Silver is a popular finish for Technics turntables, but just look at this black and gold GME!
Technics will sell just 2,410 worldwide
When Technics introduced the SL-1200 in 1972, it did not intend for it to become a DJ staple. Derived from the 1970 Technics SP-10, which was the world's first direct-drive turntable, the SL-1200 was intended for high-fidelity home replay. The high-torque direct-drive offered lower wow-and-flutter figures than equivalent belt drives, and the included speed selector and strobe dots on the platter allowed users to compensate for speed drift.
DJs soon found that a turntable that got to speed within half a rotation and then held it religiously, was extremely useful in demanding club and party environments. Then they discovered that the speed selector could be used to beat-match, allowing tracks to flow seamlessly into one another. Finally, as the genre of "turntabulism" established itself, the high-torque motor, extreme tonearm stability, and grippy platter edge of the SL-1200 allowed the development of looping and scratching.
Technics responded to this unexpected use of its product by making it more DJ-friendly, with the SL models getting the big start/stop button, slider for speed control, speed strobe, stylus light, and adjustable feet.
This top view of the SL-1200GME shows the chunky controls and lights that became the DJ's cockpit.
DJ Features Go Full Circle
When Technics revived the SL-1200 in 2016, this icon went full circle and became beloved by audiophiles again. They recognized that the high-fidelity features that first endeared it to DJs were still as relevant to hi-fi enthusiasts, especially those who loved the functional aesthetic that cued deep connection to hip-hop, disco, house, techno, dub, breakbeat, jungle, and more.
Today, it is in celebration of this full-circle history that Technics is issuing a Master Edition of the SL-1200, the SL-1200GME. Just 2,410 units have been released worldwide, and Upscale Audio has a precious allocation of this limited edition. Each GME features a plinth plate proudly displaying a gold-painted, embossed logo and a serial number. The magnesium tonearm is also finished in gold paint.
While the silver finish is traditionally the default choice for a Technics turntable, we absolutely love how the gold complements the black finish, as seen in the photo at the top of this email. It's a Technics quirk to give each finish a different model number, but they are otherwise the same turntable. The silver is the 1200 and black is the 1210, and Technics is making corresponding numbers of each finish to total 2,410.
The Technics SL-1200GME is not yet in stock but is coming soon. Contact our sales team if you have any questions about whether the GME is the right turntable for your system.
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