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Selecting your first DJ turntables

It seems that the subject of turntables today is very much underground with knowledge of this technology being held only by dinosaurs like myself... DOH! New technology such as the CDJ and the millions of other devices that are flooding the DJ market are pushing turntables out of reach of the beginner DJ. Its only natural... unfortunately... for today's sales people to want to earn the most commission out of their sale and that usually means trying to sell the most expensive state of the art product. So this page has been introduced to try and clear up some important points that you should know when buying your first set of DJ turntables.

First off I would recommend that you shop around and see what is out there. Don't just buy the cheapest turntables because from experience I can tell you that they are usually a false economy! The two types of technology used to drive round the platter on turntables are what you should concern yourself with first. First up are belt drive turntables, these use a pulley system with a rubber type belt that drives the platter round. Although these work fine, I'd suggest they probably aren't what you are looking for because the belt on these can slip, ultimately giving the feel of a lack of power when you hold the record, especially for a heavy handed DJ. The alternative technology is Direct Drive which use a motor to drive the platter and are usually the most expensive option out of the two. Do not be put off by this, you don't have to buy turntables brand new, look in the local papers or online and you'll probably find cheap second hand turntables that work just as well as new. Unlike belt drive turntables direct drive don't slip and tend to give the feel as if they have more power behind them. I am obsessing over power because ultimately power means precision, especially when scratching, but you will notice it even when trying to line up your next track.

I'd say the industry standard DJ turntables for a club or bar are Technics 1210 or 1200 direct drive turntables... which to be honest are basically the same model. There are alternatives to Technics so shop around and see what's best for you, but remember you usually only get what you pay for! Turntables are no different from any other electrical item so beware of gimmicks that will push the price up, ultimately concern yourself with the driving technology first (direct or belt drive) then consider the rest later. Don't be sucked in with offers of turntables being sold with a specific stylus system either. There is usually a standard connection on a DJ turntables arm allowing you to connect any stylus and cartridge to it either through a standard head shell or directly as one unit. Drop me a line if you have any questions [info at djtutorial com].