I started listening to techno when I was about 19, and I liked it and it was cool, and then I moved out of Florida and to Rhode Island - where techno is almost non-existant.

Very recently, I've discovered "my people" and not only was I reintroduced to something I now love, something changed in me tonight when I was listening to a mix of my friend's.

I don't hear it anymore, I feel it. I don't just hear the beats, I hear the rythem and I hear the patters, I don't hear the mix, I hear the two seperate tracks.

And now I'm thinking I want to start messing around... even if it turns out to be a just for fun thing, I really would like to start learning. I would love any and all suggestions on good starting tips.

I'll thank you all when I'm big and famous - LOL

Jessica

Yeha, another person addicted to electronic sound! :D Welcome aboard.

There are several things you should have in mind when starting out. What bugdet do you have to spend and how do you want to spend it?
The most obvious and best way for beginners is to hook up two Technics 1210 mk* to some kind of mixer and off you go. Don't go for the cheapest equipment you can find, it sucks big-time and spoils all the fun.
Maybe you can practise from time to time at your friends place just to get the hang of it, see if you really like it.

Hmmm, what else? Be patient and creative in your mixing. All things take time to learn, but once you've mastered it, it's as easy as riding a bike. :)

One other thing, which is subject to broad discussion, is the question: "what is more important: skills or the music?" Leave some money over for your records. Maybe allready start buying records and practise at your friends place. Than go further from there...

But than again, it all depends on your budget.

Hope that helps a bit. Let us know about your next steps. :)

Cheerio

What do the technics usually run?

Right now my budget is called ZIPPO, so I'll have to try and bring it up to my friend to show me things, but I've already started spotting records at the store with him, can't say I've done too bad, either.

And I have to say - it's the music, just like any other musical job out there. I don't care how well you play a guitar, if you don't have the passion for the music, it's just not the same.

Thanks much for the fast reply - I'mma hafta start poking around and schmoosing at clubs! :)

Jessica

I'm totally not familiar with US-prices, but I found this, which should give you an overview. => http://www.bizrate.com/buy/products__cat_id--11960000,keyword--Technics%201200.html

Off course, those are new products, you might be able to get them cheaper second hand. Those turntables are almost indestructable and worth every dime. :)

If you don't want to spent that much yet, don't go for the cheapest of the cheapest either. It will spoil your fun, the reselling-price is very low, and the performance is poor. You should invest something like 400 usd for a decent pair of turntables.

In the meantime, keep on buying those records, as they are your true investment. :)

Cheerio

I do agree with the technics comment above but I will add this.
I learnt on Soundlab Beltdrive decks. Total rubbish.
I was on them for about a year and learning was slowish. Then I got a set of 1210's.
I got brilliant very quick - this was because I suddenly had power at my fingertips when I was used to being very gentle and delicate.
I suggest thet you can start on any old crap that has a pitch control.
This may seem counter productive at first but its not in the long run.
Besides - what if you find you are interested in something else - then youve spent a load of money on nothin.
Go for the budget package - its harder but that makes you stronger.
I rexkon you can get set up for around £150 in the UK so I would imaging you are looking at a couple of hundred dollers over there.