw folks mentioning some pretty long wait times back in 2021, 2020, etc., when supply chains were being hit especially hard. I'm just wondering if things have improved at all?

I'd just get in line right now, but the problem is I'm going to be away for a month this summer, and I don't want this thing showing up on my doorstep during that time. I suppose I could always cancel it if it looks like it's going to ship at that time, but I'm just trying to avoid complications.

 

B&H still shows in stock on the 1210gr.

 

Good to know, thanks. How are their customer service and return policy, though? I don't think I've ever ordered anything from them (at least nothing anywhere near this price point).

 

I ordered by 1210GR from B&H when they were on sale this past winter, as well as my AT cartridge (separate orders). They were great to deal with both times - you've got nothing to worry about! They often have open box/customer return 1210's, so they must have a decent return policy.

 

You could call Crutchfield and Sweetwater and ask when they expect to have stock.

 

Thanks, this is helpful information.

Yes, good point. Or, if these are on perpetual backorder, maybe they can give me an honest estimate on current wait times.

 

Ordered from BH and had to exchange my table. Both times shipping was basically next day. No questions asked with exchange. Would buy from them again.

 

FWIW, I waited a couple months in 2019. I think most of the time these have been on the market, there has been a backorder, even without the supply chain issues of the pandemic. Just very high demand, I guess.

 

...

Why not arrange to get it dropped with one of your friends or neighbours who live nearby if you're away?

 

I just don't want to burden anyone with that and stress out about whether the person is at home when the package arrives, or make them stress out about having to be around when the package arrives, etc. I used to sometimes have large packages sent to my mom's place, but she is getting old and frail, her health has been declining, so I don't want to burden her with that either.

That's good. I've seen some posts here about the occasional issue with these turntables, so I just want to make sure I can exchange it easily if I have to.

 

Have purchased from B&H many times for camera and computer gear. Always excellent shipping and awesome customer support. Their store is absolutely huge.

 

That's how Fremer does it during his seminar. At AXPONA one year I saw him move the needle and then he moved my soul.

 

Did you have to pay any restocking fees or full return shipping?

B&H has a lot of negative reviews on Yelp, many of them related to online orders and/0r issues over returns and exchanges. It does make me nervous to purchase a turntable from them. But I suppose if people who have ordered the same turntable from them had a positive experience, that counts for something.

 

Nope. Mine was defective so they issued a return label. I just had to call in and talk with them for like 15 minutes but it was relatively painless.

Reviewing my emails, I got the return labels 1/19, return received and processed on the 24th, new order shipped the 24th, item received the 26th. This is also in the northeast where there are a billion delays because of snow.

 

Can’t comment on the turntable, but I ordered many photography related things from them. Never had a problem.

 

I bought a Music Hall 5.3 and it had a defect (buzzing). They accepted the return with no problem and even paid for return shipping. I wasn't sure if it was a defect or something with my setup or environment. It was a stellar experience that impressed me. Worthy of Crutchfield. I would definitely buy from them again.

 

For those who use the Oyaide BR-12 mat: How do you clean it? I bought one used, and it looks like it could use at least a wipe down.

 

These turntables are boxed up extremely well, bullet proof practically so I wouldn't be too concerned with getting it from just about anyone as long as it's new.
The fact that there are at least a couple of people who have had to return a tt from B&H and had a pleasant experience does give the green light as far as I can see.

 

Oyaide recommend this

• If it gets dirty, wash it with water and wipe off the moisture with a soft cloth.
• Do not wipe with oil, organic solvent, or alcohol, as it may degrade the rubber.

 

Value Electronics on their site says they have the 1210gr in stock. They don't charge sales tax to ship outside the state of NY and have 'free shipping'.

Technics Black SL1210GR Turntable - Value Electronics

I bought my 1210gr from them and many other items over the years.

 

Thank you!

 

They also double box ship standard.