cheap turntables?

jab1235

jab1235

CAGiversary!
i can't really explain exactly what im looking for because i don't evan know.
all i know is i want to learn how to start scratching, or at least mess around with it. i was looking around the internet but all the turntables are incredibly exspensive. i was hoping for something that sounds ok and works well for under $100. i was really hoping for around $50 but i don't think that's going to happen.
i don't know if i want a vynal one or one to use with music on the computer (usb i think its called but i have no clue). its so confusing and i have no clue what im looking for exactly.

i really have no clue what im looking for so any help would be amazing!
tahnks!
 
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If you want to scratch you can't really use a cheap belt based Turntable. You need a direct drive turntable and honestly I don't think I've ever seen anything under 200 bucks. Because even at that price point the stuff is junk. Of course I haven't checked in a while, but floor models at Guitar Center, pawn shops and Craigs list are you best bet.

However be aware that real DJ turntables actually retain their value pretty well so you're still going to have to pay some money.

Djing and scratching is not an easy hobby to get into, the startup cost is really big expect to spend at least 1K to get a setup of decks and a mixer. That's not including a Serato box and Laptop if you want to dj with mp3s. It's not like guitar where you spend 100 bucks and start learning.
 
[quote name='KingDox']If you want to scratch you can't really use a cheap belt based Turntable. You need a direct drive turntable and honestly I don't think I've ever seen anything under 200 bucks. Because even at that price point the stuff is junk. Of course I haven't checked in a while, but floor models at Guitar Center, pawn shops and Craigs list are you best bet.

However be aware that real DJ turntables actually retain their value pretty well so you're still going to have to pay some money.

Djing and scratching is not an easy hobby to get into, the startup cost is really big expect to spend at least 1K to get a setup of decks and a mixer. That's not including a Serato box and Laptop if you want to dj with mp3s. It's not like guitar where you spend 100 bucks and start learning.[/QUOTE]
wow, didn't know it was that exspensive, i just wanted to get into turntableism, not much of the mixing or anything like that right now,

i found this, but like you said, it's cheap and it'll sound cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60USB-Automatic-Turntable-USB/dp/B002GYTPB8
and this one, which looks nice
http://www.amazon.com/Ion-ION-ITTUS...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274503326&sr=1-26
lol, im way to bored... but i found this cheap direct drive, this is so confusing!
http://www.pssl.com/Numark-TT-USB-Turntable-With-USB

i do remember seeing something on tv about a usb mixer/table thing that they had a entry level one, i'll search for that.

oh, by the way! thank you so much for the help!
 
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KingDox already nailed it. The industry standard are Tecnic 1200(12XX). Then your mixer is going to run another $200 or so. Back in the day when I was scratching, Vestax (edit: found the model of mixer-PMC 05) was the preferred mixer. Also, back then I couldn't afford Tecnics so I went with what was at the time considered a cheaper, but mildly comparable table, the Gemini's. They never failed me, and I was always happy with them. The Tecnics did feel more heavy duty, but saving $150ea (at least) was worth the tradeoff for me.

Really, you're looking at probably a grand to get started with a serviceable kit, including cartridges, needles, two tables, a mixer, and a few breakbeat/scratch records.

I was a college DJ that got access to TONS of free records. If I weren't, it would've been a hobby I couldn't afford. Once you have your gear though, if you get decent, you can play parties/clubs and definitely make the money back many times over.
 
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[quote name='jab1235']wow, didn't know it was that exspensive, i just wanted to get into turntableism, not much of the mixing or anything like that right now,

i found this, but like you said, it's cheap and it'll sound cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-PL60USB-Automatic-Turntable-USB/dp/B002GYTPB8
and this one, which looks nice
http://www.amazon.com/Ion-ION-ITTUS...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274503326&sr=1-26
lol, im way to bored... but i found this cheap direct drive, this is so confusing!
http://www.pssl.com/Numark-TT-USB-Turntable-With-USB

i do remember seeing something on tv about a usb mixer/table thing that they had a entry level one, i'll search for that.

oh, by the way! thank you so much for the help![/QUOTE]
Those are all belt drive turntables even the Numark one. I would go with a DJ in a box setup that has direct drive turntables, first to see if you like it that is what I did and then upgrade once you know you like it. I upgraded my mixer first and then one turntable.
 
