We offer advice and technical support to anyone in South Africa who owns an out-of-warranty Linn Sondek LP12 turntable or would like to purchase one.
The Linn Sondek LP12 turntable is a classic that has stood the test of time. Like good wine, a LP12 ages well. In fact, many of the original LP12 turntables manufactured in 1973 are still around. Most have been upgraded to later specifications.
Technical Support: The LP12 fundis on this website are enthusiasts that have spent a lot of time with their turntables. Many are also technical wizzes who understand the technology driving the LP12, and can service these units to get the best out of them.
Service and Upgrades: It is not advisable to transport a LP12 turntable using courier companies. Instead, we put you in touch with recognised individuals in your area, where you can take your unit to them to have it serviced and upgrades performed. [ More on services we render... ]
Spares: Your LP12 is a fantastic product, but it will eventually require replacement parts. Motors and power supplies, belts and mats, armboards and tonearms, and cartridges – these are normal items you can replace or upgrade, although obtaining these items can be difficult.
Latest News
Classical Opera Box Sets for Sale
I inherited a massive collection of classical music. There is no way I can keep all of this and some 108 box sets are for sale, each priced at R150.00. I have not been able to check each one as it would take months to do so. However, from the spot checks I did, not a single record had any flaws and it appears as if the owner looked after his records very well.
Please note that I just do not have the capacity to send single items by courier. If you are interested, by all means collect purchased items from my home in Pretoria (Montana Park) or consider taking at least ten items at a time which can then be boxed and sent by courier. [ View the catalogue here... ]
Boston CBS Mastersound LP for sale
A CBS Mastersound half-speed mastered audiophile-quality copy of Boston's debut album is for sale. The vinyl is in mint condition. [ More details on this album... ]
Hardboard Baseboard, Screws, and Feet
Used but in perfectly good condition baseboard from a 1982 LP12 is for sale, with accompanying screws and rubber feet. [ More details on this product... ]
The hunt for pre-owned OG vinyl titles
This is our last article for the year. It should have been placed weeks ago already, but we just let this one slip.
No matter what turntable you own, enthusiasts are often on the lookout for older pressings. OG, Original Gangster, are the first releases of vinyl records and these are often very sought after. We recently looked into a few examples.
We will be back in 2026, as always listening to the tales LP12 owners share with us, and assist both current and would-be owners of this classic turntable. May you have a prosperous new year!
What's the big deal with vinyl?
I had the opportunity to contribute an article for AV News Online. While the theme of the article does not have anything to do with a LP12 turntable, it is very relevant for the situation we find ourselves in as far as vinyl is concerned. Many thanks are extended to the team from AV News for giving me the opportunity. Click the lady searching for vinyl above to read the article.
A bit of nostalgia
Someone gave me a few LP12 bits and pieces the other day. In the bag was a really old instruction and installation manual. There is no date anywhere but judging by the schematics, it must be somewhere in the mid-70s. It also states "Your Linn Sondek LP12 has been set up and tested using the S.M.E model 3009 Tone Arm."
It is worth nothing but some may find it interesting reading material.
[ Pages 1 and 4 ] [ Pages 2 and 3 ] [ Schematics for the arm cable payout ] [ Instructions for changing motor and adjusting position of belt drive ]
If anyone wants the originals, contact us on info@lp12.co.za and we can arrange something.
Cinema Architects Open Day
Join us on 15 November for a day of fun with the focus on vinyl as the format to be enjoyed. We will also have a LP12 turntable on display, demo, and sale that day. You could leave the event with the turntable you have always wanted. New and pre-owned vinyl will be on sale during the event, and a cleaning service is available.
AV News – Consistent Credible Coverage
Remember the years of Audio Video Magazine? Those days may be over, but businesses evolve. AV News Online Magazine aims to take the same spot it had under its old guise, with great product reviews, industry news, and more. Visit their website and support their social media channels. A Like costs no time at all but makes a big difference to them.
Let us sell your LP12
This venture is becoming more successful than we ever thought it would. Just shows you how many enthusiasts cannot wait to get their hands on a pre-owned LP12!
Linn equipment and LP12 turntable for sale
Tim Roberts is selling his Linn gear. Not only does he have a LP12 in excellent condition, but he also has other Linn products, including amplifiers and a CD player. You van contact him on 083 505-5706 to discuss options. Tim has sent us a video so that you can view the products. [ Watch the video... ]
The AT VM95ML moving magnet cartridge
Finding a replacement cartridge for a broken MC proved that "excellent" does not have to be "expensive". [ We take a listen... ]
Calling Linn Axis or Basik owners
This website is not just about the LP12. We look after owners of Axis and Basik turntables as well. If you own one of these and need it serviced, contact Nicolaas Pienaar on 079 872-6031. Based in Ben Swart Street in the Moot area of Pretoria, Nicolaas is passionate about the Linn Basik turntable.
