The Smiley Smile Message Board

I'm thinking about getting a decent record player, can anybody recommend one for me? I went through 2 Crosley's, they are out of the question. I love the sound but they break too easily. Just want to begin my journey of Beach Boy's record collecting...

I have two JVC's  (a QL-A75, and a QL-A200) and swear by them both.

The QL-A75 has been working perfectly since my dad got it from Sears in 1980!!!!

The QL-A200 I found at a Goodwill store for dirt$$$ and it works like a beauty.

My advice is to do some research on the best JVC models from the 70's-80's then scour your local thrift shops/Craigslist posts. You can get a new needle at a lot of places, so don't worry about the state of the stylus when you buy.

This is just my two cents. There are TONS of options.

From what I've seen in the guitar/musical equipment sections of Craigslist, which I scan every day, too much of it looks like a scam, don't waste your time unless you want to buy a broken or over-priced piece of gear. There are clowns selling used, non-valuable guitars which you can still buy brand new in the stores for equal or lesser prices. And similar clowns advertising items deceptively and trying to make those who don't know the market buy something under false pretense. I.E. a Fender Strat  for 350 which is actually a Squier worth 175. I see it at least once a week. Be careful, you may buy a turntable that hasn't worked since 1978.

Definitely step up from the Crosley turntables - they're OK for that niche market but at least get a Technics.

I've been very lucky with flea markets and yard sales. Depending on where you live, if you see a "community wide" or "multi-family" yard sale advertised in a development, chances are you'll see an 80's turntable for around 10 bucks. Get a new stylus or cartridge, maybe put a drive belt back on the wheel, and you'll be set.

I see them all the time, usually 10 bucks or less. You might even find one of those nicer ones with the pitch control.

I have a Technics from the mid 80's or so, and a nice, heavy Sony from the early 80s, which I've kept. I've sold quite a few Technics. No complaints!

Thanx dudes...I appreciate it. Will let you know what I find....

best buy still had a turntable for around 130 dollars last time I looked. And it was ready to go complete with cartridge and cords.  I think it was a SONY.  If it is the same one, I have two and they work fine, sound good, and are durable.