[Beagleone]

I used to work for a major music store and sold sound & DJ equipment to many people. I was also a club and party DJ for a long time in the 80s and 90s. I still have my 2 Technics 1200s in storage along with about 1500 vinyl albums, LBs and 12" singles. Mostly old school 80s and 90s music. The Technics SL-1200s are marked for discontinued from Panasonic (parent company) late last year. They were the standard for the longest time; I've never worked a club or event that didn't have 1200s there. I would suggest getting one as soon as you can. The cost should be around $500, but used is slightly less. What can I say, they hold their value well. As for the needle, I used the Ortofon needles since they were light weight and provided a great range in sound. They were also great in design and allowed for DJs to drop the needle exactly on cue on the records. Stanton made great needles as well, but I prefer the Ortofons.