i'm kinda having second thoughts, especialy seeing how exspensive it would be. usualy i get my mind set on doing something (in this case playing with turntables) so i buy them. then i end up playing with it for a month and get bored, so i stop practicing. then i get mad that im not getting better because i don't practice so i stop practicing haha. i really don't want to waste a grand just to do it again.

i guess i'll just keep my eye out at thrift stores and on ebay, maybe i can get a nice deal there.
oh and thanks a lot for the help!
but is there anything i can get or try that i can see if i would be interested in actuly trying to learn?
 
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Find some DJ forums and find music you like listening to. Go to events and see if the scene and the pro djs are your thing. Learn the ins and outs of the music and just enjoy listening to it. Once you become familiar with the genre you enjoy you're more liklely to stay with the hobby if you decide to take the plunge. Also I'm sure there are a ton of videos on Youtube about scratching and Turntablism.

If you're lucky you'll make friends in the scene who already have gear that won't mind you playing with it.
 
thanks, and i love music, but i switch genre's up every once and a while, and currently im listening to underground rap. srry about all the questions but im very curios about stuff. and again thanks a lot everyone.
nuby, those look great! i'll keep an eye on them.

you guessed it, another new question -.-. would i need special speakers or anything like that just to play with it in my house?
 
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[quote name='jab1235']thanks, and i love music, but i switch genre's up every once and a while, and currently im listening to underground rap. srry about all the questions but im very curios about stuff. and again thanks a lot everyone.
nuby, those look great! i'll keep an eye on them.

you guessed it, another new question -.-. would i need special speakers or anything like that just to play with it in my house?[/QUOTE]

I built my system up over time. Started out with a single turntable. Then got a mixer. Was able to borrow a second table from my radio station for awhile, but then it was time to get my second. Go to a Guitar Center, or something like that in your area. Decent chance they'll already have a kit setup. See if you like the feel. I'd definitely watch some Invisbl Skratch Pikilz/DJ Qbert tutorial videos to see if it still looks like fun. Turntablism is really underappreciated. The real money is in playing lame party tracks for house parties and clubs.

You could always buy a single turntable, a single mixer, then mix off of a CD instrumental track or something. Keeps you from taking the full plunge, but you'll still be in it at least $400 or so. Not sure if you're a student or not, but if you are a college student, I STRONGLY suggest getting involved with your school's radio station, if they have one. They'll already have the gear, and you can learn/play around for free.
 
[quote name='jab1235']thanks, and i love music, but i switch genre's up every once and a while, and currently im listening to underground rap. srry about all the questions but im very curios about stuff. and again thanks a lot everyone.
nuby, those look great! i'll keep an eye on them.

you guessed it, another new question -.-. would i need special speakers or anything like that just to play with it in my house?[/QUOTE]

I have 2 technic 1200s and a vestax 05 pro mixer. I'm playing them through crappy 20 dollar speakers so no you don't need special speakers. lol
 
[quote name='berzirk']I built my system up over time. Started out with a single turntable. Then got a mixer. Was able to borrow a second table from my radio station for awhile, but then it was time to get my second. Go to a Guitar Center, or something like that in your area. Decent chance they'll already have a kit setup. See if you like the feel. I'd definitely watch some Invisbl Skratch Pikilz/DJ Qbert tutorial videos to see if it still looks like fun. Turntablism is really underappreciated. The real money is in playing lame party tracks for house parties and clubs.

You could always buy a single turntable, a single mixer, then mix off of a CD instrumental track or something. Keeps you from taking the full plunge, but you'll still be in it at least $400 or so. Not sure if you're a student or not, but if you are a college student, I STRONGLY suggest getting involved with your school's radio station, if they have one. They'll already have the gear, and you can learn/play around for free.[/QUOTE]
that's what i was thinking of doing first, 1 table and 1 mixer. im not in college though so i can't borrow from anywhere. i saw a lot of videos of people with their tables hooked up to their computers, and the software for it is exspensive isn't it? i wouldn't have to hook it up to my computer would i? i'll just hold off until i can find a super good deal on it one day :p. thank you everyone.
 
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