Nicolaas is also your go-to for other electronics work. If you need a Valhalla recapped, he will do it. Other hifi products, especially turntables and reel-to-reel tape decks, are his thing.
Three LP12 owners are very happy today!
First, an owner purchased a Minos power supply to replace his Valhalla. Then, the Valhalla was installed in a unit we recently organised for another customer. Finally, we were informed today that a purchase we organised about two months ago resulted in the Sondek delivered to its owner.
Pre-owned Valhalla power supplies for sale
We have one unit up for grabs, perfect for those whose LP12 is pre-1982 with the red power switch. [ More information about this item... ]
Facebook page restored
After a long struggle, we were able to get back our Facebook page. We will populate it and send invites for those with an interest in these turntables to join, post, comment, and so on. [ Have a look... ]
Expert Linn turntable support
If you are looking for expert support for Linn turntables as well as other brands, give Nicolaas Pienaar a call on 079 872-6031. An owner of a Linn Axis turntable himself, which he says he will never part with, he has some spares available as well.
A thing of beauty
Explores just a few observations about life with my LP12 turntable. [ Read on... ]
Tell us your LP12 story
We will publish it here. If you have something you would like to share with us, it may help someone else on their LP12 journey. Just tell in your own words and give us a photo or two. Send your email to info@lp12.co.za.
Another LP12 finds a new home
I received a call from someone a while ago who already has a turntable, but has never had a LP12. A black on/off switch with one LED confirmed this was a Valhalla-powered Sondek. The surprise was that it comes with a black Ittok LV-II tonearm.
Why buy an old LP12 turntable?
While spinning some vinyl at the start of the weekend, I pondered the reason why in 2025 someone would still buy an old turntable such as a Sondek, when there are so many modern turntables available. [ Here are my thoughts... ]
New LP12 owners around
It seems as if lately there are a number of new LP12 owners around. I was contacted by someone who has tracked down a superb mid-eighties unit. However, the owner reported that the Sondek starts up really slowly - usually a sign of a failing Valhalla power supply. [ Here is the full story... ]
Connecting buyers with sellers
LP12 Support bring buyers and sellers together. Twice in the space of seven days we have been able to connect would-be buyers with sellers who have excellent LP12s for sale. By Friday afternoon the new owner had collected a beautiful turntable.[ Here is a report of the first visit... ]
Refurbished LP12 completed
An older LP12 has found a new home! We reported on 19 September 2024 about an enthusiast who found a LP12 in a fair condition and refurbished it. The process has now been completed. [ Have a look. It looks gorgeous! ]
Bargain of the year
Yet another LP12 has found a new owner who will surely appreciate that he got the bargain of the year. It is rare to find an Ekos tonearm on a LP12 locally. [ Read more about the process to refurbish this beauty. ]
Yes, you can do it yourself
LP12 Upgrade Resource
If you are looking for an excellent resource to upgrade your LP12, Dave Cutter's YouTube channel is what you need. We reported a while ago about a fellow-Linnie who upgraded his Valhalla power supply to a much better Minos. Dave did the same, but installed the higher specification Zeus.
Zeus Power Supply Installation
Below are the videos in the two-part series in which Dave explains the process and warns us of some do's and don't's when upgrading to the Zeus power supply.
Older News
LP12 Stories
We share the stories of some LP12 owners.
What we do
Our various Linn fundis supply a range of services. All are perfectly capable of servicing your LP12 by performing maintenance, or add new or replacement parts. Some will offer more services, especially where non-original Linn solutions are used, such as modified suspensions, power supply solutions, and tonearms.
General maintenance
Have an expert look at your LP12, check the main bearing, add oil if necessary, check the position of the motor, test the startup speed, check for speed consistency, and perform a general cleanup.
Subchassis and suspension
Suspensions are subject to movement such as lateral and vertical upsets. In time, the suspension needs to be checked, springs tightened, the main bearing and platter checked, and the armboard levelled at all four corners. We can offer upgrades where relevant, else suggest expenses relating to smaller items that form part of the subchassis and suspension.
Power supply upgrades
Each time an upgrade is made to the power supply, the objective is to provide a smoother operation, and more effective isolation from disturbances through your home's power feed.
We can assist with upgrades to power supplies, such as the Minos and Zeus.
Various other upgrades
Some owners decide they want a new plinth for their trusted turntable. There are a few experts that can build a new plinth in the finish of your choice. Even if they do not go this far, they can service the plinth, deal with nicks and scuffs, and generally make the plinth appear as good as new.
Contact
LP12 is not a commercial business entity, but part of the Andries Oberholzer Consulting group of activities, and we do not have a shop or store. We cannot guarantee that we can source spares. We rely on our LP12 fundis to assist owners of LP12, Basik, and Axis turntables. Feel free to contact us on info@lp12.co.za for general enquiries, else contact the various LP12 fundis listed in the team section.
Location:
Montana Park
Pretoria
0182
Email:
info@lp12.co.za
Call:
084 531-8046